Women as theological figures have played a significant role in the development of various religions and religious hierarchies. Throughout most of history women were unofficial theologians. They would write and teach, but did not hold official positions in Universities and Seminaries. Beginning in the second half of the twentieth century, women theological scholars began to be appointed to formal faculty positions at theological schools. Women are slowly being recognized as theological scholars. George Gallup Jr. wrote in 2002 that studies show women have more religiosity than men. Gallup goes on to say that women hold on to their faith more heartily, work harder for the church, and in general practice with more consistency than men.

Women theological scholars

Baháʼí Faith

In writings of the Baháʼí Faith, the Holy Spirit is often described as the "Maid of Heaven". Three women figure prominently in the history of the Baháʼí Faith: Táhirih, a disciple of the Báb; Ásíyih Khánum, the wife of Baháʼu'lláh; and Bahíyyih Khánum the daughter of Baháʼu'lláh. Táhirih and Bahíyyih, in particular, held strong leadership positions and are seen vital to the development of the religion. Several women played leading roles in the early days of the Baháʼí Faith in America. Among them are: May Maxwell, Corinne True, and Martha Root. Rúhíyyih Khanum and a mix of male and female Hands of the Cause formed an interim leadership of the religion for six years prior to the formation of the Universal House of Justice. Later prominent women include Patricia Locke, Jaqueline Left Hand Bull Delahunt, Layli Miller-Muro, and Dr. Susan Maneck, who herself wrote books documenting the role of women in the Baháʼí Faith.

Buddhism

Christianity

In the New Testament

In the Early Christian Church

In the Medieval church

In the Catholic Church (Post-Reformation)

In 1970 three women were declared Doctor of the Church

In Protestant churches

In Eastern Orthodoxy

In the Latter Day Saint movement

Hymnodists

A number of hymns and psalms have been written by women, from the pen of Fanny Crosby and Emily Gosse, for example.

Hinduism

Recognition of the feminine aspect of God during the last century by Tantric and Shakti religious leaders, has led to the legitimization of the female teachers and female gurus in Hinduism. A notable example was Ramakrishna, who worshiped his wife as the embodiment of the divine feminine.

Islam

Jainism

The status of women in Jainism differs between the two main sects, Digambara and Śvetāmbara. Jainism prohibits women from appearing naked; because of this, Digambaras, who consider renunciation of clothes essential to moksha, say that they cannot attain enlightenment in the same life. Śvetāmbara, who allow sadhus to wear clothes, believe that women can attain moksha. There are more Śvetāmbara sadhvis than sadhus and women have always been influential in the Jain religion.

Judaism

There are several prominent women in the Tanakh.

Sikhism

Daoism

One of the Daoist Eight Immortals, Immortal Woman He, is a woman. Additionally, Sun Bu'er was a famous female Taoist master in the 12th century. Her work "Secret Book on the Inner Elixir (as Transmitted by the Immortal Sun Bu'er)" discussed some of the particularities of female "Inner Elixir" (Neidan) cultivation. Daoist nuns usually have equal status with monks.

Other religions

Spiritual mediums