Accidental Theologians

Four women—Hildegard of Bingen, Catherine of Siena, Teresa of Avila, and Thérèse of Lisieux—have been honored with the title "Doctor of the Church." But what does that title mean and what do these women mean for us today?

Elizabeth Dreyer examines the history-changing effect each of their unique theologies have had on our Church and our world. She explains how our understanding of the cross, the incarnation of the Holy Spirit, and the human person have been enhanced by the work of these women. They may not have planned to be thought of as theologians, but reading about their lives, teaching, and writings will have a profound effect on how you live your faith. 

Elizabeth A. Dreyer is professor emerita of Religious Studies at Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut, and an adjunct professor at the Hartford Seminary in Hartford, Connecticut. She is the author or editor of nine books, including Making Sense of God: A Woman’s Perspective, and has written extensively on topics such as medieval theology and spirituality, women’s spirituality, theology of grace, the Holy Spirit, and contemporary lay spirituality. Dreyer holds a doctorate in historical theology from Marquette University, and has done graduate work at Harvard Divinity School and the Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies at the University of St. Michael's, Toronto, Canada.