Introduction
Argula von Grumbach and Teresa of Avila are some of the most vocal women, who spent most of their time writing and advancing theological issues during historical times. At the time, several women were not very vocal in advancing issues and objectives relating to several matters, as women of the time could not challenge men in male-dominated societies. Imminently, both Argula and Teresa advanced points and issues concerning various theological issues and aspects of religion in the Christian realm. One of the most notable works undertaken by Argula includes the letter that she wrote to the leaders of the University of Ingolstadt concerning the persecutions of some individuals deemed to be spreading heretic teachings. In the perspective of Argula, these persecutions were not biblical and deserved punishment from God. On the other hand, the notable works presented d by Teresa comprised the subject that highlights various issues of prayers. It is within this context that the essay discusses the hypothesis presented by Argula von Grumbach and Teresa of Avila concerning their similarities and differences.
Discussion
The differences and similarities advanced by Argula and Teresa had underlying theological reasons. Evidently, from their writings, the two women had strong theological attachments and professed the Christian religion. While Argula presents her argument concerning persecutions that some individuals in the country went through in the hands of some leaders in the University of Ingolstadt, Teresa outlined various types of prayers and levels. Notably, the strong attachments towards the theological perspectives led to a similarity, which was the fact that all of them were willing and ready to die for a good course of Christianity. Schmeling, Smith, and Hartwig (2012) explain that in asserting the willingness to die, Argula states that she was willing to sacrifice her life, as she did not fear the one that devoured the body and not the soul (67). On the other hand, while outlining the various levels of prayers, Teresa states that there is the level where an individual surrenders and God takes control of the life. As a result, the two women had similarities depicted from theological attachments.
From the works of Argula and Teresa, there is a political reason that affects the way the two scholars undertake their works. In the works of Argula, politics are evident in the statements that encompass university leadership and individuals such as the princes and the emperor. The belief that God is above all the leaders of the world occasions a similarity between Argula and Teresa, who also states that God is supreme (Teresa of Avila, 2006). For instance, in substantiating the concept of politics, which initiated a similarity between her and Teresa, Argula states that no one is above God the almighty. In addition, the presence of leaders such as the princes and emperors in the work of Argula is instrumental in compounding the political reason that exists in the study. As such, the fact that the two women hold on to the concepts of leadership and supremacy of God implies that they have a similarity that incorporates a political reason.
The works of the two women, Argula and Teresa demonstrate a concept, which explains that there is a certain dimension of pre-modern culture. According to the works of the scholars, elements of male dominance are very clear, and women appear to be lesser and inferior. The elements of male dominance are evident when Argula highlights that her decision to write the letter materialized after her long and unsuccessful wait for men to air similar grievances. From the assertion of Argula, it is clear that she first had to wait for a male counterpart since they were supposed to lead. The element of male dominance demonstrated by Argula creates some kind of similarity between her and Teresa, who also uses male leaders to find answers to her spiritual development and nourishment. According to Kavanaugh, and Rodriguez (1976) Teresa, seeks guidance from a reverent, bishop, and other male clerics of the church, who give her answers regarding her spiritual matters (361). The two scholars, Argula and Teresa are similar since they have certain elements of pre-modern culture that guide their work and presentations.
Conclusion
Argula and Teresa are women, who went against the concept of time and aired their opinions to their respective leaders. In essence, the two women presented their views at a time when women were considered to be lesser and inferior to men. During the period, men dominated the society and women undertook their chores, which comprised cooking and cleaning in silence. Additionally, women never challenged men in several opinions such as those that concerned leadership. From the works of Argula, it is evident that she had a strong attachment to the Christian religion. Moreover, she valued the views and provisions of the bible and disliked the persecution of some individuals, who had to denounce their religion or receive severe punishments. Consequently, Teresa had a similar attachment to the Christian religion. From her work, which focuses on various levels and types of prayers, it is clear that she values Christianity. The strong attachments to the Christian religion and their boldness in airing their views during a time when men dominated and ruled over women led to a number of similarities between the two scholars Argula and Teresa.
References
Kavanaugh, K., & Rodriguez, O. (1976). The Collected Works of St. Teresa of Avila. Washington: ICS Publications.
Schmeling, G., Smith, M., & Hartwig, D. (2012). Laymen and Women of the Reformation. The Theological Journal of Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary,52 (1), 4-127.
Teresa of Avila, S. (2006). The Interior Castle or the Mansions. London: Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library.