Faithful Partner: The Role and Agency of Pastors' Wives in the Protestant Reformation

Author

Elizabeth M. Dubendorfer, West Virginia UniversityFollow

Semester

Summer

Date of Graduation

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MA

College

Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

Department

History

Committee Chair

Matthew Vester

Committee Co-Chair

Kate Staples

Committee Member

Kate Staples

Committee Member

Sean Lawrence

Abstract

This thesis explores the critical yet often overlooked roles of pastors' wives during the Protestant Reformation, focusing on three key figures: Katharina von Bora, Katharina Schütz Zell, and Elisabeth Cruciger. It examines how these women navigated the complexities of Reformation-era Germany, blending traditional gender roles with new practices that emerged from their unique positions as clerical spouses. By investigating their personal histories, theological contributions, and community engagements, the thesis demonstrates that these pioneering women established a distinct archetype for pastors' wives. This archetype was characterized by a profound commitment to faith, an expanded view of motherhood and wifely duties, and active participation in their husbands' ministries. The research highlights how their roles were shaped by a dynamic interplay between rebellion and conformity, ultimately reshaping societal norms and contributing significantly to the Reformation movement. Through a detailed analysis of their lives and writings, this work provides new perspectives on gender and social history in early modern Germany, challenging traditional narratives and emphasizing the agency and authority of these influential women.

Recommended Citation

Dubendorfer, Elizabeth M., "Faithful Partner: The Role and Agency of Pastors' Wives in the Protestant Reformation" (2024). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 12579.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/12579