Prof. Elizabeth A. Dreyer, Ph.D., is Professor Emerita of Religious Studies at Fairfield University. She has previously taught at The Catholic University of America; the Washington Theological Union in Washington, D.C.; and the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minnesota. She is an expert in medieval women mystics, the history of Christian spirituality, and the role of women in Christianity. Prof. Dreyer received her Ph.D. from Marquette University, her M.A. from Xavier University, and her B.A. from Dominican University. She also completed additional graduate work at Harvard Divinity School, Boston University, the Pontifical University for Mediaeval Studies, Weston Jesuit School of Theology, and the University of Toronto.
Prof. Dreyer is the author or coauthor of ten books, including Accidental Theologians: Four Women Who Shaped Christianity (Franciscan Media, 2014), Passionate Spirituality: Hildegard of Bingen and Hadewijch of Brabant (Paulist Press, 2005), A Retreat with Catherine of Siena (St. Anthony Messenger, 1999), and Making Sense of God: A Woman’s Perspective (St. Anthony Messenger, 2008), which won first place in the Catholic Press Association’s Gender Issues category. She is the recipient of the Elizabeth Ann Seton Medal from Mount Saint Joseph’s College and Fairfield University’s Choice Award for exemplary application of the ideals of the Ignatian tradition.
Praise for Elizabeth Dreyer
“Elizabeth Dreyer is a proven guide to Catholic spirituality. Her scholarship has given her a strong familiarity with the richness of Catholic tradition and she is able to communicate it with warmth and clarity.” – Fr. Donald Senior, O.P., Ph.D., President Emeritus, Catholic Theological Union
“Dreyer . . . provides a wonderful introduction, toggling back and forth between historical context and the difference their theology can make for twenty-first century Christians.” – Barbara Newman, Professor, Northwestern University
Jean C., NY –
Fall Survey: October 2016
This is about the four women doctors of the church. Their place in history and their personal spirituality were presented in depth. Much information – a course that requires more than one listening.
Sister Joan D., CA –
Winter Survey: January 2017
I learned a great deal about many women mystics and it was very down to earth in presentations.
Charles C. Ireland –
Winter Survey: January 2017
It was a course that was simple to understand yet profound in its content. Broad in scope but interesting to make one go and find out more about these wonderful women theologians!
Joe Z., NE –
Summer Survey: July 2017
Have enjoyed the courses. Been pleased with everything I’ve watched
Agnes B., DE –
Summer Survey: July 2017
This presented information not readily available as a whole elsewhere. Women Doctors of the Church. We watched this as a group and perhaps the way we did that (one session a month) made the presentation less positive.
Rev. Donald J. T., IN –
2018 Spring Survey
An valuable course on the importance and history of women in the Catholic tradition.
Anonymous –
Summer 2018 Survey
It is encouraging to me to see and learn more about Catholic women who have left their legacy for us in 2018!