I first became interested in women and religion when I was one of the few women doing graduate work in Religious Studies at Yale University in the late 1960's.

The quote by Carol P. Christ reflects her personal journey into the academic fields of women and religion. Christ explains that her interest began during her time as one of the few women studying Religious Studies at Yale University in the late 1960s. At a time when academia was predominantly male, her experiences as a woman in the field likely sparked her desire to explore the intersection of gender and religion, two areas that had been largely overlooked in traditional religious studies.

By focusing on her experience as a graduate student in a male-dominated academic environment, Christ emphasizes how being one of the "few women" in the field of Religious Studies shaped her academic pursuits. This context is significant because it highlights the social and intellectual challenges she faced, as well as the gender disparities in the study of religion. The quote implies that her unique position as a woman in academia led her to critically engage with the role of women within religious traditions.

The origin of the quote can be traced to Christ’s reflections on her academic and personal journey. The late 1960s was a time of great social change, particularly with the rise of second-wave feminism. Christ’s experiences during this time are reflective of broader societal movements that sought to challenge established norms and bring attention to the role of women in various fields, including religion.

Through this quote, Carol P. Christ acknowledges how her experiences as a woman in Religious Studies not only influenced her academic interests but also led her to contribute significantly to feminist theology. Her work has become foundational in examining the role of women in religious history and how religion has often been used to reinforce gendered structures of power.