Gender and theology

Question 1

are christianity/churches sexist/patriarchal?

Answer 1

-patriarchy system male centred rule; societies/cultures men/values dominant combined subordination women.

-Phyllis trible : “reclaim image of God female become aware male idolatry long infested faith.” “Born and bred in the land of patriarchy, Bible abounds male imagery/lang.” challenge by feminism

-mainstream churches; different approaches ; methodist include women leadership, Catholicism priesthood; celibate males

Question 2

Reuther

Answer 2

-reformist Catholic feminist theologian. not excuse patriarchy reinterpret christianity make usable for women . change christianity/ catholic church from within.

-Sophia was 2nd person God, alongside him creation. Jc term logos male replaces Sophia female explain divinity. led tradition male leadership.

–patriarchal images JC- logos, Warrior-Messiah (victorious male fighter) taken away JC gospels compatible feminism- suffering servant, promise justice/dignity for marginalised.

-JC gave women respect/status. talk women at well (John 4), non judgemental women adultery, healing woman bleed 12 years , woman disciples financial support, first witness resurrection leaders early church.

-“JC the first shall be last and the last shall be first” reversal

-JC “Abba” describe God - intimate relationship love/trust not hierarchal/dominant . God not master, jc movement communitie equal brother/sister not master servant- mutual service

Question 3

Reuther criticsm

Answer 3

• JC portrays too revolutionary ; selective Biblical texts , movements outside mainstream christianity
• godesss lang and other religions undermine unity Christian God

Question 4

Daly

Answer 4

-Christianity abandoned favour Post-Christian spirituality.

-rejects formal institutions religion exercise control and power.

-“If God is male then male is God” . Biblical image of God great patriarch rewards, punishes and dominates , seen crucifixion of JC. led patriarchal society press/abuse women.

-Transvaluation required- rejection old ideas, ethics and lang. complete transformation new set values.

-abandon Christianity - spirituality found in nature (Quintessence) embraces paganism (incorporating beliefs/practices outside main religions nature worship) and eco-feminism (draws concept gender analyse relationship humans and natural world. ecological concerns w feminism result patriarchy)

-Be-ing replaces God - a spiritual process of continual discovery richness nature, no gender terms used.

Question 5

Unholy Trinity rape, genocide and war

Answer 5

-rape- racism symbol all violent oppression ; racism, nuclear arms race, man made poverty and ecological disasters. Virgin Mary symbol purity- accuses ‘total rape victim’ legitimised rape of women.

-Genocide- accuses Catholic Church genocide, anti-abortion, raped women forced unwanted children.

-war- result male dominated politics/ obsession male virtues ‘bravery’/’violence’ gain power- phallic mentality

Question 6

critics Daly

Answer 6

-welcomed radical insight flaws human relationships/ society help re-invison christian view humans relationship w God and nature.

-Chan OT qualities God not exclusively male, include creative element found nature.

-alienate men and women don’t conform her vision spirituality (white, lesbian, professional, western women). Dismissive other spiritual movements based religion- ‘snools’ ‘totally demonic’

Question 7

Can a male Saviour save Women?

Answer 7

-Reuther: NO, historically JC male logos and ,messiah patriarchal alienates women. , stripped away mythology JC gospels compatible feminism. Trinity God more relational no f/m division.
-Daly- NO, spirituality impossible for women. invent new kind based nature no gender terms.