Gender And Theology Flashcards
Who is Rosemary Radford Ruether?
She is a Roman Catholic feminist liberation theologian who argues that feminism provides essential insights for reinvigorating Christian spirituality and praxis
How does Ruether link monotheism with patriarchy?
She believes monotheistic religions reinforce patriarchal hierarchy by positioning a single, male God as an authoritative figure, which justifies male superiority over women
What role does the ‘Goddess’ play in Ruether’s theology?
Ruether claims that Judaism was not originally monotheistic or male-oriented and that the idea of the Goddess as the source of life was retained in some aspects of Jewish tradition.
For example, Isaiah describes God as a mother going through labor pains, showing a maternal aspect of God
How does Ruether view ‘Wisdom’ (Sophia) in Christianity?
In early Christianity, wisdom (Sophia) was seen as a divine, feminine principle.
The Wisdom of Solomon describes wisdom as a reflection of God’s eternal light and even as King Solomon’s bride.
Jesus was also associated with divine wisdom, and the Holy Spirit is linked to Sophia, making the Trinity relational and genderless
Justifies male superiority over women as men consider this a part of the natural hierarchy
What is Ruether’s critique of Christianity’s treatment of female aspects of God?
She argues that despite biblical evidence, Christianity has ignored the female aspects of God, promoting a male-dominated monotheism
What does Ruether propose as a solution to sexism in Christianity?
She advocates for reshaping Christian thought and rethinking church organization to recognize the feminine aspects of God and combat sexism
What are Ruether’s views on Jesus and gender?
Ruether critiques the idea that only a male savior can save women, arguing that Jesus, as the Word of God, represents the fullness of humanity rather than maleness
Who is Mary Daly?
She is a radical feminist theologian who rejects Christianity entirely, arguing that it is inherently patriarchal and oppressive to women
What is Mary Daly’s critique of the Virgin Mary?
She describes Mary as a “hollow eggshell” and “total rape victim”, arguing that Christianity has used her image to justify women’s abuse
What is Daly’s ‘Most Unholy Trinity’?
Daly replaces the Christian Trinity with three symbols of male power:
Rape – A phallocentric rape culture based on power, not community.
Genocide – The church forces women to have unwanted children due to anti-abortion teachings, which Daly equates to genocide.
War – Christianity promotes war and destruction, while opposing compassionate killings like abortion and euthanasia
What is Daly’s view on lesbianism?
She argues that true friendship can only exist between women and must be lesbian.
She rejects “male-imitating” butch lesbianism and believes all relationships should align with radical feminist values
What does Daly mean by ‘Spinning a New Spirituality’?
Daly envisions a future free from patriarchy, where women create a “cosmic tapestry” based on justice, power, and love.
She uses the image of spinsters—women who weave cloth—to symbolize women working together to build a new feminist spirituality
How does Daly critique Christianity’s concept of gender?
She dismisses Christian claims that gender will become irrelevant in a transformed society, arguing that Christianity’s core beliefs are inherently patriarchal
What is Daly’s concept of ‘Foreground and Background’?
Foreground: The false patriarchal world, controlled by men who suck the life-force out of women.
Background: The real world of women, where they exist in their true energetic and natural state
How does Daly use language to challenge patriarchy?
She engages in transvaluation, reclaiming words like hag, crone, and witch to give them positive, empowering meanings
What do Ruether and Daly agree on?
Christianity is a source of sexism, but feminist spirituality can offer a new perspective.
The Goddess concept: Simply calling God “she” is not enough to change patriarchal structures.
Ecology: Both believe that patriarchy has harmed the environment, and feminism must restore humanity’s relationship with nature.
Praxis: Feminist theology should transform society, and women have a key role in this process
How do Ruether and Daly differ?
View on Christianity
Ruether: Believes it can be reformed.
Daly: Believes it is beyond redemption.
God
Ruether: Maintains belief in God as Spirit/Wisdom.
Daly: Rejects God, replacing Him with nature.
Separatism
Ruether: Encourages gender cooperation.
Daly: Advocates lesbian separatism.
Church
Ruether: Thinks the church can change through reform.
Daly: Rejects the church entirely.
What are the main criticisms of Ruether?
She goes too far in trying to politicize Jesus.
Her inclusion of non-Christian elements (e.g., the Goddess) compromises Christian tradition.
She disregards traditional gender roles, which Catholic teaching views as natural and divinely ordered
What are the main criticisms of Daly?
Her ideas are seen as exclusive, catering only to Western, lesbian, and professional women.
Her work is too radical and alienates many women.
Some argue that her symbolic language is too obscure, making her ideas difficult to grasp
