Where is God in feminist theology?

Answer 1

Feminist theology (modern anyway) sprang out of the exclusion of women for religious leadership in the Catholic Church. If your interested in that aspect, read Mary Daly's work...I can't remember the name.

Feminist theology tries to find positive stories in the Bible surrounding women. And as one poster already said...Jesus was a champion of women...although some warned against it.
This movement started a lot like consciousness-raising started. People, usually women, meeting in each others homes and trying to find a view of Christianity that wasn't about oppressing women.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton wrote The Woman's Bible. She simply cut out parts...especially those that were sexist and oppressive to women. She added some stuff as well.

This movement also came about because there are feminists that struggle with their religious beliefs and with their feminist beliefs. Trying to find something where both beliefs can be reconciled. bell hooks in "feminism is for everyone" points out the importance of religion/spirituality in women's lives in additional to feminist beliefs.

Lastly, you'll be likely to find a lot of literature that critiques Christianity from a feminist viewpoint. Example...the rape of Dinah.

There's more I'm forgetting, I'm sure. But this is just some of the basics.

Answer 2

A postmodern feminist theology would hold that God no longer holds a privileged position as the father, the Lord, the head of the male-centered and hierarchical system, nor is a masculine God-head the center and the focus of a de-centered and non-theological postmodern feminist religion. Postmodern Christianity reorganizes male-dominated and fundamentally chauvenist religious practices in three significant ways: no such place as hell, no virgin birth and Jesus did not return to life after death.

Answer 3

Rio Madeira is correct in her response. In fact women in the major denominations (I have no ideas what the fundies do), have been working towards the day when women can be accepted as deacons, preachers and priests for many years.

There are organisations such as the Movement for the Ordination of Women within the Anglican Church that have brought this issue to the Australian Synod every year for many years, with a great deal of success.

And there are also women such as Sr Joan Chittister who is often refused permission to speak on Church property by Catholic Bishops because of her encompassing theology which sees women's promotion to leadership roles as integral to the life and future of the church.

A very brief survey of the lives of these women will show that their god is central to their theology and their lives, and they receive inspiration and strength from their relationship with god and their faith.

So, for believers, god is central to feminist theology.

For non-believers, the question is not one of importance.

Cheers :-)

Answer 4

what is feminist theology?

Edit: I see. Well, Jesus was the first "feminist" in the sense that He knew women have the same value as men. Countries in which Christianity has flourished have also seen the elevation of women. This is historic fact, not opinion. Look it up. (REAL Christianity mind you, not perverted versions.)

Alright, bring on the flames...

Answer 5

Could you possibly put me in touch with a Female Bishop or a lady Mullah or even a Lady Rabbi ?

Answer 6

Read up on Jesus and his interaction with women. He comes across as a feminist for his time. Remember his treatment of Mary, the sister of Martha. He said she was exactly where she should be-- with the men listening to him--instead of in the kitchen. Also he placed equal blame on the men for adultery and believed in forgiveness for all.

Answer 7

Feminism deals with human institutions, and the absurd inequalities thereof.

the concept of God is totally irrelevant.

Answer 8

Feminist spirituality holds that the Universe is both male and female, that Divinity nurtures and sustains life as opposed to destroying it, is all-loving and all-forgiving, and is present in Nature - unlike the father "god" that sits in judgment in heaven and damns everyone to hell if they don't obey.

Answer 9

A feminist theologian is likely to say that God believes in equality and freedom for all, therefore, feminism is part of God's plan.

Answer 10

God is a woman!!!