8. Gender and Theology - Points of Debate

Gender and Theology

A field of study that examines the intersection of gender and religious beliefs, particularly within Christianity.

Male Saviour

The concept that Jesus, as a male figure, has the ability to save all of humanity, including women.

Christological approach

A theological perspective focusing on the nature and role of Christ in relation to God and humanity.

Sophia

The personification of wisdom in feminine terms, used to argue that God can be understood with feminine attributes.

St Athanasius

An early Christian theologian who argued that Christ's incarnation included human nature, not limited to a male body.

Colossians 1:15

Biblical verse stating that Christ is the image of God, which is often interpreted in discussions of gender and theology.

Defective and misbegotten

Terms used by Thomas Aquinas to describe women, reflecting a historical view of gender within Christian theology.

Substantive image of God

The notion that the image of God is not about physical resemblance but about intrinsic qualities shared by all humans.

Salvific work of Christ

Refers to the redemptive role of Jesus, which is said to apply to humanity as a whole, beyond gender distinctions.

Inter Insigniores

A document issued by Pope Paul VI in 1976 that reaffirms the Catholic Church's teaching on the priesthood being reserved for men. It outlines the theological reasoning behind this teaching and discusses the historical context of priestly ordination.