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define sexism
prejudice, discrimination or stereotyping based on sex or gender.
define feminist theology
examination of theology, religious history and religious communities which takes seriously the experience of women. Feminist theology looks at the ways in which religion has contributed to the continuous oppression of women.
What is Rosemary Radford’s overall view
she would like to see a reformation of Christianity especially the language, rituals and theology of Christianity and a commitment to the well-being of women. She maintains that there is something more authentic in Christianity than sexism.would like to see a reformation of Christianity especially the language, rituals and theology of Christianity and a commitment to the well-being of women. She maintains that there is something more authentic in Christianity than sexism.
Argued Jesus and the Bible can be interpretated in a feminist way and therefore Christianity has the potential to be compatible with feminism.
Christianity can be viewed as sexist because it has undergone patriachalisation.
Christianity can and should be reformed.
Patriarchalisation: the process whereby misogynistic views take over and dominate.Argued Jesus and the Bible can be interpretated in a feminist way and therefore Christianity has the potential to be compatible with feminism.
What is Rosemary Radford’s overall view
she would like to see a reformation of Christianity especially the language, rituals and theology of Christianity and a commitment to the well-being of women. She maintains that there is something more authentic in Christianity than sexism.would like to see a reformation of Christianity especially the language, rituals and theology of Christianity and a commitment to the well-being of women. She maintains that there is something more authentic in Christianity than sexism.
Argued Jesus and the Bible can be interpretated in a feminist way and therefore Christianity has the potential to be compatible with feminism.
Christianity can be viewed as sexist because it has undergone patriachalisation.
Christianity can and should be reformed.
Patriarchalisation: the process whereby misogynistic views take over and dominate.Argued Jesus and the Bible can be interpretated in a feminist way and therefore Christianity has the potential to be compatible with feminism.
Define Androcentrism
focused/centred on men: placing of the male sex or gender associations at the centre of history and culture.
RRR Quote
"Recognising sexism as sin has nothing to do with any notion that males are ‘by nature’ evil or that women are incapable of any sin other than the sin of cooperating in their own victimisation. Both males and females, as human persons, have the capacity to do evil. Historically, however, women as well as subjugated men, have not has the same opportunities to do so”
“We need to go beyond the idea of a ‘feminine side’ of God… and question the assumption that the highest symbol of divine sovereignty still remains exclusively male”"Recognising sexism as sin has nothing to do with any notion that males are ‘by nature’ evil or that women are incapable of any sin other than the sin of cooperating in their own victimisation. Both males and females, as human persons, have the capacity to do evil. Historically, however, women as well as subjugated men, have not has the same opportunities to do
How can the witch trials be linked in to an argument about persecution of women because of sexism?
women have been persecuted when manifesting leadership or expressed opposing views to men. She links this to the persecution and murder of women labelled as ‘witches’women have been persecuted when manifesting leadership or expressed opposing views to men. She links this to the persecution and murder of women labelled as ‘witches’
What catholic example shows gender stereotyping and discrimination in modern day, what does RRR think about this?
Ruether argues that the gender stereotyping has long been in the church so it is not shocking that women are excluded. She cites the 1976 Vatican declaration against women's ordination. Ultimately, the text argues that male genitalia is the essential pre-requisite to represent Christ.Ruether argues that the gender stereotyping has long been in the church so it is not shocking that women are excluded. She cites the 1976 Vatican declaration against women's ordination. Ultimately, the text argues that male genitalia is the essential pre-requisite to represent Christ.
What are the different views held by different churches and time periods of women? What are the different links?
Christian Links:
Adam and Eve- women responsible for the fall
Male pronouns are used when referring to God
Old and Testament: women are to be subject to men.
Genesis and Ephesians
Greek Links:
Aristotle: women represent emotional side of humanity which is inferior to the rational nature of men.
Characterised women as 'misbegotten males' and should be ruled by those dedicated to reason i.e. men. Women only have the left side of the brain.
Medieval Links:
Augustine and Aquinas: adopted Aristotle's view. Believed the male-female hierarchy is because of sin and natural order created by God.
Modern World:
The bible says we are created in God's image. The Bible says that we are saved by Christ.
The association is clear in the bible: a man created us: a man will save us. Many propose that this can only mean males are closer to God than females. Ruether - sin of idolatry.Christian Links:
Adam and Eve- women responsible for the fall
Male pronouns are used when referring to God
Old and Testament: women are to be subject to men.
Genesis and Ephesians
What do people argue about how sexism originated in christianity, do they think Jesus had anything to do with it?
Many argue that the 'decisive step in patriarchalisation of Christology' was when Christianity was established as the religion of the Roman Empire.
Jesus wanted to fight against sexism, empire is not going to be similar to this.
Jesus didn’t come as a warrior: subverts patriarchal masculine ideal. Christianity and empire makes it about male power and not about love.Many argue that the 'decisive step in patriarchalisation of Christology' was when Christianity was established as the religion of the Roman Empire.
RRR Quote
"Recognising sexism as sin has nothing to do with any notion that males are ‘by nature’ evil or that women are incapable of any sin other than the sin of cooperating in their own victimisation. Both males and females, as human persons, have the capacity to do evil. Historically, however, women as well as subjugated men, have not has the same opportunities to do so”
“We need to go beyond the idea of a ‘feminine side’ of God… and question the assumption that the highest symbol of divine sovereignty still remains exclusively male”"Recognising sexism as sin has nothing to do with any notion that males are ‘by nature’ evil or that women are incapable of any sin other than the sin of cooperating in their own victimisation. Both males and females, as human persons, have the capacity to do evil. Historically, however, women as well as subjugated men, have not has the same opportunities to do
How can the witch trials be linked in to an argument about persecution of women because of sexism?
women have been persecuted when manifesting leadership or expressed opposing views to men. She links this to the persecution and murder of women labelled as ‘witches’women have been persecuted when manifesting leadership or expressed opposing views to men. She links this to the persecution and murder of women labelled as ‘witches’
What catholic example shows gender stereotyping and discrimination in modern day, what does RRR think about this?
Ruether argues that the gender stereotyping has long been in the church so it is not shocking that women are excluded. She cites the 1976 Vatican declaration against women's ordination. Ultimately, the text argues that male genitalia is the essential pre-requisite to represent Christ.Ruether argues that the gender stereotyping has long been in the church so it is not shocking that women are excluded. She cites the 1976 Vatican declaration against women's ordination. Ultimately, the text argues that male genitalia is the essential pre-requisite to represent Christ.
How are women restricted in the church today based on their gender:How are women restricted in the church today based on their gender:
excluded from ordination- they are considerd inferior in mind and soul
changing views: made in the image of God (imageo dei): we are created equally, basis for equality
God is called Yahweh - hebrew bible meaning I am- beyond gender- father is a christian invention - Sally McFague reference
What do people argue about how sexism originated in christianity, do they think Jesus had anything to do with it?
Many argue that the 'decisive step in patriarchalisation of Christology' was when Christianity was established as the religion of the Roman Empire.
Jesus wanted to fight against sexism, empire is not going to be similar to this.
Jesus didn’t come as a warrior: subverts patriarchal masculine ideal. Christianity and empire makes it about male power and not about love.Many argue that the 'decisive step in patriarchalisation of Christology' was when Christianity was established as the religion of the Roman Empire.
What does Reuther think about views of what male and female are defined by, by society and what does this mean for christianity? Can Women be saved by Christ without sexism?
Ruether: societies definition of ‘maleness’ and ‘femaleness’ is based on reproductive roles and men and women can manifest different traits culture declares are male or female. Or nature is androgynous: having a combination of male and female characteristics. It is not a part of our inner nature.
Ruether mentions the idea that there are two sides of our brain and the cultural tendency is for men to identify their ego with the left side characteristics (responsible for logic and language) vs women with the right brain characteristics (creative etc). However, we all have both!
Ruether: Women can be saved by Christ, but it requires re-evaluation of the view of Christ. The way in which Jesus is portrayed in the gospels vs in later doctrines of the Church is very different because the Church went through five centuries of patriarchalisation. It would have been expected that, as the Messiah, Jesus was a warrior of some kind. Ruether says the messiah is ‘expected to win, not suffer and die’. Jesus instead, served his people, instead of ruling them.Ruether: societies definition of ‘maleness’ and ‘femaleness’ is based on reproductive roles and men and women can manifest different traits culture declares are male or female. Or nature is androgynous: having a combination of male and female characteristics. It is not a part of our inner nature.
What is the Golden Thread?
Ruether's idea that there is a theme of liberation (supporting feminist causes) in the bible.
Does the Bible contain sexist and patriarchal influences and themes? Is this compatible with the theme of liberation that is also in the Bible?
Ruether says if we find a way to separate the teachings that support feminist and the patriarchal thread, Christianity might be redeemable. She described this as the ‘prophetic-liberating tradition’. God’s direct revelation has the theme of liberation e.g. freeing the Jews in Exodus and Jesus’ treatment of marginalised people. The rest is due to the patriarch.
What does Reuther see feminist theology as?- PT (hint)
Reuther sees feminist theology as part of the prophetic tradition: prophets fought against the oppression of the poor.
What are the 4 different themes of prophetic tradition? What does RRR argue about this?
God’s defence and vindication of the oppressed
Critique of dominant systems of power and their powerholders
vision of new age with no injustice under the reign of God
Critique of the religious idealogy maintaining injustice
Ruether argues it is more accurate to see Jesus as part of the prophetic tradition. Feminist theology must reclaim the view of Jesus in which ‘maleness’ is of no importance.
What is the gender inclusive understanding of Jesus?
Jesus is better understood as a self-sacrificing non-warrior Messiah. His maleness was ‘accidental’ to him. God could have come as either gender. (Aquinas / Augustine rebuttal this and claim his maleness is essential to him). Jesus was a gender inclusive figure corrupted by patriarchal reinterpretation. Christianity can be REFORMED by understanding Jesus this way.
Can there be change?
Is sexism a necessary part of Christianity? Have there been attempts to liberate women from sexism?
Yes- examples:
Gnostic: nature of God has female and male principles
Quakers and some Baptist movements: women in leadership
Shakers: promoted view of God as bisexual or androgynous- men and women are made in the image of God, so God must in some ways be both.
Montanism: female leaders and prophets
Romanticism: industrialism and war from male traits, social salvation through embracing female qualities.
Liberalism
rejects traditional role models. Trying to give women opportunities
Marxism
both men and women should be viewed equally
What does Reuther think about whether there have been attempts to liberate women from sexism?
there are forms of Christianity that create space for women. They aren’t perfect but indicate sexism is not necessary in Christianity. In society, there have also been attempts to liberate women from sexism within the structure of society. This shows that there are ways in which there can be reform in Christianity.
What does Reuther want?
She hopes that a reformed theology and Church can provide a setting that is liberating for women. She wants a Church community that manifests the prophetic-liberation strand. There should be an inclusive attitude to leadership, more than just women’s ordination (increase the power of the clergy), a change in language, and a commitment to fighting the oppression of women.
What does Mary Daly believe?
sexism is too embedded for reformation. Christianity is irredeemably sexist. Women should separate from the church and define God in ways that are affirming to the journey of becoming a whole person.
God being male gave people the concept that power was a male thing, not female.
The maleness of God is merely the invention of a patriarchal mindset trying to justify it having power. "If God is male, then male is God".
This association between masculinity and divinity had the function of making male supremacy seem like a fact of the universe which could not be challenged.
What is Mary Daly’s goal of human life?
For Daly, the goal of human life is for all people to be able to freely engage in growth and be fufilled individuals
does the world and the patriarchalisation of society allow this goal to be achieved for women? also how can the caste system be tied into Daly’s view?
Caste system
-It is a social hierarchy passed down through families, and it can dictate the professions a person can work in as well as aspects of their social lives, including whom they can marry.
Daly argues that this goal is not achieved, especially for women and we are forced into 'non-being': no sense of self without being defined by patriachy. Women are told their biology is their destiny and are reduced to being the object of male desires. Society has created a 'sexual caste system' and the church has played a role in maintaing this.
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