Introduction To Asian Feminist Perspectives On Religions

Asian women comprise more than a quarter of the world's population, and the forms in which they express feminist theology are many and varied, extending through grassroots movements, theological networks, ecumenical conferences and journals. Those involved in the process include community organizers, theological students, church leaders and social activists, among whom even the concept 'feminism' assumes many definitions and substitutes. Kwok Pui-lan's introduction to this huge subject begins with a survey of the social, political and cultural contexts of Asian women's experiences, and then traces the emergence of feminist consciousness and the organization of women's networks. She describes the resources of Asian feminist theology and the appropriation of Asian religious traditions, and considers the reconstructions of the concept of God in inclusive categories. Finally, she summarizes Asian women's critique of the patriarchal church and outlines the search for a new spirituality that express women's embodiedness and sexuality.

CHOICE 1999 Outstanding Academic Books Addressing religion and feminism on a global scale, this unprecedented book contains a nuanced and fine-tuned treatment of seven of the world's religions from a feminist perspective by leading women scholars. Feminism and World Religions contains chapters on Hinduism by Vasudha Narayanan, Buddhism by Rita M. Gross, Confucianism by Terry Woo, Taoism by Karen McLaughlin and Eva Wong, Judaism by Ellen M. Umansky, Christianity by Rosemary Radford Ruether, and Islam by Riffat Hassan, along with a general introduction and a postscript by Katherine K. Young and a preface by Arvind Sharma. The fact that these authors share a dual but undivided commitment both to themselves as women and to their traditions as adherents imparts to their voices a prophetic quality, and if Mahatma Gandhi is to be believed, even scriptural value.

Groundbreaking and inspiring, this book offers a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of Asian feminist biblical criticism. It is a gift to the Asian churches and to the theological community. I highly recommend it to all who search for biblical insights to empower women and men to work for justice. --- Kwok Pui-lan, Dean’s Professor of Systematic Theology at Candler School of Theology, Emory University This is a superb collection of the different approaches of feminist biblical scholars in Asia. I found it invigorating and thought-provoking to learn about the multiple ways in which Asian feminists made their "exodus" from Western biblical studies to interpret this foundational text in their own unique contexts. --- Gale A. Yee, Nancy W. King Professor of Biblical Studies Emerita, Episcopal Divinity School This collection of essays by mostly younger Asian biblical scholars is a welcome addition to a small but growing body of Asian feminist studies. The diversity of perspectives, methodologies and creative interpretations makes it an ideal introductory text for anyone wishing to learn more about Asian feminism. --- Simon Chan, Editor, Asia Journal of Theology

Rita M. Gross offers an engaging survey of the changes feminism has wrought in religious ideas, beliefs, and practices around the world, as well as in the study and understanding of religion itself. "This book will be an important resource for all ongoing work in feminist teaching and research in religion."-Rosemary Radford Ruether

"This collection of essays is a fruit of the 2004 conference of the ecclesia of Women in Asia (EWA), a forum of Catholic women doing theology in Asia."--P. [4] of cover.

Powerful insights from ministers, theologians, activists, leaders, artists and liturgists who are shaping the future. "Christianity has been a source of the oppression of women, as well as a resource for unleashing women's full humanity. Feminist analysis and practice have recognized this. Feminist Christianity is reshaping religious institutions and religious life in more holistic, inclusive, and justice-focused ways." —from the Introduction Feminism has brought many changes to Christian religious practice. From inclusive language and imagery about the Divine to an increase in the number of women ministers, Christian worship will never be the same. Yet, even now, there is a lack of substantive structural change in many churches and complacency within denominations. The contributors to this book are the thought leaders who are shaping, and being shaped by, the emerging directions of feminist Christianity. They speak from across the denominational spectrum, and from the many diverse groups that make up the Christian community as it finds its place in a religiously pluralistic world. Taken together, their voices offer a starting point for building new models of religious life and worship. Topics covered include feminist: • Theological Visions • Scriptural Insights • Ethical Agendas • Liturgical and Artistic Frontiers • Ministerial Challenges