Theology And Feminism

Feminism represents a radical challenge to Christianity. Having developed its doctrine and its scriptures in a world in which women were considered subordinate, the Christian religion is now confronted with a deeply held ethical belief that women should be treated as equals. Dr Hampson argues that this ethical challenge confronts the church over the issues of priesthood and ordination, language and imagery, and hermeneutics and theology. In each of these areas, she claims, the Christian religion cannot by definition come to terms with the equality of women. Feminism however suggests new ways to conceive God and reformulate theological ideas for a world in which Christianity is no longer tenable. Theology and Feminism contains chapters on methodology, Christology, symbolism, anthropology and theology. It is the first book from a post-Christian perspective to grapple with all the major areas of theology. Covering the work of conservative Christian, Christian feminist and radical feminist thinkers in religion, it will be welcomed by those already familiar with the discussion, as well as providing a clear introduction for those who are new to the subject.

Public Theology is a rapidly growing international field of study which focuses on how Christian belief and practice engage with wider social issues. Yet, whilst the ultimate concern of public theology is the well-being of society, this body of theology has largely developed without integrating the thinking of feminist theology and its insights into womens' lives and experience. Public Theology and the Challenge of Feminism argues that public theology risks re-inscribing traditional constructs of public and private, civic and domestic, and uncritical notions of gender and the work and worth of people. The book brings together both theory and case material to expose how public theology has actively downplayed or ignored feminist perspectives and to reveal how constructive feminism can be for the future of public theology.

The second edition of this highly popular introduction includes a new preface and each chapter has been revised to keep it as up-to-date as possible. 'Introducing Feminist Theology remains a lively and stimulating 'first read' for anyone embarking on feminist theology, as well as a first rate resource for those wishing to refresh their acquiantaince with it. Despite claims in some quarters that 'feminism' has been surpassed by 'gender' this book explains how vital a feminist agenda remains, and how much is still to be done, both at the theological and the practical level, to transform Christianity from two centuries of male-gendered discourse and ecclesiastical structure into a religion that adequately reflects the life of modern women.

This timely selection of readings represents the work of some of the best and most influential writers the Christian feminist movement has produced--both in Britain and America. With its helpful introduction and editorial commentary it will be warmly welcomed by all who wish to be better informed about the wide range of key theological issues now being addressed by feminist thinkers.

Rethinking the Christian faith from a woman's perspective has been an important advancement in modern theology. This book introduces the methods, ideas, and contributions of recent feminist theology to readers encountering the subject for the first time. Natalie Watson explores the historical background of feminist theology, discusses the value of reading Scripture from a feminist perspective, and shows how this approach can offer a critical, creative, and constructive rereading of the Christian tradition. She also sets forth some fresh ideas encouraging people to see feminism not as a threat to the church but as a challenging perspective that actually enhances its life in today's world. An extensive annotated bibliography invites readers to further study, presenting a wealth of books on feminist theology by many well-known authors. Ideal for classroom instruction, discussion groups, and personal study, this volume is an exceptional, user-friendly guide to contemporary feminist thought.

Introducing Feminist Theology responds to the questions "What is feminist theology?" and "Why is it important?" by considering the perspectives of women from around the globe who have very diverse life experience and relationships to God, Church and creation. Clifford introduces the major forms of feminist theology: "radical, " "reformist, " and "reconstructionist, " and highlights some of their specific characteristics.

This is a thoughtful, cogent, accessible argument for a theological method that is both feminist and Christian. It is a significant advance in the contemporary discussion. Anne E. Carr A new and very inspiring book about the old question, 'Can a feminist be a Christian theologian? ' Profoundly discussing the different perspectives of feminist hermeneutics, the author offers possibilities for a critical religious way of self-understanding in a changing society. Elisabeth Moltmann-Wendel

By all accounts, feminist theology is at a crossroads. Even as the longstanding consensus wanes that women's experience is the source and norm of feminist theology, the specific and often contradictory experience of different groups is now highlighted, and new theoretical frameworks are being proposed. This landmark volume explores central issues of female subjectivity and feminist identity, gender and embodiment, tradition and norms, and their impact on theology. Leading thinkers in this new generation of feminist theologians rethink the central claims of feminist theology and offer proposals for the future.