In this episode, Leigh and Shannon discuss restoring the equality of the Divine Feminine in Christianity by centering on biblical women and feminine expressions of the Divine in scripture. We look at Christian supremacy and its legacy of oppression. We learn the historical roots of feminism in Christianity, investigate where feminism has already shaped the Church, and identify where feminist theology has failed to reach local congregations. We ask whether women can continue to advocate for change within the institution by using language and liturgy that is centered on a discipleship of equals in the commonwealth of God, rather than a hierarchy that prioritizes white, cisgender, heterosexual men.
For this discussion, we draw inspiration from the book, a New Feminist Christianity: Many Voices, Many Views, which is a collection of essays edited by Mary E. Hunt and Dianna L. Neu. As a whole, these essays take an intersectional approach and consider a multitude of issues from many voices in academia and in the church, including women of color, women from various denominations, and the queer community, which is why we chose it. We wanted a text that would explore feminist theology as a way forward, but one that does not fail to directly address oppression and cultural hegemony.
Join us as we discuss restoring the equality of the Divine Feminine in Christianity by centering on biblical women and feminine expressions of the Divine in scripture. We look at Christian supremacy and its legacy of oppression. We learn the historical roots of feminism in Christianity, investigate where feminism has already shaped the Church, and identify where feminist theology has failed to reach local congregations. We ask whether women can continue to advocate for change within the institution by using language and liturgy that is centered on a discipleship of equals in the commonwealth of God, rather than a hierarchy that prioritizes white, cisgender, heterosexual men.
We recognize the challenge, but we hope at the very least to open a conversation towards reconciling difference. Can feminists find spiritual fulfillment in the Christian faith, and can Christian women feel empowered to question and challenge the patriarchal/kyriarchical structure of Christian institutions to enact change? We say yes, and it's already happening.
Artwork--© “St Mary Magdalene” by Br. Robert Lentz OFM, Courtesy of Trinity Stores,
https://www.trinitystores.com/. (800.699.4482)
For this discussion, we draw inspiration from the book, a New Feminist Christianity: Many Voices, Many Views, which is a collection of essays edited by Mary E. Hunt and Dianna L. Neu. As a whole, these essays take an intersectional approach and consider a multitude of issues from many voices in academia and in the church, including women of color, women from various denominations, and the queer community, which is why we chose it. We wanted a text that would explore feminist theology as a way forward, but one that does not fail to directly address oppression and cultural hegemony.
Join us as we discuss restoring the equality of the Divine Feminine in Christianity by centering on biblical women and feminine expressions of the Divine in scripture. We look at Christian supremacy and its legacy of oppression. We learn the historical roots of feminism in Christianity, investigate where feminism has already shaped the Church, and identify where feminist theology has failed to reach local congregations. We ask whether women can continue to advocate for change within the institution by using language and liturgy that is centered on a discipleship of equals in the commonwealth of God, rather than a hierarchy that prioritizes white, cisgender, heterosexual men.
We recognize the challenge, but we hope at the very least to open a conversation towards reconciling difference. Can feminists find spiritual fulfillment in the Christian faith, and can Christian women feel empowered to question and challenge the patriarchal/kyriarchical structure of Christian institutions to enact change? We say yes, and it's already happening.
Artwork--© “St Mary Magdalene” by Br. Robert Lentz OFM, Courtesy of Trinity Stores,
https://www.trinitystores.com/. (800.699.4482)
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