The Theological Basis For Feminism? (Jesus, Earth, beliefs, bible)

[Sunstone]

Is there a theological basis for feminism? If so, what is it?

Can it be said of deity that deity is either male or female? And if deity cannot be said to be either male or female, does that imply a theological basis for an equality of the sexes?

[James the Persian]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

Is there a theological basis for feminism? If so, what is it?

Can it be said of deity that deity is either male or female? And if deity cannot be said to be either male or female, does that imply a theological basis for an equality of the sexes?

There is certainly a (Christian) theological basis for the equality (though not the homogeneity) of the sexes. I'm not sure that that's necessarily the same thing as a theological basis for feminism, though. Most feminists I know do not appear happy simply with equality between men and women but rather do aspire to making women and men the same in every way possible (which is not the same thing). Some even seem to take it further and wish to reverse the prior situation of men dominating women, perhaps by way of some kind of recompense.

James

[Halcyon]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

Is there a theological basis for feminism? If so, what is it?

Can it be said of deity that deity is either male or female? And if deity cannot be said to be either male or female, does that imply a theological basis for an equality of the sexes?

An androgynous god certainly does away with the typical Father figure of deity, which in turn does away with the concept of the man being the head of the household etc.

[Victor]

Originally Posted by JamesThePersian

There is certainly a (Christian) theological basis for the equality (though not the homogeneity) of the sexes. I'm not sure that that's necessarily the same thing as a theological basis for feminism, though. Most feminists I know do not appear happy simply with equality between men and women but rather do aspire to making women and men the same in every way possible (which is not the same thing). Some even seem to take it further and wish to reverse the prior situation of men dominating women, perhaps by way of some kind of recompense.

I agree. To add, much of the objections from some feminist is in the misconceptions of role defferetials, which they confuse by calling it inequality.

As a catholic apologist notes,
If women are unequal to men in Christianity of whatever stripe, then Jesus is not equal to the Father, since He subjected Himself to the Father (Phil 2:5-8) and even to Mary and Joseph (Lk 2:51). The Holy Trinity is a very apt analogy because it offers a clear example of an equality which nevertheless includes (by its very nature) subjection and differential roles - exactly analogous to marriage and male ordination. Thus, radical feminism logically leads to heterodoxy with regard to the Holy Trinity, or else undue skepticism towards the Bible. That's why sexual and theological liberalism are so closely allied - it is no coincidence.

So in essense, there is a theological ground for equality as James also pointed out.

Catholic theology has always taught me that God is neither male nor female in himself. In fact, the divine nature includes the perfections of both genders. And yet Christianity has always insisted that masculine language be normative for how believers address God because that is how God has revealed himself.

[Victor]

Originally Posted by Halcyon

An androgynous god certainly does away with the typical Father figure of deity, which in turn does away with the concept of the man being the head of the household etc.

Why would it do that?

[Green Gaia]

I can't answer this in the same manner those of other religions might be able to. But I will give you the answer I can in light of my beliefs as a UU.

Unitarian Universalists make no claim to know the gender of a deity, if it even has one. In fact, we make no claims on whether a deity even exists at all.

However, we do strongly believe in the inherent worth and dignity of all people regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, ability, affectional or sexual orientation, age, language, citizenship status, economic status, or national origin and that all people should be treated equally and fairly.

We aslo believe in fighting for justice when someone is treated unfairly on the basis of their race, ethnicity, gender, ability, affectional or sexual orientation, age, language, citizenship status, economic status, or national origin.

[Halcyon]

Originally Posted by Victor

Why would it do that?

Because, if God is male and is the Father figure, this naturally places maleness above femaleness. A male created the universe and runs all things, thus males should also be in charge of earthly affairs.

If God is androgynous, father and mother can play equal roles without the woman feeling she is under some kind of obligation to be subservient to her partner.

Well, that's just my theory anyway.

[MaddLlama]

Originally Posted by Halcyon

An androgynous god certainly does away with the typical Father figure of deity, which in turn does away with the concept of the man being the head of the household etc.

So, if God is lacking in the...ahem...hairy bird department, that means that the "proper" social order doesn't exist?

Do you believe "a woman's place is in the home"? I think it's a little behind the times....we're not living in "ozzie and harriet" anymore.