Chapter 8: Key Terms and Definitions
Androcentrism: the condition of using the “male” as the determinant and norm for all human beings.
Christology: Generally speaking this refers to theology about the nature of the person and work of Jesus Christ. of Nazareth. Though women have been included as saved through Christ, Christology has been used to reinforce female subordination in both the Church and society. Such subordination is reasoned through the maleness of Jesus Christ. Since women are not male, then they cannot conform the image of Christ. This example has been used to exclude women from the priesthood and pastoral roles. Feminist however believe that the original Jesus movement was an egalitarian and countercultural movement leveling gender, race, and class. Other feminists stress a redemptive community that separates men and women from present systems of oppression and patriarchy.
Dualism: Refers to a system of conceptual organization in which 2 or more objects are placed in relationship of binary oppression (e.g. soul and body, flesh and spirit). Feminist theologians seek to remove dualism which has contributed a dualistic relationship between male and female.
Feminist: Theologians: understand that the current patriarchal worldview present in Christian theology is neither moral nor true. They seek to challenge the current views of scripture and traditions which are currently oppressive to women. They are advocates for female rights and stand in opposition to traditional standards of gender identity.
Gender: set of behavioral norms, self-attributed, or socially attributed identity as normally either male or female.
Hermeneutics: For feminist theologians, the Bible cannot be wholly separated from patriarchal tendencies, but can be read differently. The first view is that scriptures can be read from the viewpoint of the oppressed. Therefore, anything that does not affirm the full humanity of women is non-redemptive. This view can be seen as creating a feminist canon within an existing canon. The second way feminists read scriptures is noting that the text offers stories that can be reclaimed by feminist historical research. Text is examined by its resistance to human oppression.
Inclusive Language: Language that openly includes women into both the verbal and non-verbal language and symbols of the Christian Church.
Misogyny: “hatred of women” –This means the subtle assumption that women are naturally created inferior to men. Feminist theologians find misogyny present in readings of the creation narrative and throughout male-written church history.
Motherhood of God: Idea that the Old Testament, New Testament, and Christian historical texts use feminine or mothering attributes and imagery to describe God’s nature and God’s actions. Feminist theologians use such imagery as a base for creating inclusive liturgies, prayers, and hymns.
Post-Christian Feminism: These feminists argue that a revolution in religion is necessary for remaining ‘religious’ in any significant way. These feminists not only advocated for understanding God differently, but also the very structures used to comprehend God currently need changing. They believe that instead of venerating and reinstating traditional religious understandings we must rid ourselves of the past altogether.
Sexism: refers to a complete range of ideas, structures, and institutional practices that enforce the natural subordination of women to men.
Woman-Church Movement: Global, ecumenical movement of women within feminist communities of thought that seek to express their faith in egalitarian and democratic styles. This is not a new denomination or a church. It is a movement that desires to be the church on women’s terms. They recognize the patriarchal models of church and society in current existence as modes of female, racial, and class oppression. They believe in the spiritual integrity of all human beings and seek to pursue such integrity by participation in both church and society.
Womanist Theology: Arising from the African American feminist tradition. This theology investigates the voices, actions, opinions, struggles, and faith of black women in order to construct a distinct perspective that regards their experiences in response to God’s liberating activity. Womanist theology seeks to recognize, affirm, and empower the importance of black women in determining the character of Christian religion especially within the black community.
The definitions listed above are only a list of common terms within Feminist theology. There are many more terms used which are not on this list. For further and deeper definitions, please see the bibliography.