Sexism and God-Talk : Toward a Feminist Theology
Rosemary Radford Ruether (Author)
"Are feminism and Christianity compatible? Can women be saved by a male savior? In her most impressive work to date, Rosemary Radford Ruether presents the first systematic critique of Christian theology from a feminist viewpoint. For too long most interpretations of religious experience have come from a male elite perspective that has excluded women's participation, writes Ruether. Women have been subordinated and negated in a system of language about God, "man," nature, sin, and redemption that is centered on the male. Yet this was not always so nor need it be today. By carefully examining the root teachings of the Bible and the writings of ancient Goddess-oriented cultures, Ruether brilliantly envisions a new, nonsexist understanding of Christianity. Though some feminist thinkers have completely rejected the Judeo-Christian tradition because of its patriarchal aspects, Ruether maintains that there are "usable and authentic imitations of divinity within traditional Jewish and Christian understandings of God." She convincingly demonstrates how Isaiah and Proverbs give God feminine attributes, while Christ's parables afford equal value to women and men alike. In the story of Mary and Martha, Christ himself encourages women to participate fully in the fellowship of disciples. Through a bold synthesis of the political, spiritual, personal, and intellectual. Ruether tries to transcend patriarchal bias in religion. Incorporating the most useful ideas of the countercultural, minority, and prophetic movements, as well as post-Christian philosophies such as liberalism, romanticism, and socialism, she seeks the revitalization of mainstream religion. In forming her challenging new concepts of a positive, egalitarian religion, Ruether addresses the very roots of theological categorization. Sexism and God-Talk points the way to a fuller vision of humanity and faith." -- Dust Jacket
Print Book, English, 1983
Beacon Press, Boston, 1983