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2.362-21 Feminist Theologies
Fall 2008
Monday Afternoons: 1:30 – 4:30 pm
Office Hours: by appointment
Dr. Kristin Johnston Largen
Rationale
In the choir of voices that constitute systematic theology in the 21st century, one of the most important sections of the choir is that of the feminist theologians. While feminist theology has deep roots in the Christian tradition, it has only been since the late 20th century that the work of feminist theologians has received a wide audience and garnered serious consideration. Certainly, there is a great diversity among feminists, reflective of the many different contexts from which they do theology; however, it is also clear that they share many similar concerns and approaches. Many of these similarities have their roots in the oppression, abuse, and neglect that many women in the church in particular, and in society as a whole, have experienced in the past, and are still experiencing today. However, it is becoming increasingly apparent that feminist theologians are raising issues and challenging traditional church doctrines in ways that are deeply meaningful and relevant not only for women, but for all Christians. Therefore, it is of critical importance that women and men who are planning to serve the church in public ministry have both an understanding and appreciation of feminist theology. This course seeks to provide students with both. In this way, this course seeks to address one of the goals of the vision statement for “The Gettysburg Theologian,” which reads in part: “[the students’] preparation will enable them to remain faithful to God’s Word and agile in interpreting its contemporary implications. These leaders are confident Christians who are able to discern the cultural and social contexts. They are skillful communicators, listening and speaking to a hungering world. Conversant with their confessional Lutheran tradition, this Seminary’s graduates will be able to address both classical and yet unforeseen questions in creative and faithful ways and potentially new forms of ministry.”
Course Objectives
At the conclusion of this course, the students should be able to:
1) Define and describe the various theological issues at stake in feminist theology
2) Analyze and discuss the different theological arguments made by various feminist theologians
3) Develop and articulate one’s own theological position on a variety of these issues
4) Integrate the study of feminist theology into one’s own understanding of public ministry
5) Clearly express sophisticated
theological reasoning in both written and oral communication
Strategies for achieving course objectives
Students will be expected to meet the following class requirements:
- Required Reading: The required reading consists of the following essay & books:
“Reflections on the Right Use of School Studies with a View to the
Love of God,” in Waiting for God, by Simone Weil [On Reserve in the library]
Introducing Feminist Theology, by Anne Clifford
She Who Is, by Elizabeth Johnson
Proverbs of Ashes, by Rita Nakashima Brock & Rebecca Parker
*Feminist Theology: A Reader, edited by Ann Loades
*Women Encounter God, by Linda Moody
*Recommended, not required
- Class Participation:
All students are expected to attend class regularly, and read all assignments prior to class time. Most importantly, however, students are expected to actively participate in class discussions. Given the nature and topic of this course, the class will function best if everyone is actively involved in the conversation – that includes you introverts! Public ministry requires all of us to be “functional extroverts,” so now will be a good time to practice that skill.
In this class, and in this seminary, we respect the rules of inclusivity, as stated in the academic catalog, pages 13-14. Please note that written work that does not conform to these standards will be returned for a re-write; and in the classroom, we will practice referring to both human beings and God in ways that are respectful of personhood and inclusive in terms of gender, race and class.
*A word about laptop computers: The use of a laptop in the classroom is a privilege, not a right, and this privilege can be revoked at any time during the semester by the instructor, if any student is found to be using his/her computer for personal business. Such action is a distraction to the class, and disrespectful both to the instructor and one’s classmates: forewarned is forearmed!
- Class Assignments:
Timely completion of all assignments is expected of all students. Late work may or may not be accepted, at the instructor’s discretion. A reduction in the grade should be expected for late work.
a) Theological Autobiography
Feminist theologians have taught us the need to recognize that the context of a theologian impacts his/her theology; and that all theology is, in one form or another, autobiographical. It does not mean that theology done out of one context [white male European, for example] cannot be relevant for someone in another context, but it does mean that the questions asked and the answers given by any theologian are shaped by a specific world-view. For this reason, then, as theologians ourselves it is important for us to critically reflect on our own backgrounds, and be able to relate our own theology to our context. In this exercise, then, the student is invited to reflect on his/her background and write a 3 page [give or take] “theological autobiography,” explaining how s/he sees connections between his/her context and his/her theology. [For example, you might include some “generative moments” that led you to where you are today; the source of your passion for public ministry; and/or the people who have participated in your journey.] A draft of this autobiography is due on Sept. 15th. At that time, we will have some short discussion about the assignment, but it will not be handed in. Then, at the end of the course, on December 8th, the student will be asked to revisit his/her autobiography and write a final draft. These will be discussed more fully in class together, but not handed in. The grade for the assignment will be given based on in-class participation. Use the “Theological Autobiography” from Rosemary Radford Ruether as a guide [this will be handed out in class on the first day].
b) Discussion leadership
Each student is required to lead a 90 minute discussion one day in class on that day’s topic. A sign-up sheet will be passed around on the second day of class. This assignment consists of assigning readings for that day in class, raising important issues for discussion and facilitating the conversation.
c) Dialog Review
One of the long-term goals of this course is to inspire interest and enthusiasm for systematic theology that will continue on into the student’s public ministry. One excellent means of developing and sustaining such interest is through the reading of quality theological journals. To that end, one of the course requirements is a short review of any major journal article from the past three years from Dialog. This review should be no more than 2-3 pages, and simply summarize the article read, including the main points of the author, and conclude with a short response by the student. This assignment is due on December 8th, but may be submitted at any point in the semester.
d) Final Paper
There will be one final paper, due on the last day of class, in which the student will make a constructive argument relating feminist thought to one aspect of Christian theology and/or practice. The student will present his/her paper in class on the final day of the semester.
This paper should be roughly 10-15 pages in length, with proper footnotes or endnotes. The student is welcome to turn in a paper topic and/or outline in advance, if s/he would like early feedback from the instructor.
Possible Paper Topics include the following:
Feminism & the Bible
Feminism & “God-talk”
Feminist thought & Christian doctrine [such as Christology,
soteriology, pneumatology, creation, etc.]
Feminism & the Christian Tradition
[this category can also include specific thinkers – Feminist
thought & Augustine/Luther/Ruether/St. Teresa]
Domestic Violence & the Church
Women’s roles in the Church
Issues relating to women’s bodies & the Church [such as pornography,
rape, eating disorders, pregnancy, abortion, etc.]
Women & the Economy - as it relates to Christian faith/the Church
Sexuality/Homosexuality & the Church
The Family & the Church
Women in the Global South – as it relates to Christian faith/the Church
Evaluations
- Theological Autobiography: 10%
- Discussion leadership: 30%
- Final Paper: 30%
- Class Participation: 20%
- Dialog Review: 10%
Course Outline:
September 8th Introduction to the Course
Introduction to Feminist thought – key issues & areas of focus
*suggested reading: Feminist Theory – From Margin to Center, by bell hooks
Feminist Theory – A Reader, ed. by Wendy Kolmar et. al.
September 15th History & Overview of Feminist Theologies, including Global
Feminism
First draft of Theological Autobiographies due!
Chapter 1, IFT
*Assign topics for next week’s Bible exercise
*suggested reading: Inheriting Our Mothers’ Gardens – Feminist Theology in
Third World Perspective, edited by Katie Cannon et. al.
Introducing Asian Feminist Theology, by Kwok Pui-lan
Controversies in Feminist Theology, ed. by Marcella
Althaus-Reid et. al.
Horizons in Feminist Theology, ed. by Rebecca Chopp et. al.
Womanspirit Rising, ed. by Carol Christ & Judith Plaskow
September 22nd, Feminism & the Bible
Chapter 2, IFT
*suggested reading: Taking up the Cross – New Testament Interpretations
through Latina & Feminist Eyes, by Barbara E. Reid
Feminist Interpretation of the Bible, ed. By Letty Russell
In Memory of Her: a Feminist Theological Reconstruction
Of Christian Origins, Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza
Women in the Hebrew Bible, ed. by Alice Bach
Texts of Terror, by Phyllis Trible
September 29th Feminist perspectives on God-talk
Chapter 3, IFT
She Who Is, part I
*suggested reading: Sexism & God Talk, Rosemary Radford Ruether
God beyond Gender, by Gail Ramshaw
October 6th Feminism and Christian Anthropology
She Who Is, part II
*suggested reading: Ar’n’t I a Woman? Female Slaves in the Plantation South,
by Deborah Gray White
The Second Sex , by Simone De Beauvoir
Created in God’s Image, by Michelle Gonzalez
October 13th Theological reflection on women, beauty, & bodies
*suggested reading: Starving for Salvation, by Michelle Lelwica
Holy Feast and Holy Fast: The Religious Significance of
Food to Medieval Women, by Caroline Walker Bynum
The Beauty Myth – How Images of Beauty are
Used Against Women, by Naomi Wolf
October 20th NO CLASS: READING DAYS
October 27th Feminist perspectives on Christology
She Who Is, parts III & IV
*suggested reading: Jesus: Miriam’s child, Sophia’s Prophet, Elisabeth Schüssler
Fiorenza
White Women’s Christ & Black Women’s Jesus: Feminist
Christology and Womanist Response, Jacqueline Grant Introducing Feminist Christologies, by Lisa Isherwood
November 3rd Women & the Church: Alternative rites & communities
Chapter 4, IFT
*suggested reading: Beyond God the Father: Towards a Philosophy of
Women’s Liberation, Mary Daly
Women-Church: Theology and practice of feminist liturgical
Communities, Rosemary Radford Ruether
November 10th Women’s ways of knowing: Feminism & Religious Truth
*suggested reading: In Search of Our Mothers’ Gardens, Alice Walker
Women's Ways of Knowing: The Development of Self,
Voice, And Mind, by Mary Belenky
November 17th Medieval Women & Spirituality: St. Birgitta & Sor Juana
Chapter 5, IFT
*suggested reading: Our Lady of Guadalupe, by Jeanette Rodriguez
Sor Juana, by Michelle Gonzalez
Women and the Reformation, by Kirsi Stjerna
November 24th Sin & Salvation: A Feminist Perspective
Proverbs of Ashes, parts I & II
*suggested reading: Out of the depths : women’s experience of evil and
Salvation, Ivone Gebara
Women & Redemption: A Theological History, Rosemary Radford Ruether
A Troubling in My Soul: Womanist Perspectives on Evil &
Suffering, Emilie Townes
Sex, Sin, and Grace: Women's Experience and the theologies of Reinhold Niebuhr and Paul Tillich, Judith Plaskow
December 1st Issues of sexuality & the role of the church
Proverbs of Ashes, part III
*suggested reading: Casting Stones – Prostitution and Liberation in Asia
and the United States, by Rita Nakashima Brock and
Susan Brooks Thistlethwaite
The Choices We Made: Twenty-Five Women and Men
Speak Out About Abortion, by Gloria Steinem
December 8th Eco-feminism & the church
Final copies of Theological Autobiography due
Dialog Review due!!!
Chapter 6, IFT
*suggested reading: The Body of God: An Ecological Theology,
Sallie McFague
Super, Natural Christians, Sallie McFague
Gaia & God: An Ecofeminist Theology of Earth Healing, Rosemary Radford Ruether
December 15th Student Presentations
