Feminist Theory and Christian Theology

by Serene Jones

Book Overview

This long-awaited text charts clearly and comprehensively the enormously important area of feminist theory -- and brings it into fruitful conversation with Christian theology. Jones introduces the primary concerns that animate feminist theory through discussion of critical texts and through women's narratives. She shows how they pose uncomfortable questions, and leave no corner of the Christian tradition unchallenged. Jones unfolds feminist theory...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 080062694X
• ISBN13: 9780800626945
• Release Date: July 2000
• Publisher: Fortress Press
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.5" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Mapping the way...

There is a problem with the term `feminism' - it has acquired the status of many political terms that often inspires a knee-jerk reaction of one sort or another, positive or negative. This is unfortunate, given the depth and breadth of insight given to modern scholarship, politics, sociology and cultural awareness through those efforts and developments that might all well be classified under the term `feminism'. Unlike most feminist theoreticians and theologians, Jones has an acknowledged influence from John Calvin, who most people would agree is certainly no feminist. Feminist Theory Jones talks about the confusion of the idea of feminist theory in terms of her own experience of trying to explain it to interested but non-academic people. While it is certainly true that there is a fair share of ivory-tower-type elements in feminist theory, on the whole feminist theory has far reaching and more practical applications that anyone can utilise. Ultimately feminist theory strives toward the identification of oppressive structures and attitudes and works to overcome these in society. Feminist Theology Jones in this section explores what is meant by Christian theology and what is meant by feminist theology. `Like many terms used in this book, `feminist theology' means different things to different communities. For some people, it immediately calls up negative images of angry women destroying the church with pagan rituals. For others, it evokes more positive images, such as a round banquet table where feminist theology `happens' as women gather, from all corners of the world, to celebrate creation and to praise the God of life and liberation.' These are by no means the only distinctions that can be made. Jones' own tradition comes out of the Reformation; Luther and Calvin are constant companions in the development of her theological thought, as are the doctrines of basic Reformation Protestantism. She concentrates on this work particularly on three topics - faith, sin and community. Cartographies of Grace As this topic, the subtitle of the entire volume, indicates, Jones is looking toward a mapping technique to show metaphorically the various relationships highlighted in the text. Remapping different discussions which include the way women are traditionally viewed, countered with a new vision of women's place in creation; the liberation and freedom inherent in the gospel message not just for women but for all people in creation reflected in our faith and worship practices; the place of sanctification and justification in current theological thought. Strategic Essentialism Jones develops an interesting idea called strategic essentialism, which goes beyond the essentialist versus constructivist ideas of gender and sexuality. Drawing on the work of Irigaray and Cixous. Strategic essentialism acknowledges an interplay of universals layered with constructed elements. `A strategic essentialist supports the practical importance of essentialism by reflecting o

A Christian Feminist Classic

Jones' book offers a re-mapping of traditional (Reformed) Christian concepts (justification and sanctification, sin, church) in light of contemporary feminist analyses of women's experience. She's faithful to both the Christian tradition and contemporary feminist thought, writes in an accessible style without talking down to the reader, and keeps things moving at a lively pace. You'll like this book if you're a feminist interested in traditional faiths, a Christian interested in feminism, or a feminist Christian trying to figure out how the two fit together.