Christian and feminist?

[melnjones]

Ok, so I've never posted in this group before but I have lurked around and felt at home. This might seem somewhat of an odd subject title because it might seem contradictory. I don't think it has to be or should be. Does anyone else consider themselves a Christian feminist? I'm studying for my M. Div. right now at a small seminary and am finishing up a class on women's spirituality. One of the most amazing classes I've ever taken. It's my first year of seminary and I have been utterly amazed at 1) how totally wrong 98% of the Christian community is in its understandings of gender issues and the Bible, and 2) how absolutely liberating the Bible is towards women WHEN READ IN CONTEXT. I want to write a book. People have been falsely educated on what the Bible says about women and it's an atrocity. I'm still trying to figure it all out (raised conservative/fundie...praise God not all seminaries are like that) so bear with me. Any thoughts?

[Cerridwen]

1. But of course!

Read anything by Mary Daly - "Unable to pursue a Ph.D. in Catholic theology in the United States, she pursued her studies in Switzerland at the University of Fribourg. Her intellectual curiosity and tenacity made it possible for her to be the first woman to receive the highest degree in Sacred Theology possible, and with highest honors (summa cum laude)." from this link http://cat.nyu.edu/wickedary/dalyinfo.html

I met a former nun who was working on a translation of the bible that did not use the traditionally accepted, and some think wrong, translations of words such as witch, virgin, etc.

If you google feminist nuns, you'll see a lot of links to activist, feminist nuns.

While I realize catholicism is not the only christian religion, I always start in the realm I know.

Welcome to the Feminists Group!

:hi:

edit: spelling

[lukasahero]

2. I agree with C

Yes, there are many women who are both Christian and feminist. I'd venture to guess there are even Muslim feminist women although you will hear about both groups that the terms are antithetical. Organized religion has done feminism no favors but Christ's words seldom have much to do with organized religion any more.

Welcome to the group. If you ever write that book, I'd love to read it. :hi:

[Finder]

3. I think the interpretation by some male clergy is an atrocity...

and agree there are many liberating passages to be found in Scriptures.

As mentioned above, Mary Daly is a great example of a Christian Feminist.

Welcome to the group.

[ismnotwasm]

4. After reading Elaine Pagels

I don't find it contradictory at all. LOL
I am a agnostic, but I've signed up for Faithful America newsletters, because I feel stongly in reaching out to liberal or progressive people of faith. We share a common bond, and a common concern. In the mail today, I recieved a request to sign a petition to stop the Houses of Worship Freee Speech Restoration Act, sent by the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.
http://www.rcrc.org/
Now I understand neither of these organizations are "feminist" but they are speaking to certain feminist values I hold dear. Even If I can't share faith, I can certaintly share values.

I do a little biblical reading "on the side", to try to understand. And I personally would welcome your insights.

[cally]

5. I am

I had a feminist pastor who gave the most amazing sermons. She is the reason I've stayed in the church because I finally understood some of the history and misinterpretations. I'd love to hear some of your insights and knowledge. Welcome to the group.

You can avoid some of the hatred spewing out in GD here. :hi:

[melnjones]

6. Thanks guys...

If you want to hear some of my thoughts, feel free to read the last big paper I wrote for school. I put it on my myspace blog. www.myspace.com/melnjones

[Lydia Leftcoast]

7. I am

:-)