Christian feminism
Christian feminists are driven by the belief that God does not discriminate on the basis of biologically determined characteristics such as sex and race, but created all humans to exist in harmony and equality regardless of those factors.
Christian feminists and scholars believe that interpretations of biblical texts as well as works of some religious figures may push sexist traits or responsibilities that if they are not acknowledged, may continue to perpetuate the patriarchy present in the church.
[3][4][5][6] Concerns also exist over how women are handled in today's culture since they are expected to be subordinate to men, according to how early Christian religious writings are interpreted.
These interpretations of Christian origins have been criticized by secular feminists for "anachronistically projecting contemporary ideals back into the first century.
"[11] In the Middle Ages Julian of Norwich and Hildegard of Bingen explored the idea of a divine power with both masculine and feminine characteristics.
[12][13] Proto-feminist works from the fifteenth to seventeenth centuries addressed objections to women learning, teaching and preaching in a religious context.
[10] Christian Feminists began writing and publishing articles concerning reproductive rights as well as inequality in marriage and in the religious hierarchy.
[24] There is also wide debate within many Christian denominations over the fault of Eve concerning the consumption of the forbidden fruit, and the entrance of sin into the world.
[25] The story of Adam and Eve is just one example of a text which Christian feminists believe is patriarchal in nature due to its interpretation.
[26] Some Christian Feminists made the decision to abandon direct scriptural use in their fight for equality, while others relied on verses that opposed patriarchal ideals, pointing out the inconsistencies within the Bible.
[31] While it is unclear the reason behind the absence of women being mentioned in Saint Augustine's tractates, modern scholars argue that this information is too crucial in understanding the Wisdom in the Old Testament to be omitted.
[30] In general, many Christian feminist scholars argue that they envision a society in which female sexuality is not condemned by the church but acknowledged as a natural part of human existence.
[32][failed verification] During the Reformation, theologians such as Martin Luther and John Calvin stressed the importance of chastity and marriage, leading to further repression of female sexuality within the Christian tradition.
Scholars like sociologist Flann Campbell have argued that conservative religious denominations tend to restrict male and female sexuality[34][35] by prohibiting or limiting birth control use[36] and condemning abortion as sinful murder.
[39] Philosophy scholars Bruce P. Blackshaw and Nicholas Colgrove, along with health professional Daniel Rodger, argue that anti-abortion arguments are often inconsistent.
For instance, some may utilize Don Marquis' term, the "future of value," which entails assuming that the embryo will have potential contributions to society if carried until birth.
[42] Some Christian feminists believe that gender equality within the church cannot be achieved without rethinking the portrayal and understanding of God as a masculine being.
[39] The theological concept of Sophia, usually seen as replacing or synonymous with the Holy Spirit in the Trinity, is often used to fulfill this desire for symbols which reflect women's religious experiences.
[7] On the other hand, amidst the patriarchal history of Japan, Japanese women who have been politically involved by demanding equal treatment congregated and founded the Woman's Christian Temperance Union which allowed them to support one another and flourish in their careers.
[59] 20th century figures like Dorothy Day and Mother Teresa show the diversity of possibilities for women in modern Catholic community.
