Women’s experience Does it make a difference to theology?

Did the woman say by Frances Croake Frank Did the woman say, When she held him for the first time in the dark dank of a stable, After the pain and the bleeding and the crying, “This is my body, this is my blood?” Did the woman say, When she held him for the last time in the dark rain on a hilltop, After the pain and the bleeding and the dying, “This is my body, this is my blood?” Well that she said it to him then, For dry old men, Brocaded robes belying barrenness, Ordain that she not say it for him now.

Liberation theology Founded on the conviction that experience matters Founded on the conviction that experience matters Theology always seeks to translate gospel into present-day context Theology always seeks to translate gospel into present-day context Cf. Vatican II, “the signs of the times” Cf. Vatican II, “the signs of the times” Liberation theology more self-aware about this than traditional European theology Liberation theology more self-aware about this than traditional European theology Further, liberation theology believes that God’s message of salvation has implications for life right now Further, liberation theology believes that God’s message of salvation has implications for life right now Critiques what is NOT salvation in society, like systemic poverty, prejudice, or oppression Critiques what is NOT salvation in society, like systemic poverty, prejudice, or oppression

Valerie Saiving Student of theology in 1950s Student of theology in 1950s Sounds dated Sounds dated Her essay kicked off women’s theology, or feminist theology Her essay kicked off women’s theology, or feminist theology Placed at the forefront question, how much has theology been influenced by male experience and ignored female experience? Placed at the forefront question, how much has theology been influenced by male experience and ignored female experience?

Gender, experience and theology What does it mean to talk about female experience? Male experience? What does it mean to talk about female experience? Male experience? Do you agree with Saiving’s characterization of male and female experience? Do you agree with Saiving’s characterization of male and female experience? What other factors influence experience? How? What other factors influence experience? How? How do you imagine God? What influences you as you imagine the divine? How do you imagine God? What influences you as you imagine the divine?

For next time Strong pro and con arguments on women’s ordination; try to see the logic in each and give each side a fair hearing Strong pro and con arguments on women’s ordination; try to see the logic in each and give each side a fair hearing Read handout, plus two online readings (see course website for links) Read handout, plus two online readings (see course website for links)