In this engaging dialogue, Sallie McFague, a pioneering theologian known for her work in Christian feminist theology, shares her insights on love for God and the world. She recounts her early motivations for becoming a theologian and discusses the transformative power of language in understanding divine connections. Topics include her concept of 'wild spaces' and the importance of empathy, along with the intersection of feminist and ecological theology amid contemporary challenges. Sallie's thoughtful reflections invite listeners to rethink their relationship with faith and the environment.
Sallie McFague's journey into theology began with formative childhood experiences that ignited her passion for education and existential questions.
She emphasizes the significance of inclusive language in theology, advocating for metaphors that embrace diverse experiences beyond traditional masculine terms.
McFague promotes an ecological theology that fosters interconnectedness with nature, urging a responsible stewardship approach to counter ecological degradation.
Deep dives
Sally McFague's Early Influences
Sally McFague attributes her journey into theology to formative experiences from a young age. Early on, her love for learning was sparked in kindergarten, where she developed a passion for education. Additionally, a pivotal moment came at the age of seven when she realized the impermanence of life, leading her to ponder profound questions about existence and divinity. Her childhood summers spent in Cape Cod fostered a connection with nature that would later influence her ecological theology, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all life.
The Role of Language in Theology
McFague emphasizes the critical importance of language when discussing God, arguing that theological language must move beyond mere description. She posits that the metaphors we use shape our understanding of divine concepts, making it imperative to explore diverse linguistic expressions that reflect different facets of experience. For instance, she highlights the shift from using predominantly masculine language, like 'father', to inclusive terms that resonate with a broader spectrum of experiences, such as 'mother'. This exploration ultimately opens up richer and more diverse vocabularies for understanding God.
Environmental Theology and Human Existence
In addressing contemporary ecological crises, McFague presents a theology that underscores humanity's interconnectedness with the earth and all its inhabitants. She warns that the common interpretation of Genesis, where humans are seen as having dominion over nature, has contributed to ecological degradation. Instead, she asserts that recognizing all life as interconnected invites a more responsible approach to stewardship. This perspective challenges theological communities to adopt new language that reflects a compassionate and inclusive practice of love toward both humanity and the natural world.
Kenosis and Radical Love
McFague introduces the concept of kenosis, or self-emptying love, as a foundational aspect of theology that calls for radical openness and sacrifice. Rather than focusing solely on substitutionary atonement, she emphasizes a relational understanding of divine love that encourages believers to embody this self-emptying in their interactions with others. This notion aligns closely with evolution, suggesting that altruism and the ability to love deeply are intrinsic to humanity's role in creation. By promoting this understanding, she advances a vision of faith that prioritizes communal well-being and environmental responsibility.
Challenges and Future in Theological Discourse
Amidst the shifting landscape of belief and secularization, McFague suggests that contemporary theologians must find innovative ways to articulate the relevance of God language. She argues that skepticism often arises not from disbelief in God but from dissatisfaction with traditional portrayals rooted in patriarchal and dualistic thought. McFague advocates for a new theological discourse that incorporates feminist and ecological perspectives, urging theologians to provide alternative language that resonates with modern concerns. This approach seeks not only to address pressing ecological issues but also to empower individuals to engage deeply with their faith and the world around them.
Sallie McFague is on the podcast reminding us that we can indeed be in love with God and the world.
She is one of the most important living theologians and a pioneer of Christian feminist theology. Currently she is the Distinguished Theologian in Residence at the Vancouver School of Theology in British Columbia, Canada. Prior she taught for thirty years at Vanderbilt University Divinity School.
Sallie and Tripp cover a lot of ground in the episode, including how Sallie became a theologian (which includes a kindergarten revelation), her focus on religious language, radical love, kenosis, panentheism, and even some member submitted questions, including:
How does her concept of wild spaces address privilege
In the revival of radical theology recently, how do you understand the reality of God?
Where should one start with feminist theology?
What do you think about the increased usage of the term Anthropocene?