In 'Sexism and God-talk,' Rosemary Radford Ruether explores the intersection of sexism and theology, challenging traditional religious language and imagery that perpetuate patriarchal norms. The book is a seminal contribution to feminist theology, offering a critical analysis of how religious discourse can be both oppressive and liberating for women.
Grace Ji-Sun Kim's "When God Became White" explores the complex relationship between Christianity, race, and power. Kim argues that the racialization of God has had a profound impact on the way Christianity has been understood and practiced throughout history. The book examines how white supremacy has shaped theological interpretations and social structures within the church. Kim's work offers a powerful critique of white privilege and calls for a more inclusive and anti-racist theology. It encourages readers to confront their own biases and work towards a more just and equitable church.
Elizabeth A. Johnson's "She Who Is" is a groundbreaking work in feminist theology, offering a fresh perspective on the Trinity. Johnson challenges traditional patriarchal interpretations of God, proposing a more inclusive and relational understanding of the divine. The book explores the feminine imagery of God found in scripture and tradition, arguing that these images are not merely metaphorical but reveal essential aspects of God's nature. Johnson's work has been highly influential in shaping feminist theological discourse and inspiring new ways of understanding the divine. It encourages a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of God's relationship with humanity.
Caitlin Curtis's "Native" is a powerful exploration of Indigenous identity and the challenges faced by Native communities in the United States. Curtis shares her personal experiences as a half-Native American woman, navigating the complexities of her heritage and the ongoing legacy of colonialism. The book examines the historical and contemporary struggles faced by Native people, including issues of land rights, cultural preservation, and systemic racism. Curtis's work offers a critical perspective on the relationship between Indigenous communities and the dominant culture. It encourages readers to confront their own biases and work towards a more just and equitable society.
Rita Nakashima Brock's "Saying Yes to the Messy God" explores the intersection of faith, trauma, and social justice. Brock challenges traditional theological interpretations that fail to adequately address the experiences of those who have suffered violence and oppression. She proposes a more trauma-informed approach to spirituality that centers the experiences of marginalized communities. Brock's work has been highly influential in shaping feminist theological discourse and inspiring new ways of understanding the relationship between religion and social justice. It encourages readers to confront their own biases and work towards a more just and equitable world.
Sally McFague's "Models of God" is a seminal work in ecological theology, offering a fresh perspective on the relationship between God and the natural world. McFague challenges traditional anthropocentric models of God, arguing that they have contributed to environmental degradation and social injustice. She proposes alternative models of God, such as the model of God as the world-house, that emphasize the interconnectedness of all creation. McFague's work has been highly influential in shaping ecofeminist thought and inspiring new ways of understanding the relationship between religion and the environment. It encourages readers to adopt a more holistic and sustainable worldview.
Grace Ji-Sun Kim's "The Grace of Sophia" delves into the concept of Sophia, the feminine wisdom figure in the Bible, and its relevance to feminist Christology. Kim explores how Sophia's presence in scripture challenges traditional patriarchal interpretations of God and Jesus. The book examines the historical and cultural contexts of Sophia's portrayal, highlighting her significance for women in the church and beyond. Kim's work offers a powerful critique of patriarchal structures and provides a vision of a more inclusive and liberating theology. It encourages readers to embrace a more nuanced and holistic understanding of the divine.
In "Surviving God," Grace Ji-Sun Kim and Susan Shaw explore the intersection of faith, trauma, and feminist theology. The book examines how religious institutions and beliefs can both cause and perpetuate trauma, particularly for women. Kim and Shaw offer a critical analysis of patriarchal structures within religious contexts and propose alternative ways of understanding God and spirituality that are more inclusive and empowering. Their work provides a space for healing and reconciliation for those who have experienced religious trauma. It encourages readers to confront their own biases and work towards a more just and equitable world.
In Memory of Memory is a deeply introspective work that delves into the complexities of memory, using the author's family history as a backdrop. Stepanova explores how memory functions, questioning how we interact with fragments of the past and the narratives we construct around them. The book is a blend of memoir, essay, and cultural critique, reflecting on the Soviet era and its impact on Russian Jewish life.
In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Grace Ji-Sun Kim's to discuss Feminist Christology. We explore the importance of retrieving feminine imagery of God and Jesus through the biblical wisdom figure Sophia. She argues that despite Jesus's historical maleness, a feminist Christological approach is essential for contemporary Christianity because it challenges 2000 years of patriarchal interpretations and creates more inclusive understandings of the divine. The conversation traces Sophia's development across Hebrew Scripture, demonstrating how early Christians identified Jesus with this feminine divine figure, particularly in Paul's letters, Matthew, and John. Kim connects Sophia with Asian religious concepts like prajna, suggesting that this wisdom Christology offers liberating possibilities for Korean North American women navigating bicultural identities. She points out that feminist theologians are not inventing new concepts but reclaiming a significant biblical tradition that portrays God's presence in feminine imagery, which was largely eclipsed in later Christian history due to patriarchal influences.
You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube
Grace Ji-Sun Kim is a professor of theology at Earlham School of Religion and host of the Madang podcast.
Previous Episodes with Grace
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Upcoming Online Class: Rediscovering the Spirit: Hand-Raisers, Han, & the Holy Ghost
"Rediscovering the Spirit: Hand-Raisers, Han, and the Holy Ghost" is an open-online course exploring the dynamic, often overlooked third person of the Trinity. Based on Grace Ji-Sun Kim's groundbreaking work on the Holy Spirit (pneumatology), this class takes participants on a journey through biblical foundations, historical developments, diverse cultural perspectives, and practical applications of Spirit theology. Moving beyond traditional Western theological frameworks, we'll explore feminist interpretations, global perspectives, and innovative approaches to understanding the Spirit in today's world. Whether you've felt the Spirit was missing from your faith journey or are simply curious to deepen your understanding, this class creates space for thoughtful discussion, personal reflection, and spiritual growth.
As always, this class is donation-based, including 0. To get class info and sign up, head over here.
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