Paul VanderKlay's Podcast As Liberationist-Feminism-Religion Flags Mary Harrington Recalibrates on the Imago Dei
Aug 5, 2025
Mary Harrington, a writer known for her exploration of feminism and technology, shares her insights on navigating modern gender roles and the contradictions within feminist ideology. She discusses the historical evolution of feminism, contrasting past and present movements, particularly in the context of motherhood. The conversation delves into the complexities of identity in a polarized society and critiques the notion of progress through a theological lens, all while addressing the societal impacts of technological advancements like the birth control pill.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Childhood Dishwashing Dilemma
- Mary Harrington shared a personal dilemma from childhood about whether to clear dishes like her brothers or leave it to her mother.
- This illustrates early awareness of gender roles and inequality in family settings.
Progress as Theological Story
- The idea of progress is a theological story in disguise, linked to Christian eschatology but with its transcendent aspects removed.
- This reveals progress as a secularized spirituality rather than a purely material concept.
Mother-Shaped Blind Spot
- Feminism historically had a dialectic between freedom and care, recognizing differences and conflicts between autonomy and motherhood.
- Modern feminism privileges autonomy, creating a 'mother-shaped blind spot' that obscures motherhood's value.