Sallie McFague on Loving God and the World: in Memoriam
Nov 16, 2019
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The late Sallie McFague was a pioneering feminist theologian known for her impactful contributions to eco-theology and radical love. In this heartfelt tribute, her insights on divine interconnectedness resonate deeply, emphasizing the beauty of existence. She also discusses the concept of wild spaces, addressing empathy and privilege. McFague's reflections on kenosis challenge listeners to embrace self-emptying love as a pathway to justice. Her approach advocates for inclusive spiritual consciousness, shedding light on the urgency of compassion in the face of climate change.
Dr. Sallie McFague's eco-theology emphasizes the importance of viewing the Earth as God's body to inspire ecological responsibility.
The podcast highlights the transformative potential of kenosis, showcasing how self-emptying love can foster community and justice.
McFague advocates for expanding theological language, arguing that diverse metaphors enrich understanding and connect faith with personal experiences.
Deep dives
Legacy and Influence of Dr. Sally McFague
The podcast episode pays tribute to Dr. Sally McFague, a pioneering feminist theologian known for her extensive contributions to contemporary theology. Her works, including 'Blessed Are the Consumers' and 'Models of God,' challenge traditional doctrines by integrating eco-theology with feminist perspectives. McFague's theological approach emphasizes relationality and the interconnectedness of all creation, advocating for a compassionate understanding of God that reflects divine presence in the world around us. The episode highlights her belief that theology must adapt to current ecological crises, insisting that traditional views must evolve to incorporate a more relational and organic understanding of the divine.
The Importance of Language in Theology
The podcast elaborates on the critical role of language in theological discourse, emphasizing that the terms and metaphors used to discuss God profoundly shape beliefs and understanding. McFague argues that traditional descriptions of God have often been confining, and thus, it's essential to explore alternative language that resonates with personal and communal experiences. Metaphorical language should reflect a variety of perspectives, allowing for richer theological reflections that honor the complexity of existence. By expanding the lexicon of theological language, believers can better articulate the divine's relational nature, moving beyond restrictive and outdated terminology.
Eco-Theology: Connecting Faith and Environmentalism
McFague's eco-theology is a central theme in the discussion, where she explores how theological reflections must engage with the realities of climate change and ecological crises. She posits that understanding the Earth as God's body fosters a profound appreciation for creation, encouraging stewardship and responsible interaction with the environment. This perspective challenges the dominion theology that has historically justified exploitation, instead inspiring a sense of reverence for all life forms as sacred. The podcast underscores the urgent need for religious communities to adopt eco-theological frameworks that promote sustainable and ethical practices, aligning faith with ecological responsibility.
Kenosis: The Theology of Self-Emptying Love
The concept of kenosis, or self-emptying love, is presented as a profound theological principle that underpins McFague's thought. This understanding emphasizes that true love involves sacrificing one's own needs and desires to create space for others to thrive. McFague connects this idea to the life of Jesus, illustrating how his actions exemplify this radical love through relational engagement with the marginalized. The podcast emphasizes that embodying kenosis can lead to transformative experiences where individuals contribute positively to their communities, creating environments of compassion, justice, and reconciliation.
Transformative Power of Hope in Theology
Hope emerges as a powerful theme in discussions about the future of theology and society, suggesting that change is possible through collective action and renewed consciousness. McFague’s works encourage individuals to actively participate in creating a more just and sustainable world by fostering relationships and embracing diversity. The podcast reflects on how recent social changes, particularly in gender and sexuality, illustrate the potential for transformative societal shifts that resonate with theological principles. This vision of hope urges listeners to engage in grassroots movements and community-building efforts that reflect the core tenets of love and justice found in the teachings of Jesus.
Counter-Cultural Dynamics of Christian Faith
The episode discusses how contemporary Christian faith must resist prevailing economic and social norms that prioritize individualism and consumerism over community and ecological well-being. McFague’s insights highlight the necessity for Christians to reclaim the radical aspects of their faith by modeling lives of compassion and service. The challenges posed by capitalism and institutionalized oppression require theological engagement that not only critiques existing systems but actively promotes alternative ways of living. This counter-cultural approach in Christian practice can lead to the formation of communities that prioritize relationality, inclusivity, and environmental stewardship, echoing McFague's theological thought.
Dr. Sallie McFague is a theological legend, a pioneer feminist theologian, and one of the most powerful thinkers in my own theological development. We learned that she passed away this weekend. Over the course of the podcast I have had the honor of interviewing her twice and since hearing the news of her passing I have received a bunch of messages asking for the interviews themselves. After I found them I started listening and remembering how powerful they were. I knew that if anyone was interested in hearing the voice of this powerful theologian for themselves it should be as easy as possible. That is the main reason I started HBC years ago!!
While going back through the two episodes I decided to edit them together to make access easy. The biggest surprise I found was this amazing selection in which Dr. McFague reads the end of her last text. It is was moving then, but even more so now. I knew it needed to be shared on its own, so Elgin (11 year old son) created this little video.
Dr. McFague was 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. In the podcast we cover a lot of ground, 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?
