Homebrewed Christianity

Intercession at the Intersection: The Gender-Bending History of the Holy Spirit with Grace Ji-Sun Kim

Jun 3, 2025
Grace Ji-Sun Kim, a theology professor at Earlham School of Religion and host of the Madang podcast, dives into the rich and often overlooked nuances of the Holy Spirit. She explores the evolution of Spirit language, revealing its feminine roots in early texts. Kim connects cultural concepts of spirit, like 'chi' and 'ruah', advocating for a more inclusive theological framework. The conversation touches on the intersection of spirituality and social justice, arguing for a broader understanding of the Spirit that unites diverse faiths in advocacy and compassion.
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INSIGHT

Hebrew Ruach and Greek Pneuma

  • The Hebrew Ruach and Greek Pneuma both signify spirit as breath, wind, or energy in biblical texts.
  • Christianity's origins are deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and the concept of spirit spans Old and New Testament.
INSIGHT

Impact of Greco-Roman Philosophy

  • Greco-Roman philosophy, especially Plato's idea of perfect unchanging God, greatly shaped early Christian doctrine of the Spirit.
  • This view makes it difficult to conceive God's suffering and influences the hierarchical Trinity and gendered Spirit.
INSIGHT

Gender Fluidity of the Spirit

  • Spirit was originally referred to in feminine gender in early Syriac and Hebrew texts.
  • Later patriarchal translations masculinized Spirit language, impacting prayers and theology negatively.
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