Customer Reviews

Towards a Feminist Christology: Jesus of Nazareth, European Women, and the Christological Crisis

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This engaging volume is the contribution of a European feminist theologian to the search for a critical contextual Christology for the times. The author explores the possibility of reconstructing a spiritually dynamic and intellectually coherent Christianity that regards the Western feminist critique of Christology with utmost seriousness. Her work-holding immense significance for America and Europe-seeks to find a liberating path in between the Western dogmatic tradition and the outright rejection of Christology advocated by post-Christian feminist theologians. She confronts the Christological crisis squarely and suggests a way out of the impasse for those prepared to risk the encounter of the Spirit for themselves.

This book is about the nature of Christ and the Church, and is controversial for orthodox Christians. The book is a well-done, reflective study about how Christ might be viewed from a feminist viewpoint--without women necessarily leaving the Church. It is a call for a new reformation, and recognizes much of the dogma of the Church, including the interpretation that Jesus's crucifixion was necessary for the salvation of mankind, is from a limited perspective--that of patriarchal males.

Hopkins sees the crucifixion of Jesus as the obvious societal/cultural outcome of a challenge to power. God, she says,is suffering along with Jesus, just like he suffers along with all who are subject to injustice and oppression.

In her view, and I agree, the Christian Church in the west must expand its views to include the feminist idea of Jesus as a Way to Wholeness, not as an atonement to sin. While I recognize the idea of sinful humanity in need for redemption as having validity, I have never believed anyone needs to constantly beat their chests chanting mea culpa. Indeed, for women and oppressed people this is yet another way to remind them they are invisible and worthless, and keep them from rising up against injustice.

If churches are to attract people to the deep metaphorical affirming messages of Christ and the Bible, to help center people in compassion, love, community, and justice, then surely the clergy need to appeal to God's grace moving people into a wholeness of being that helps them transcend lesser ways of behaving. Perhaps, the church needs to include in its liturgies and language not only the loving Father willing to sacrfice his son, but also the giving Mother who births new life full of joy.