Introducing Redemption in Christian Feminism

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by Rosemary Radford Ruether

The Pilgrim Press

Due/Published June 2000, 136 pages, paper

ISBN 0829813829

Introductions in Feminist Theology (IFT) explores various theological topics that challenge patriarchal theology and suggest liberating alternatives. The authors and editors seek to expand theological discourse by providing reliable guides to the history of thinking, current issues and debates, and possible future developments in feminist theology.

Review

In Scripture, redemption through Christ applies equally to both genders but androcentric points of view and patriarchial leadership in Christian churches has tended to view women as weaker and more prone to sin. Needless to say, the latter view has skewed the message of equal redemption in Christianity and reinforced the subordination of women. Rosemary Ruether offers a historical survey of the changing views of female redemption from the early church fathers to the middle ages to the rise of liberation theologies in the twentieth century. She also focuses on several theological themes, including the representation of Christ as representative of a male; the meaning of conversion and transformation, sin and grace; and the suffering of Christ on the cross. In the concluding chapter Ruether examines what we can hope for through redemption. Ruether’s lucid work offers valuable new feminist perspectives on theological issues and on creating greater equality among the sexes within Christianity.