Hampson/Ruether Debate

• Took place in London in 1986
• Hampson commented than one could well be religious and feminist. The problem with Christianity however is that it is a 'historical' religious. Reading past literature that is considered inspired propels the past into the present.
• In response, Ruether claimed that Christianity is rather an eschatological faith, focussed on the future, liberating reign of God. Always reinterpreting itself, it is open to feminist restatement
• Hampson insisted that Christianity is not simply a political/social message; Christians believe that a particular revelation has occurred in history- an idea now not credible
• Accusing Hampson of fundamentalism, Ruether commented that she should know that mythological language is symbolic and not to be taken literally
• Hampson countered that she fully recognised that Christians need not be fundamentalist, but they must necessarily reference this past revelation. If Christianity is simply mythological, why make use of such a sexist vehicle?