Summary

• What historical event allowed the Bible to be translated into vernacular languages?

  The Protestant Reformation
• Why could few Christians read the Bible before the Reformation?

  It was only available in Latin
• How did Protestant reformers encourage individual interpretation of the Bible?

  By promoting personal reading of the Bible
• What was the Roman Church's stance on biblical interpretation before the Reformation?

  Only scholars could interpret the Bible
• What is liberal biblical criticism?

  Interpreting the Bible using reason and modern thought
• What does biblical criticism examine to understand the original authors' intentions?

  The text in its original language
• What is the goal of the processes involved in biblical criticism?

  To find the truth expressed in the Bible
• How did Barth's view of the Bible differ from liberal criticism?

  He saw it as an inspired text challenging reason
• What do fundamentalists believe about the Bible's text?

  It is literally true and needs no interpretation
• Which New Testament text suggests gender equality according to Paul?

  Galatians 3:26–28
• How does 1 Corinthians 14:34–35 challenge gender equality?

  It suggests women should be silent in Church
• What context is important for interpreting 1 Timothy 2:8–15?

  The problem in the community at Ephesus
• What was the status of women in the Church by the fifth century?

  They were in a secondary position
• How did the rise of monasticism affect women's roles?

  It allowed women to study and hold authority
• What changes occurred for women in the workforce during the nineteenth century?

  They entered caring and service roles
• What argument did Catherine Booth make for women's right to preach?

  Women are better communicators and guided by the Holy Spirit
• What is the legal status of women in employment in the UK today?

  It is illegal to discriminate against women
• What was the Church of England's stance on female ordination until the twentieth century?

  Only men could be ordained
• What significant change occurred in the Church of England in 1988?

  Women were approved for ordination as priests
• Who was the first female bishop in the Church of England?

  Libby Lane
• What was one argument against the consecration of women as bishops?

  Apostolic Succession invalidates women bishops
• What is feminist theology's primary focus?

  The hopes and aspirations of women
• What does the liberal strand of feminist theology analyze?

  The system denying women equality
• What does the radical or Marxist strand of feminist theology seek to achieve?

  Equality between women and men in society
• How does Hampson view the Church's past regarding sexism?

  It is trapped in patriarchy and sexist attitudes
• What does Hampson argue about Jesus' view of women?

  He had high regard for women and liberation
• What does Hampson suggest about the concept of God?

  God does not have a gender
• What is the Church's role according to Hampson?

  It should liberate women
• What contrasting views exist about celibacy in the Early Church?

  It had a mixed view compared to Judaism
• How are the past, present, and future described in relation to Christianity?

  They are meaningful and interrelated historically
• What claim is made about Jesus in the study material?

  Jesus was not raised from the dead
• What has the Enlightenment contributed to our understanding?

  It has helped us understand the world differently
• What is said about the church's attitude towards sexism?

  The church is irredeemably sexist
• How did Jesus regard women according to the study material?

  He had a high regard for women
• What does the study material say about the church's past regarding women?

  It has ridiculed women and pushed them aside
• What is the concept of God’s gender in the study material?

  God does not have a gender
• What is said about the future of the church or Christianity?

  There is no future for the church or Christianity
• What is the church described as in relation to change?

  The church is a vehicle for change
• What are the different Christian views about celibacy, marriage, homosexuality, and transgender issues?

  • Mixed views on celibacy in Early Church
  • Marriage expected for Church leaders later
  • Negative attitudes towards women and sex developed
  • Celibacy became normal for Catholic clergy
  • Protestant Churches abandoned clerical celibacy
  • Different views on marriage among denominations
  • Same-sex marriage challenges traditional views
• What was the Early Church's view on celibacy?

  Celibacy was seen as the ideal