Feminist perspectives of God

• What is the feminist argument?

  God is described as male, eg 'king' and 'father' - a figure of authority and power. It is built upon traditional patriarchal beliefs that are now outdated. Male dominant language alienates women from the church
• Daphne Hampson and masculinity of the Old Testament

  - God is defined as omni-everything which is unequivocally male

  - God is the male patriarch carried to the extremes: all powerful warrior King, leader of heavenly armies, supreme judge, king, ruler

  - its truths are fundamentally flawed. Outdated. Patriarchal 'baggage' has to be accepted in the 21st century into a society which is becoming increasingly less patriarchal
• Hampson and the New Testament problem

  Why should women pray to a male God? Why can't it be our mother instead of our father? Problem with the trinity too
• What is Hampson's problem with Jesus?

  Jesus' lack of commitment to any kind of female equality; unquestionably kind to women but no evidence of him having a feminine perspective on society
• How would other feminists challenge Hampson's view of Jesus?

  He defended women and treated them with respect, even the lowest in society. Eg defence of women taken in adultery John 8:1-11. He accepted women as disciples. Luke's gospel is about Jesus fighting for those on the edges of society. Went out of his way to talk to a Samaritan woman, engaged with Mary and Martha and his close friend was Mary of Magdalen
• What are the main weaknesses of Hampson's argument?

  - instead of accepting certain parts of the bible that she agrees with she chooses to dismiss it all

  - does not recognise Jesus' positive attitude towards women

  - other women in the bible such as Mary are very important to the church, such as the Catholic Church. Other female figures such as saints are also recognised and serve as role models for women

  - some denominations allow you to use non-gendered language or feminine language to describe God

  - changing the language of the Bible could change the meaning