Gender and theology

• What is the main topic of the summary notes provided on the page?

  Gender and theology
• Who is the author of the critique of Christianity as essentially sexist?

  Mary Daly
• What does Mary Daly mean by "If God is male then the male is God"?

  It suggests that associating divinity with masculinity implies male superiority over women.
• What does Daly argue is the consequence of associating divinity with masculinity?

  It encourages patriarchy.
• What does 1 Timothy 2:12 imply about women's roles according to Daly?

  It implies that women should not teach or assume authority over men.
• How does Daly interpret the statement "But women will be saved through childbearing"?

  Daly interprets it as suggesting women must accept being the sexual property of men to atone for their role in sin.
• What does Daly mean by the "unholy trinity" in her critique?

  She refers to rape, genocide, and war as consequences of a patriarchal world.
• How does Daly connect Christianity to the unholy trinity?


  Daly claims Christianity has legitimated male dominance, reinforcing patriarchy and leading to the unholy trinity.
• What biblical passage does Daly reference to support her argument about violence in Christianity?


  Numbers 31:17-18
• What does Daly argue defines Christianity according to her critique?

  She argues that the unholy trinity defines Christianity, not its holy trinity.
• How do liberal Christians view the Bible according to the evaluation of Daly's critique?


  Liberal Christians do not view the Bible as the perfect word of God and reject its sexist parts.
• What does the evaluation suggest about Daly's view on feminist Christianity?


  It suggests that Daly may be wrong to think a feminist form of Christianity is impossible.
• What is Ruether's view of Jesus in relation to gender?


  Ruether argues that Jesus embodies female virtues and can be seen as a gender-inclusive figure.
• How does Ruether's view of Jesus contrast with traditional Jewish messianic expectations?


  Traditional expectations saw the messiah as a warlord, while Jesus was non-violent and self-sacrificing.
• What is Daly's critique of Ruether's interpretation of Jesus?

  Daly argues that it doesn't matter if Jesus was pro-feminist; the issue is that he is a male leader legitimizing patriarchy.
• What does Daly suggest about the implications of having a male spiritual leader?

  Daly suggests it perpetuates the patriarchal view that men should lead and have power.
• What is Ruether's "golden thread" argument regarding the Bible?


  Ruether acknowledges sexist passages but argues there are also positive pro-feminist parts in the Bible.
• How does Ruether reconcile the existence of sexist and pro-feminist passages in the Bible?


  She argues that the sexist passages are a result of patriarchal culture, while the pro-liberation passages reflect God's genuine revelation.
• What does Ruether recommend regarding the sexist parts of the Bible?

  She recommends getting rid of the sexist parts of the Bible.
• What is the evaluation of Ruether's argument regarding Jesus' actions?


  It questions whether Jesus' actions can be interpreted as pro-liberation, given some passages suggest he was apolitical.
• What does Pope John Paul II argue about Christianity and sexism?

  He argues that Christianity is not sexist and that a male savior is not an issue.
• How does JP2 justify the Church's stance on sexism?

  He points to the respect and canonization of women like Mary and Joan of Arc.
• What is Daly's critique of the Church's admiration for Mary?

  Daly argues that the Church values Mary for her submissiveness, reinforcing the idea of women as sexual property of men.
• How does Daly compare the Church's view of Mary to slavery?

  Daly compares it to a slave owner liking obedient slaves, suggesting the Church's admiration is patronizing.
• What is the conclusion of Daly's critique of Christianity?

  Daly argues that Christianity is irredeemably sexist due to its male God and male savior.
• What does Daly mean by the term "irreversible" in her critique?

  She suggests that the sexist foundations of Christianity cannot be changed or redeemed.
• How does Daly's critique relate to the broader context of gender and religion?


  Daly's critique highlights the systemic issues of patriarchy within religious structures and texts.
• What is the significance of the phrase "male savior" in Daly's argument?

  It emphasizes the problematic nature of having a male figure as the central leader in a religion.
• How does Daly's critique challenge traditional views of Christianity?

  It challenges the notion that Christianity can be both male-dominated and spiritually fulfilling for women.
• What does Daly argue about the relationship between divinity and gender?

  Daly argues that associating divinity with masculinity perpetuates gender inequality.
• How does Daly's critique reflect on the historical context of Christianity?

  It reflects on how historical patriarchal structures have influenced religious beliefs and practices.
• What is the overall impact of Daly's critique on feminist theology?

  Daly's critique has sparked discussions on the need for reform and reevaluation of gender roles within Christianity.
• What does the term "patriarchy" refer to in the context of Daly's critique?

  Patriarchy refers to a social system where men hold primary power and dominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, and control of property.
• How does Daly's critique relate to the concept of spiritual salvation for women?


  Daly argues that a male God and male savior cannot provide genuine spiritual salvation for women.
• What implications does Daly's critique have for the future of Christianity?

  Daly's critique suggests that without addressing gender inequality, Christianity may continue to alienate women.
• What does Daly suggest is necessary for a genuine spirituality?

  She suggests that a genuine spirituality must move beyond male dominance and patriarchal structures.
• How does Daly's critique encourage feminist movements within religion?

  It encourages feminist movements to challenge and reform patriarchal structures within religious institutions.
• What is the significance of the term "sexual property" in Daly's critique?

  It highlights the problematic view of women as objects owned or controlled by men.
• How does Daly's critique reflect on the role of women in religious narratives?

  It reflects on how women are often portrayed as submissive and secondary to male figures in religious narratives.
• What does Daly argue about the Church's view of women?

  Daly argues that the Church's view of women is rooted in patriarchal values that diminish their worth.