Christian responses to contemporary secular views about women and men in the family and society. (Edexcel A-Level Religious Studies): Revision Notes

Christian responses to contemporary secular views about women and men in the family and society

Mulieris Dignitatum: Pope John Paul II's Defence of Gender Roles

In 1988, Pope John Paul II addressed accusations of sexism in Christianity through an open letter titled "Mulieris Dignitatum" (On the Dignity of Women).

This perspective supports Gender Traditionalism and a divinely designed biological essentialism, suggesting that Christianity and the Church are not sexist and that a male saviour can redeem women.

Pope John Paul II presented two main arguments in "Mulieris Dignitatum":

1. Motherhood as a Woman's Telos John Paul II claimed that motherhood is the natural purpose (telos) for women. He argued that women are inherently inclined towards motherhood, both physically and psychologically, as motherhood fosters a unique openness and self-giving compassion. According to this view, a woman's fulfilment and purpose, particularly her capacity for compassion, are realised through virginity and motherhood.

Feminist Critique They argue that just as the sexist elements of the Bible were created by men to maintain male dominance, the idea that God designed distinct telos for men and women is also a cultural invention.

Anthropological studies showing diverse gender roles across different cultures undermine the notion of a natural inclination towards specific gender roles. The claim that God created women for motherhood is a cultural construct designed to confine women to passive domestic roles, allowing men to dominate public and powerful positions in society.

Simone de Beauvoir's Rejection Simone de Beauvoir, a radical feminist and existentialist, also rejected the idea that motherhood is a woman's telos. She, along with Sartre, argued against objective purpose, asserting that humans must define their own purpose. According to existentialist thought, people cling to notions of objective purpose to avoid the existential anxiety associated with complete freedom and personal responsibility.

2**. Valued Women in Christian History**

John Paul II highlighted the significant roles of women in Christian history and theology, pointing to numerous female saints and the pivotal role of Mary, the mother of Jesus. He argued that the high regard for these women indicates that Christianity is not sexist.

Feminist Critique Simone de Beauvoir contended that the veneration of Mary exemplifies the Christian ideal of women as docile servants.

Mary Daly extended this critique, arguing that Mary is depicted as a passive entity shaped by male influence. Daly controversially described Mary as a "rape victim," asserting that her consent was irrelevant due to the power imbalance between God and Mary.

Through these arguments, Pope John Paul II sought to defend traditional gender roles within a Christian framework, while feminist critics challenged the underlying assumptions and implications of such roles.

Liberal approach to the Bible

• Liberal theologians argue that the Bible is not the infallible word of God but a product of human authorship.
• This perspective, which emerged during the Enlightenment, emphasises that scientific, historical, and literary critiques have revealed numerous errors and human influences within the biblical texts.
• The scriptures, according to this view, were written by individuals who witnessed or heard about divine events, such as the incarnation or divine communications.
• The Bible reflects the cultural and historical contexts of its authors and requires ongoing reinterpretation to remain relevant.
• Liberal Christians often highlight that Jesus himself demonstrated a progressive approach by modifying some Old Testament laws in the Sermon on the Mount. They believe Christians should similarly continue to evolve their theology and ethics.

Ruether's Feminist Theology

Ruether argues that the Bible contains both patriarchal and egalitarian verses, making it inconsistent on gender issues. This inconsistency undermines the Bible's ability to coherently support traditional patriarchal views of gender roles.

Post-Christian Feminist Theologians

Post-Christian feminist theologians, such as Daly and Hampson, take the critique further by arguing that the patriarchal elements in the Bible are evidence that the Christian God is a man-made construct.

They assert that the Bible's portrayal of men in superior positions reflects the interests of its male authors.