Corporate theological reflection is how different communities use reflection to construct their own identities. Graham, Walton and Ward suggest communities choose an aspect of their identity as a tool for theological reflection. By applying a feature of our identity to a question relevant to today’s society, we are able to establish a theological answer to the topic being analysed.
‘List the ways in which it would be better if women dominated social and political life.’
Therefore, when reflecting on this question theologically, it would be best to find an aspect of one’s own identity. Using being female as an aspect to addressing the question it is evident that throughout the past, it has been predominantly a patriarchal society.
As mentioned by Greaves women have received an historical legacy of discrimination and neglect. He then goes onto explain how:
‘Women have struggled with their Christianity and gender issues and come to the conclusion that the former is irrevocably permeated by patriarchal attitudes and structures, and therefore i irredeemable.’
Greaves reflects upon how the church has allowed men to have a dominating position within the structure of the church system. Even looking at God as a theological theme, it is evident that women have been given a lesser position in society than men, which proves Greaves thesis to be an accurate interpretation:
‘Your desire will be for you husband, and he will rule over you.’ Genesis 3:16
This shows how it is Gods will that men should play the dominant position in the hierarchy. It is our duty, as women to respect our husbands, and ensure that their needs are met. Also we should remain at home and raise our children, whilst our husbands go out to work/ help rule over society and politics. Thus women should not be able to dominate society as they should be the domineering figure in the home; to ensure that the children are raised, as well as the husbands looked after.
Greaves shows how it was Eve’s temptation and disobedience to God’s command that leads to their expulsion from the Garden of Eden and the presence of God. His thesis is exemplified by Furlong:
‘... the most fundamental of Christian stereotypes is the stereotype of Eve- woman as incurable treacherous.’
Through the betrayal of the first woman (Eve) throughout history this disloyalty has laid in the minds of many men, it has only been since the 1960’s that feminist movements and women’s rights began to make a change. With more rights within society, women are now involved within politics and church roles. Yet, the question of whether or not society is equal still exists. If we are equal why is it that men are paid more for the same jobs as women? The answer to this is that although women have been given more rights, many still see women as the lesser gender.
Even within the arts, the song ‘It’s a Man’s World’ highlights that man has achieved a patriarchal society and yet ‘it wouldn’t be nothing without a woman or a girl.’ Reaffirming how important it is for both sexes to be involved within society.
An example of corporate theological reflection includes women as subject. It is for that reason that we reflect on women’s rights/ the history of women in society within communal groups in order to establish a clear understanding of theological reflection by including the theological themes mentioned in McGraths contents page.
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