Mary Daly

• Mary Daly was a significant radical feminist and theologian in the 20th century.
• She was a keen critic of patriarchal systems within society and faith organisations, particularly Christianity.
• Daly famously claimed she was ‘post-Christian’, breaking away from the traditional beliefs due to their perceived oppressive nature.
• Her book “Beyond God the Father” was a milestone in feminist theology.
• She proposed the concept of “Be-ing”, a transcendent reality that is beyond male dominated concepts of God.
• Daly believed that religious language and symbols are patriarchal and marginalise women.
• She argued for the need to create a female-centred religious language and practises.
• Her work presents a challenge to conventional religious belief, creating profound debates amongst theologians.
• Her notions of God, transcendence and ethics were influential in shaping feminist theology.
• Some critics label Daly’s work as misandrist, asserting that she went from seeking equality to eradicating males.
• Regardless of the criticism, Daly’s work liberates many women from traditional religious constrictions and encourages self-empowerment.