Rosemary Radford Ruether

• Rosemary Radford Ruether is a significant figure in feminist theology. She was born in 1936 and has influenced the discourse around gender and theology significantly through the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st century.

• She is best known for her work ‘Sexism and God-Talk: Toward a Feminist Theology’ (1983). Here she puts forth the idea of the need for a radical reconstruction of the Christian tradition.

• Ruether argues that sexism is deeply rooted in western culture and has infiltrally infiltrated religious sentiment and practises.

• She asserts that Christian theology is an androcentric and patriarchal construct that has been used as a tool of oppression against women. Her theology critiques this male bias and calls for an egalitarian approach.

• Ruether proposes a ‘Prophetic Tradition’ within the Bible that supports equality and inclusivity, contrasting with the patriarchal interpretation traditionally imposed.

• She advocates for a reinterpretation of biblical scriptures from a feminist perspective, asserting that such a reading can bring to light overlooked aspects of the text that empower women.

• An integral part of Ruether’s work is her critique of God as male. She argues that this reaffirms the patriarchal power structure and excludes women. She advocates for a shift to a concept of God that is gender-neutral or incorporates both male and female elements.

• Ruether extends her advocacy beyond theological issues. She is a campaigner for social, racial, and environmental justice.

• Moreso, Ruether’s work is not just limited to Christianity. She has authored works on anti-Semitism, ecology, and feminism within a broad spectrum of religious traditions.

• Overall, Radford Ruether is known for her groundbreaking and contemporary approach to theology, offering a feminist critique that challenges traditional patriarchal interpretations of the Bible.

As you delve into the subject of Gender & Theology, consider the undermining of patriarchal structures in theology that Ruether represents and how this challenge has reshaped contemporary theological discourse.