In her new and important book, Amy Peeler Women and the Gender of God, examines the argument that if Jesus’s flesh, that is his DNA, derives only from a woman, can it be claimed that Jesus can save all – since he didn’t assume male flesh. Problems are raised by the manhood/maleness of Jesus when it comes to redemption, and names like CS Lewis and Kathy Keller and Kallistos Ware and Thomas Hopko and Hans Urs von Balthasar figure in her setting up of the problem: they think God chose a man to represent God because only males can represent God. Thus, “Jesus and his representative, the male priest, reflect the way of God wholesale.” Or, “Jesus had to be male because it is a better reflection of God.” Which leads some of these thinkers from Jesus as male to God the Father as male. She presses down firmly with “When only men can stand in for God, then God indeed seems male.” I don’t believe she’s pressing too hard. There is a masculinist sense to such views of God.
Fascinating, and this perspective on Jesus's DNA being derived only from a woman, and questioning whether he can save all since he didn't assume male flesh is exactly the kind of questioning and angle on the scriptures that opens up our imaginations in deeper ways. When women interpret the scriptures, do thorough exegesis and hermeneutics, and bring in a female perspectives to theology, we all benefit. God becomes bigger instead of smaller. I find it all so wonderful. Thanks for this synopsis of Amy Peeler's work on this. It's remarkable.
WOW!!! Yes, this post, and Amy’s writing is nothing less than a WOW!!! Otherwise, we might be like a resuscitated Lazarus, rather than a new creation. More food for further faithful imagination about “The Incarnation” and what more it might mean for us on many levels. A first look at a steamy slice of pizza, could make a cursory look determine that I’m not going to eat THAT!!! However, once the smell takes over, my mouth waters, and I take a bite - I’m blessed with a lifetime of great pizza enjoyment!!!
Mere pizza cannot fully capture the blessings of what Amy’s book can help us discover!
My Roman Catholic upbringing, Greek heritage, switch to United Methodism, and calling into pastoral ministry leave me no choice but to have a faith-imagination, and an eagerness to discover more every day.
Fascinating, and this perspective on Jesus's DNA being derived only from a woman, and questioning whether he can save all since he didn't assume male flesh is exactly the kind of questioning and angle on the scriptures that opens up our imaginations in deeper ways. When women interpret the scriptures, do thorough exegesis and hermeneutics, and bring in a female perspectives to theology, we all benefit. God becomes bigger instead of smaller. I find it all so wonderful. Thanks for this synopsis of Amy Peeler's work on this. It's remarkable.
WOW!!! Yes, this post, and Amy’s writing is nothing less than a WOW!!! Otherwise, we might be like a resuscitated Lazarus, rather than a new creation. More food for further faithful imagination about “The Incarnation” and what more it might mean for us on many levels. A first look at a steamy slice of pizza, could make a cursory look determine that I’m not going to eat THAT!!! However, once the smell takes over, my mouth waters, and I take a bite - I’m blessed with a lifetime of great pizza enjoyment!!!
Mere pizza cannot fully capture the blessings of what Amy’s book can help us discover!
My Roman Catholic upbringing, Greek heritage, switch to United Methodism, and calling into pastoral ministry leave me no choice but to have a faith-imagination, and an eagerness to discover more every day.
Thank you!
Love this