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Household of Freedom: Authority in Feminist Theology
Letty M. Russell's Household of Freedom addresses concerns important to all those struggling with issues of authority and equality in the church. Known for her work in feminist and liberation theologies, Russell now looks at the question of that is, legitimate power in the context of Christianity. She uses the image of community, God's household of freedom, to describe ways in which human beings can better live and work together in faith.
116 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 1987
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 26, 2024
A FEMINIST THEOLOGIAN LOOKS AT THE CONCEPT OF "AUTHORITY"
Editor Letty Mandeville Russell (1929-2007) was a feminist theologian who taught at Yale Divinity School, who also wrote/edited books such as 'Dictionary of Feminist Theologies,' 'Human Liberation in a Feminist Perspective--A Theology,' etc. She wrote in the Preface to this 1987 book, "I will be discussing authority in feminist theology, trying to analyze the problems of authority in an eschatological perspective and to present some alternative ways of imaging how authority might function in a household of freedom." (Pg. 13)
She states, "I want to argue that it is possible to begin with the biblical understanding of God's ... householding of the whole earth, and thus be able to describe the exercise of authority in both the private and the public realms as a participation in God's householding and partnering activity." (Pg. 26)
She cites Nelle Morton's 'The Journey is Home' description of Goddess-talk, which "is not heretical, for it makes no claim that our Creator, Liberator and Advocate is literally Father or Mother, God or Goddess. It simply addresses itself to the idolatrous power of God-talk that refuses to use any but male metaphors for God, by creating space in our language for God/Goddess to be God." (Pg. 53)
She suggests, "I do not think that the house of authority as such is the enemy of truth. Rather, it is the master's house of patriarchal authority that needs replacement." (Pg. 64) Later, she adds, "In my view an alternative paradigm of authority that would foster independence in a household of freedom is partnership." (Pg. 92)
Challenging and unique as are all of Russell's books, this book will be of interest to theologians and also ecclesiastics.
Editor Letty Mandeville Russell (1929-2007) was a feminist theologian who taught at Yale Divinity School, who also wrote/edited books such as 'Dictionary of Feminist Theologies,' 'Human Liberation in a Feminist Perspective--A Theology,' etc. She wrote in the Preface to this 1987 book, "I will be discussing authority in feminist theology, trying to analyze the problems of authority in an eschatological perspective and to present some alternative ways of imaging how authority might function in a household of freedom." (Pg. 13)
She states, "I want to argue that it is possible to begin with the biblical understanding of God's ... householding of the whole earth, and thus be able to describe the exercise of authority in both the private and the public realms as a participation in God's householding and partnering activity." (Pg. 26)
She cites Nelle Morton's 'The Journey is Home' description of Goddess-talk, which "is not heretical, for it makes no claim that our Creator, Liberator and Advocate is literally Father or Mother, God or Goddess. It simply addresses itself to the idolatrous power of God-talk that refuses to use any but male metaphors for God, by creating space in our language for God/Goddess to be God." (Pg. 53)
She suggests, "I do not think that the house of authority as such is the enemy of truth. Rather, it is the master's house of patriarchal authority that needs replacement." (Pg. 64) Later, she adds, "In my view an alternative paradigm of authority that would foster independence in a household of freedom is partnership." (Pg. 92)
Challenging and unique as are all of Russell's books, this book will be of interest to theologians and also ecclesiastics.
March 14, 2023
A great reframing of the concepts of power and authority. From Dr. Russell's perspective I found her invitation to a household, and the consequences of misunderstanding and misuse of power and authority lead to a breakdown of society. Her point of inflection of pain connects her theology to the cross. I am glad I read the book.
May 30, 2013
Assigned for class (if your curious at my reading an "authority in feminist theology"). Compassionate towards the oppressed. Selective with appreciation for biblical authority. Seeking to clarify the feminine share of imago dei. Desires the deposition of traditional church leadership. Utopian in vision. Jaded, optimistic, and a good intro to the subject.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews