The conception of the imago Dei and its impact on female leadership : a critical reflection of Christian feminism in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

This study falls within the ambits of the field of systematic theology. It seeks to examine and evaluate the doctrine of the imago Dei and its influence on Christian female leadership in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This study engages in an in-depth analysis of Christian feminist spirituality through the lens of the doctrine of the “Imago Dei”. The named doctrine, establishes the Christian belief that men and women are created in the image of God. However, the concept of the image of God and its accompanying notion of likeness has several ethical implications. Some of these implications include the acknowledgement of human dignity, equality between men and women, freedom, responsibility towards one’s neighbours and nature, the preservation of life, and the call to conform to Christ. He is the image of God par excellence. The argument here is that this doctrine constitutes the driving force behind the transformative acts of Christian feminists. This praxis stems from their spirituality. In view of this, this thesis critically examined the doctrine of the imago Dei and its impact on Christian female leadership in the DRC. It investigated the perception regarding the doctrine of imago Dei and its influence on Christian feminist leadership in the West and Africa, specifically in the DRC. To achieve this aim, the study utilises the analytical method of theological research, and a fusion of the relational and functional viewpoints or interpretations of the image of God to analyse the modern perspective of imago Dei adopted by Christian feminists. The thesis argues that Christian feminist theology challenges conventional ethics of the Church through its understanding of the doctrine of imago Dei. This is because the knowledge of their divine creation in the image of God propels Christian feminists’ responsive engagement in God’s work on earth. This study suggests that the ideal of the imago Dei instils dignity and courage in Christian feminists. It equips them to act proactively as witnesses of Jesus Christ and representatives of God on earth, by exercising the divine authority bestowed upon all human beings at creation and thought the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.