Die ooreenkomste tussen die skrif– en Godsbeskouing van enkele internasionale feministiese teoloë en dié van teoloë in Suid–Afrika

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine views of God and of the Scriptures maintained by prominent international feminist theologians and then to determine if traits of these views are evident in South African theology. Arbitration will subsequently be made based on Reformed theology, i.e. the Bible and the articles of faith. A clear position will be assumed regarding the premise from which the study is adjudicated, via the Calvinistic-Reformatory tradition. The historical synopsis has revealed that the feminist movement originated a long time ago. There have been indications of feminist sentiments from the first centuries. During these centuries -especially in the patriarchal era discrimination against women was ubiquitous, and women were considered not fully and equally human at times. They were often viewed as objects, fit only to bear children and perform domestic chores. Women often did not have an opportunity to study and until recently they did not share equal career opportunity as men had done. In the church silence was often imposed upon women. The fact that women are yet to be allowed to officiate in certain clerical positions in some churches is still disputed. The feminist movement gained true momentum with the publishing of Stanton's "Women's Bible" at the end of the 19th century. Another leap was the publishing of De Beauvoir's book "The Second Sex" in the 1950's. In this book she suggests that one is not born a woman, but rather becomes a woman. (Gender is an aspect of identity which is acquired.) In the1960's this book was essentially rediscovered and contributed to establishment of the "Women's Lib" movement, in which feminism as it is conceptualized today, was actually conceived. All these events resulted from genuine discrimination against women as well as from overreaction by women. The Feminist Theology emanated from the Feminist Movement. This is a liberation theology which aims to free women from a male God as well as from oppression by men. However this theology is biased as it only reflects the views of rebellious women. Besides the male God whom they view as problematic, they also have a problem with a Bible which was written and accepted by men. Many traces of postmodernism are evident in this theology; especially the trait the reader determines the meaning of a text. Findings show that Feminist Theology is a global trend as it has manifested to a certain extent in virtually all countries. Defining "Feminist Theology" is complex as there are various opinions and types. There are definite traces of Feminist Theology in South Africa and Africa in its entirety. The international feminist theologians who have been studied are: Elizabeth Schüssler-Fiorenza, Athalya Brenner and Fokkelien van Dijk-Hemmes. From their view of the Scriptures it can be clearly assumed that the Bible is not accepted as the unconditional Word of God. They are merely willing to accept parts which suit them and want to adapt these to comply with their personal convictions. In their opinion, the Bible contains androcentric language, which they deem unacceptable. With regard to their Hermeneutics, they agree to a large extent with postmodernism, in which there are no rules for interpretation. The reader determines the meaning of the text. With regard to their view of God, they deem it unacceptable that a "male" God can be a Saviour for women. Jesus Christ must be perceived as a feminist to make him acceptable by any means. The male pronouns which refer to God are totally unacceptable to them. With the regard to the traces of this theology in the South African theology, it can be unequivocally stated that many traces and parallels can be found. The traces are not necessarily influenced by these theologians, but the parallels cannot be doubted. The influence of postmodernism is also clearly visible in the South African theology. The traces are especially visible in outspoken South African feminists, theologians and supporters of the "New Reformation." There are also theologians, not affiliated to these groups, who show similarities. The Reformed Theology states unconditionally that the Bible is the only Word of God -which was inspired by the Holy Spirit and was also accepted under the guidance of the Holy Spirit as canon. The authority of the Bible is unequivocally accepted. Based on the Scriptures and the articles of faith, which are anchored in the Scriptures, the Feminist theology is rejected. With regard to their view of God, their objections are also rejected. God is above gender. The images are used to describe His characteristics. There is evidence that there is not only referred to God by means of male images. The arbitration shows that the Reformed Theology and the Feminist Theology are not reconcilable. The Reformed Theology is a theology which has existed for years -it has essentially withstood the test of time. The reason is that it accepts the Holy Trinity, as He has revealed himself in the Bible, which is accepted as the Word of God. It also draws on the articles of faith, which are true to the Scriptures. It is doubtful that the Feminist Theology will withstand the test of time, as its roots are vested in man and not in God. The South African theology must be cautious of foreign influences which infiltrate its theology. There must be a return to God and his Word.