The Role of Women's Experience in Feminist Theologies of Atonement

Book excerpt: A strong critique of traditional atonement theology is found in the work of many contemporary feminist theologians. This approach, in large part, is related to the notion of women's experience--a category that is used widely within feminist theology. But what is women's experience and how does it affect feminist theology, particularly views on the atonement? The category of women's experience is pivotal to feminist theology, yet its use may lead to models of atonement that place excessive stress upon the subjective element of Christ's saving work thereby neglecting to address adequately the objective aspects of the cross. This book focuses on the methodological issues regarding the category of women's experience generally, its definition and use in feminist theology, with a more detailed analysis of its use in the context of feminist theologies of atonement. Utilizing the work of a wide variety of feminist theologians in conversation with theologies of experience, this work attempts to understand the role of women's experience as it shapes feminist views on the atonement, noting the strengths and limitations of feminist approaches to soteriology.