Thealogy and Theology: Mutually Exclusive or Creatively Interdependent?
Abstract
Thealogy and Theology: Mutually Exclusive or Creatively Interdependent? SAGE Publications, Inc.1999DOI: 10.1177/096673509900002103 BeverleyClack Introduction The aim of this article* is to consider what relationship-if any-there can be between feminist thealogy and Christian feminist theology. In considering any possible interface between these two approaches to religion, it seems important to describe my particular interest in this subject. Since making a decision at the beginning of 1997 to leave the Church, thealogy (or the 'study of the Goddess') has provided an important methodology for critiquing the Christian tradition, and for developing my own concept of God. Prior to this 'exodus'-to appropriate Mary Daly's use of the term-I had found the notion of a female divine of considerable help in formulating my own theology. I was particularly drawn to the identification made between the natural world and the divine, for the Goddess is identified with the seasons, incorporating change and flux. Equally attractive was the attendant belief that human beings are an integral part of the natural world, interdependent with all living things. This contrasted sharply, it seemed to me, with the polarized account of divinity and humanity, spirituality and physicality, present in much Christian theology. Further reflection upon my post-Christian