Post by addisona on Nov 23, 2022 12:31:16 GMT
Ten liberation theologians you should know: Women doing theology in Abya Yala
While sitting in church, attending a seminary class or reading a theological article, have you ever wondered where the women theologians are and why they are not cited? This article highlights women liberation theologians of Abya Yala so the next time you are in a theological discussion, preparing a Bible study or writing a sermon, you can reflect on and add the voices of women forging a path through today’s most critical issues.
In the 1970s, Native activists, historians, politicians and theologians adopted Abya Yala as the unified name of the continents of the Western hemisphere instead of calling them North America (English-speaking) and Latin or South America (primarily Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries) — names that perpetuate colonial divisions. Abya Yala comes from the Guna language, spoken by the Guna peoples, who lived between present-day Panama and Colombia. It means “land in full maturity and land of vital blood.” This name for the combined continent focuses on the land and its Native people, rather than on colonization and invasion.
Women theologians of Abya Yala see the land and shared experiences as part of a longer arc of history, one that is not overshadowed or forgotten but rather is incorporated into their reflections. Theologians of Abya Yala present not only a unified collective of women doing theology on the continent, but also a liberation theology that focuses on the role of women who suffered colonization, forced migration, enslavement and the oppression of women’s bodies.
In the overarching narrative of society and of Judeo-Christian theological belief, men are at the center of power, society, culture and religious practices. After many struggles and battles, women have mobilized against laws that have sought control over women’s political participation and theological reflections. As the arc of society slowly bends closer to equality, the Christian church has experienced changes that also have affected the establishment. Women leaders have arisen as theologians, pastors, bishops, ruling elders and moderators, among other vital roles.
In the 1970s, Native activists, historians, politicians and theologians adopted Abya Yala as the unified name of the continents of the Western hemisphere instead of calling them North America (English-speaking) and Latin or South America (primarily Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries) — names that perpetuate colonial divisions. Abya Yala comes from the Guna language, spoken by the Guna peoples, who lived between present-day Panama and Colombia. It means “land in full maturity and land of vital blood.” This name for the combined continent focuses on the land and its Native people, rather than on colonization and invasion.
Women theologians of Abya Yala see the land and shared experiences as part of a longer arc of history, one that is not overshadowed or forgotten but rather is incorporated into their reflections. Theologians of Abya Yala present not only a unified collective of women doing theology on the continent, but also a liberation theology that focuses on the role of women who suffered colonization, forced migration, enslavement and the oppression of women’s bodies.
In the overarching narrative of society and of Judeo-Christian theological belief, men are at the center of power, society, culture and religious practices. After many struggles and battles, women have mobilized against laws that have sought control over women’s political participation and theological reflections. As the arc of society slowly bends closer to equality, the Christian church has experienced changes that also have affected the establishment. Women leaders have arisen as theologians, pastors, bishops, ruling elders and moderators, among other vital roles.