Theme Articles: Luther, Feminism, Friendship and the Future

Abstract

This article traces the author's journey of becoming a Lutheran feminist theologian. Drawing on insights from both Lutheran and feminist traditions, the author proposes a shift in Christian vocation imagery from that of servant to friend. She then argues that call to friendship includes subverting global structures of domination. The article ends with an invitation to join the expanding conversation about how Lutheran and feminist frameworks address the needs of our contemporary world.

“The Only Safe Guide is Love”: Models of Engaging Luther's Ethical Hermeneutic for Theological Responses to the Affirmation of Same‐Sex Sexuality

“…15 Yet these scholars also have observed that, because of its historical specificity, the application of Luther's theology to present contexts can be both liberating and limiting; though sharing an affinity with feminist theological and ethical values, at the same time it is discontinuous with affirmations of women's full anthropological and political worth. These scholars point out that the methodological commitments of Luther and of feminist theologians align in several important ways: both critique later developments in their tradition by returning to the sources; acknowledge the spiritual equality of all women and men before God and the inherent value of women's work; address human struggles in public life in the face of injustices; and criticize ideologies that devalue women.…”

“…These scholars point out that the methodological commitments of Luther and of feminist theologians align in several important ways: both critique later developments in their tradition by returning to the sources; acknowledge the spiritual equality of all women and men before God and the inherent value of women's work; address human struggles in public life in the face of injustices; and criticize ideologies that devalue women. 15 Yet these scholars also have observed that, because of its historical specificity, the application of Luther's theology to present contexts can be both liberating and limiting; though sharing an affinity with feminist theological and ethical values, at the same time it is discontinuous with affirmations of women's full anthropological and political worth. 16 Feminist Lutheran and Reformation scholars are able to harness the similarities in Luther's ethical values and productively negotiate, rather than lay aside, the tensions in his thought.…”