Journey to Liberation: The Legacy of Womanist Theology
4 thoughts on “Journey to Liberation: The Legacy of Womanist Theology”
Ava Brooks
I find it empowering that these women grew up in the hardships of not only the racism endured by the Black community as a whole, but sexism for being a woman, and still made a way for themselves. Black women were not given any recognition in the face of major movements for Black Americans or women in America; they needed a voice too, so they created their own at Union. A phrase that resonated with me was, “To live life beyond those old wounds.” The women that attended Union and followed their calling that Christ had on their lives showed me that no matter what trials I may face, I must continue on with the will that God has on my life.
The perspectives that are being put forth here are interesting. While I have previously encountered discussions regarding racism and sexism, I have never thought about them within a theological setting. Particularly, I have never thought about sexism within a black theological setting. Their discussions of a God of vengeance versus a God of love were very striking. One thing that really stood out to me was when they said “when you start with an understanding of a god of love, and that God wants and does love everyone, Justice isn’t very far behind” (5:53). It is so much easier to discriminate and exclude with a God of vengeance. They discussed a fair amount about calling, and roles in life. This video has examined a lot about calling and how experiences reflect and impact calling. Overall, these discussions have broadened my understanding of religion and various minorities experience it.
When mentioned, Feminism is somewhat conflicting for a lot of individuals. People will jump to confirm whether they are or are not feminists, yet very few actually look beyond the standard definition of what feminism is. The reality is that modern day feminism is a white woman’s feminism. Despite all the of the work that black women specifically have done for our country (and world), todays feminism still focuses mainly on white women’s issues and very rarely divulges into intersectionality and the problems that affect women of color. However, Womanism is a form of anti-sexism that centers women of color and celebrates them. The women of the Union Theological Seminary were able to center both themselves and god, and I find that very inspiring. I commend these women for their bravery in persevering in their theology without allowing sexism to dictate their lives.
I find it empowering that these women grew up in the hardships of not only the racism endured by the Black community as a whole, but sexism for being a woman, and still made a way for themselves. Black women were not given any recognition in the face of major movements for Black Americans or women in America; they needed a voice too, so they created their own at Union. A phrase that resonated with me was, “To live life beyond those old wounds.” The women that attended Union and followed their calling that Christ had on their lives showed me that no matter what trials I may face, I must continue on with the will that God has on my life.
Ava Brooks
RELI 1001
CRN 53466
The perspectives that are being put forth here are interesting. While I have previously encountered discussions regarding racism and sexism, I have never thought about them within a theological setting. Particularly, I have never thought about sexism within a black theological setting. Their discussions of a God of vengeance versus a God of love were very striking. One thing that really stood out to me was when they said “when you start with an understanding of a god of love, and that God wants and does love everyone, Justice isn’t very far behind” (5:53). It is so much easier to discriminate and exclude with a God of vengeance. They discussed a fair amount about calling, and roles in life. This video has examined a lot about calling and how experiences reflect and impact calling. Overall, these discussions have broadened my understanding of religion and various minorities experience it.
TJ Payne
RELI 1001
CRN 53466
When mentioned, Feminism is somewhat conflicting for a lot of individuals. People will jump to confirm whether they are or are not feminists, yet very few actually look beyond the standard definition of what feminism is. The reality is that modern day feminism is a white woman’s feminism. Despite all the of the work that black women specifically have done for our country (and world), todays feminism still focuses mainly on white women’s issues and very rarely divulges into intersectionality and the problems that affect women of color. However, Womanism is a form of anti-sexism that centers women of color and celebrates them. The women of the Union Theological Seminary were able to center both themselves and god, and I find that very inspiring. I commend these women for their bravery in persevering in their theology without allowing sexism to dictate their lives.
Sarah Kate Giddens
RELI 1001
CRN 53466