The Problematization of Feminisms and Feminist Informed Theologies in the Twenty-first Century

Abstract

Feminisms are a feature of life in the twenty-first century. They are sometimes considered to be groundbreaking, sometimes unremarkable and sometimes dangerous, but whatever the perspective taken on the value or effectiveness of feminisms there is a persistence in their varied and often troubled presence. Such an influence and critical presence has been affected through a variety of encounters in which feminist informed perspectives and criteria have been employed as the basis of critical and transformative engagement. Since the 1960s the creative encountering of feminisms has significantly influenced the shape of contemporary theological engagement. Today feminisms and feminist informed theologies stand at a crossroad of critical interrogation and deconstruction as questions about their effectiveness, validity and indeed integrity are being raised with persistent force. This paper explores some of the problems facing feminisms and feminist informed theologies and asks of their effectiveness and future as ongoing powerful religious and political forces.