Introduction

Abstract

Feminist theology has good reason to approach received Christian doctrines with a dose of healthy suspicion. Twentieth century feminist theology burst on the scene with a powerful critique of the patriarchal power relations that have shaped doctrine through the centuries. But Serene Jones nonetheless has referred to a subfield of feminist theology that continues to reimagine with Christian doctrines; these essays develop this subfield in the firm conviction that doctrine is more than an inert effect of the exercise of patriarchal power during the formative centuries of a colonial Western Christian tradition. Rather, theology is an ongoing journey of dialogue, reimagining and understanding; reimagining with doctrine unlocks, from its centuries of patriarchal constraint, the kingdom-infused power of Christianity, with its core tradition of a thirst for justice and righteousness. The feminist theologians who write in this collection of essays enter theological discourse with a determination to make sense of theology, humanity and the church.