Quick questions on Liberation theology and feminist theology in Christianity - WJEC A-Level Religious Studies

Feminist theology has reshaped debates about inclusive language for God, the interpretation of texts used to subordinate women, and the ordination of women, now practised by many churches and still resisted by others.

Both movements have provoked strong responses. The Vatican (in instructions issued under John Paul II) welcomed liberation theology's concern for the poor but warned against reducing salvation to politics and against uncritical use of Marxism. Feminist theology divides opinion between those who see it as a faithful recovery of the gospel's equality and those who see radical forms as a departure from Christian teaching.

Liberation and feminist theology are best understood as internal challenges that test how far Christianity can be self-critical. Liberation theology did not invent concern for the poor; it intensified a theme already present in the prophets and the Gospels, which is why the Church could affirm its core impulse even while rejecting its Marxist tools. Reformist feminist theology likewise appeals to the tradition's own resources, the image of God in all people and Jesus' treatment of women, to argue that patriarchy is a corruption rather than the essence of Christianity.

What is the "preferential option for the poor"? [2 marks]

Name one radical and one reformist feminist theologian. [2 marks]

Evaluate the view that feminist theology has improved Christianity. [20 marks]