Glossary

Discipleship of Equals

An alternative Christian community, where ministry and authority are reordered so that ministry is carried out according to the gifts people have and power is shared by the community in a consensual manner.

Hermeneutics

The science and art of interpretation. It was taken up by biblical scholars to explain that in interpreting and understanding the Bible one could not simply take it at face value.

Hermeneutics of suspicion

The notion that whenever texts only record the actions of men or portray women in a negative light, one needs to be suspicious and call upon greater life experience.

Kyriarchy

It is derived from the Greek term which means to 'lord over' and describes the principle where a powerful group dominates and excludes a less powerful group.

Liberationist theology

This is one approach within feminist hermeneutics. The Liberationist approach seeks to look at the Bible in general terms for a theological perspective which promotes human liberation as a fundamental principle and thus provides a critique of patriarchy. Liberationists see sexism and patriarchy as a symptom of a deeper issue regarding the use of power.

Rejectionist theology

This is one approach within feminist hermeneutics. It seeks to give up the Bible altogether as a document that can aid in the liberation of women. Rejectionist theologians contest that the Bible is so tainted by patriarchy that there can be no value in retaining it and looking to it as a source of inspiration and guidance.