Specimen Questions

Question 2 - Christianity (15 marks)

Outline the contribution of ONE significant person or school or thought to Christianity (3)

Explain the effect of ONE significant person or school or thought on Christianity (6)

Analyse the contribution of ONE significant person or school or thought to Christianity (6)

Question 2 - Christianity (20 marks)

Describe the contribution and analyse the effect of ONE significant person or school or thought on Christianity

Analyse the impact of ONE significant person OR school of thought and their contribution to the development of ONE religious tradition (20 marks)

Sample Response

Question 2 - Christianity (15 marks)

Outline the contribution of ONE significant person or school or thought to Christianity (3)

The second contribution is found in the increased participation of women in a range of ministries in the Christian denominations. Even in Churches such as the Catholic Church, which has not allowed women to be ordained, there are now greater numbers of women acting as readers, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion etc.

(242 words)

Question 2 - Christianity (15 marks)

Explain the effect of ONE significant person or school or thought on Christianity (6)

Feminist theology is the movement in the Christian tradition which seeks to provide for a greater level of participation by women in the Church. It also seeks to remove obstacles which limit the extent of women's involvement. Although it has not had complete success in these areas, feminist theology has, nevertheless, made significant progress in a number of important areas.

Feminist theologians have made detailed study of the biblical tradition of Christianity and have concluded that there are no theological grounds for excluding women and indeed significant statements from the bible such as Galatians 3:28 seem to explicitly require the unrestricted inclusion of women. They have also shown that the earliest Christian communities were radically inclusive communities where women frequently had prominent roles which were gradually decreased in the later New Testament period.

There are a number of key areas in which feminist theology has made important contributions. The first is regarding the question of ordination of women. While not accepted in some denominations e.g. Catholic and Orthodox, the ordination of women is now commonplace in denominations such as the Anglican Church and Uniting Church. Alongside the campaign to allow women to be ordained there has also been a great deal of analysis on the current model of ordination and a call for new models to be developed which more appropriately reflect the contemporary situation.

Other important contributions are found in the areas of inclusive language and models of divinity where feminist theologians have made important contributions to the way Christian Churches reflect on images of God and in the way they address God in prayer. Feminist theologians have pointed out that the language used is an extremely important indicator of the theological images and as such Christian Churches cannot simply accept past forms of expression which used exclusively male terms when inclusive language is needed.

There is now a far greater use of inclusive language being employed in Church statements, publications etc. For example, the Uniting Church in Australia has published an inclusive language lectionary. Other denominations have also undertaken reviews of the language used in liturgy, some at a formal level, others informally and at a local level.

(412 words)

Question 2 - Christianity (15 marks)

Analyse the contribution of ONE significant person or school or thought to Christianity (6)

Feminist theologians have made detailed study of the biblical tradition of Christianity which has provided a basis for discussion about the role of women in the Christian Churches. These studies have concluded that there are no theological grounds for excluding women and indeed significant statements from the bible such as Galatians 3:28 seem to explicitly require the unrestricted inclusion of women. They have also shown that the earliest Christian communities were radically inclusive communities where women frequently had prominent roles which were gradually decreased in the later New Testament period.

The evidence gathered from such scholarly work has resulted in a strong case being put on behalf of women in a number of key areas. The first is regarding the question of ordination of women. The impact of feminist theology has led to women being able to be ordained in a number of Christian denominations. Alongside the campaign to allow women to be ordained there has also been a great deal of analysis on the current model of ordination and a call for new models to be developed which more appropriately reflect the contemporary situation.

This discussion has also led to the increased participation of women in a range of ministries in the Christian denominations. Even in Churches such as the Catholic Church, which has not allowed women to be ordained, there are now greater numbers of women acting as readers, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion etc.

As a result of this there are now far greater uses of inclusive language in Church statements, publications etc. For example, the Uniting Church in Australia has published an inclusive language lectionary. Other denominations have also undertaken reviews of the language used in liturgy, some at a formal level, others informally and at a local level.

(434 words)

Sample Response

Question 2 - Christianity (20 marks)

Describe the contribution and analyse the effect of ONE significant person or school or thought on Christianity

One of the most significant movements to influence the development and expression of twentieth century Christianity is feminist theology. Feminist theology has been influential in assisting women obtain a more meaningful access to the Church, by advocating the need for more religious rights for women in the Church. The widespread influence of feminist theology in raising awareness of the gender inequalities within the Church is evident in that various denominations have attempted to redress some of the patriarchal customs in the Church by using inclusive language and alternative models of divinity.

One pivotal player in the feminist theology movement is Elisabeth Schussler Fiorenza. Fiorenza's most significant contribution, the hermeneutic of suspicion, has effectively revolutionized the understanding and expression of Christianity in biblical studies. However, the full effect and importance of feminist theology is difficult to gauge firstly because the work of feminist theologians is still continuing and secondly because the full force of this movement is still largely restricted to specialist theological circles. Furthermore, the influence of feminist theology upon the development and expression of Christianity is restricted largely to liberal Christians across a spectrum of different denominations. Conservative Christians across various denominations are less aware of the work of feminist theologians such as Fiorenza, and disapprove of the way feminist theologians construct meaning from the Bible using hermeneutics.

The first area where the influence of feminist theology upon the development and expression of Christianity can be seen in the way it feminist theology has altered theological study and training. A few decades ago it was possible to undertake an entire course in theology at a reputable institution without making any study of feminist theology. This was because gender issues in Biblical studies were at best fringe issues.

The efforts of feminist theologians like biblical scholar Elisabeth Schussler Fiorenza has meant that today feminist theology is a part of most mainstream courses in most theology institutions. As a consequence of this, a broader understanding of Christianity beyond the andocentric expression of the Bible will inevitably become more prevalent. Admittedly, this open-minded approach to the understanding of the Bible is still largely restricted to theological and professional circles, however, over time this perspective will filter down into the grass root levels. This enlightened perspective will, and has already begun to alter the expression of Christianity amongst the people.

This gradual movement is the product of efforts from people like Fiorenza. Her most notable contribution to Biblical studies is her classic 'In Memory of Her' (1983) where she introduces the groundbreaking concept of the hermeneutic of expression. The basic premise of the hermeneutic of suspicion is 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 which demonstrates that this androcentrism is not a portrayal of reality.

This tool has effectively led to an overhaul of the manner in which theological education generally, and Biblical studies in particular are carried out. This alternative expression and understanding of Christianity is beginning to have a widespread effect upon the development of Christianity at grass root levels. This is evident in the way her work is used in the Studies of Religion Course.

Feminist theology has also had a significant impact on other theological disciplines outside of the immediate area of biblical studies, such as Christology, Ecclesiology, and Liturgy. The nature of Fiorenza's work, and that of feminist theology in general, means that it is not universally acclaimed by all denominations. Its effect is largely restricted to liberal Christians and mostly in theological circles. Conservative Christians would be less accepting of Fiorenza's work for example, because she attempts to reconstruct Christian history, which many traditionalists believe is inappropriate considering the sacred nature of the New Testament.

The second area where feminist theology has influenced the development and expression of Christianity is the way they gradually overcome patriarchal customs in most Christian denominations by challenging the current orthodoxy.

This concern manifests itself most clearly with regards to the ordination of women. Feminist theologians have been successful in bringing this contentious topic to the forefront of public debate. However, there have been varying levels of success with regards to the formal acknowledgement of the role of women in the Church by ordaining women. The Catholic and Orthodox Churches have maintained hardline opposition to this practical recognition of women's equality. In fact statements made by Pope John Paul II seem to rule out the possibility of women being ordained at all. Women, however, are allowed to act in a number of ministries in the Catholic and Orthodox Churches such as lector, cantor, Eucharistic minister and altar server.

Feminist theologians, by comparison, have had a greater transformative role in the development of the Protestant Church. At an official level, most Protestant denominations allow the ordination of women. This success, however, is tempered by the fact that there is still a significant gender imbalance in the number of men ordained compared to the number of women who have been ordained. This imbalance is partially the result of resistance within Protestant congregations to having women lead congregations. Nevertheless, the fact that at an official level most Protestant denominations allow for the ordination of women suggests that the arguments put forward by feminist theology have had some influence.

Feminist theologians argue that the ordination of women is important for symbolic and practical reasons. On a symbolic level, the ordained person stands as the representative of Christ. On a practical level, the ordained person has significant decision making authority in the community. Fiorenza adopts an even more radical stance in arguing that the ordination of women is not an end in itself, that is, it is not the ultimate goal because the ordination of women would simply perpetuate the inequalities which exist in the Church. Rather she argues it is a step towards the radical overhaul of the current hierarchical model of ministry and towards a consensual model known as the Discipleship of Equals. Fiorenza admits that such a vision is not feasible in the near future. Nevertheless, Fiorenza reminds us that the new model is unlikely to be achieved unless women are included in the present model. Some liberationists and feminists disapprove of this stance by labelling her as a radical extremist. Fiorenza has also been criticised for her decision to stay in the Catholic Church while it practices the exclusion of women.

The third area which demonstrates the influence of feminist theology upon the development and expression of Christianity is the awareness raising campaign which places the issue of gender inequalities in the forefront of public debate.

This paves the way for incremental changes to the expression and development of Christianity. Feminist theology has successfully and extensively put forward these issues for debate and subsequently changes have occurred within the community at grass root levels even though such changes do not always flow into an official Church policy. The fact that the Catholic Church recently held a public enquiry into the participation of women in the Church is an indication of a degree of success in awareness raising. The Synod of the Anglican in Australia has debated the issue of the ordination of women finally reaching agreement despite the opposition of the Diocese of Sydney.

Feminist theology has been influential in bringing about not only structural changes to the expression of Christianity, for example with the ordination of women, but also changes to the way individuals reflect upon their faith. Feminist theologians stress that the use of gender inclusive language is an important way to raise awareness of the gender inequalities which exist within the Church. This is because feminist theologians have shown that the androcentric and gender exclusive nature of language used to refer to God and the community of Christ is unacceptable. As a result of this many communities have made a considerable effort to rephrase the words of liturgy into gender inclusive language so that language becomes part of an active engagement and reflection upon faith.

This attempt by feminist theologians has had varying levels of success. The Uniting Church for example, has adopted inclusive language lectionaries. The Catholic Church on the other hand has maintained the use of gender exclusive language in the liturgy at an official level. But despite the absence of formal change some Catholic communities use an inclusive language text for liturgy.

The second way in which feminist theology has been influential in altering the understanding and subsequent expression of Christianity is by proposing alternative models of divinity. Feminist theologians argue that God cannot legitimately be referred to as being exclusively male. This highlights the inherently patriarchal nature of expression within Christianity. Some Christians are more willing to accept this suggestion than others. For example, liberal and progressive Christian groups are more likely to incorporate the feminine images of God found in the Wisdom literature of the Hebrew Scriptures than conservative Christian groups.

In conclusion, it can be seen that feminist theology has been one of the most influential movements to affect the development and expression of twentieth century Christianity. Feminist theology has assisted in securing greater religious rights for women in the church by influencing theological study, overcoming patriarchal customs in some denominations and raising awareness through the use of gender inclusive language and alternative models of divinity.

Whilst it is safe to say that the full influence of feminist theology is difficult to gauge because of the relatively modern nature of the movement, the influence of feminist theology does vary across the different denominations. The work of feminist theology in general, and Fiorenza in particular, the latter who is arguably the most influential feminist theologian in the twentieth century is widely acclaimed by progressive Christians across a range of denominations. The influence of feminist theology is restricted in conservative circles, firstly because many conservative Christians in different denominations would not be aware of the work of feminist theologians such as Fiorenza, and secondly even if they did, would disprove of the way in which it questions the traditional orthodoxy.

Sample Response

Analyse the impact of ONE significant person OR school of thought and their contribution to the development of ONE religious tradition (20 marks)

Introduction (231 words)

In contemporary Christian experience one of the most significant and influential movements is the feminist movement, which is aimed at securing greater religious rights for women in the Church. This would allow for a more meaningful participation of women in the Church. Whilst it is difficult to accurately assess the impact of feminist theology on the development of Christianity because of the relatively modern nature of the movement, it is clear that it has had a profound impact on the Christian tradition across a range of denominations. Liberal Christians in different denominations are often more supportive and willing to adopt the suggestions made by feminist theologians. Conservative Christians however, disapprove of proposals like the ordination of women and other attempts to move outside the traditional orthodoxy.

In twentieth century feminist theology, few theologians could claim the extent of influence that Elisabeth Schlusser Fiorenza has had. Fiorenza's greatest contribution to feminist theology is the hermeneutic of suspicion, a tool, which has effectively revolutionized Biblical studies. However, Fiorenza's work has yet to infiltrate into grass root levels.

The role and importance of feminist theology can be seen in five key areas.

The influence of feminist theology on theological study and training, their attempts to overcome patriarchal customs in most Christian denominations, their role in raising awareness of gender inequalities in the Church, and their encouragement of inclusive language and alternative models of divinity.

Section 1 - Influencing theological study and training (300 words)

Begin with stating how a less than a few decades ago gender issues in biblical studies were, at best, fringe issues. Then explain how the efforts of feminist theologians such as Elisabeth Schlusser Fiorenza, has resulted in the fact that today feminist theology is part of most mainstream courses in most theological institutions. Include in this a brief explanation of the hermeneutic of suspicion and stress its impact on the development of Christianity.

Evaluate the impact of this contribution by stressing how the efforts of feminist theology in general, and Fiorenza in particular, are still largely restricted to specialist theological circles, but how their contribution is slowly seeping into grass root levels.

In this evaluation you should include a brief explanation of the different denominational responses towards the work of feminist theology by using Fiorenza as an example to highlight the greater response to her work. You should also briefly explain why the different denominations including different feminist strands within them respond differently to the work of feminist theologians as a direct link to "analyse the impact".

Section 2 - Challenging and gradually overcoming patriarchal customs in most Christian denominations (300 words)

Begin by showing how the ordination of women is an example of the attempt to overcome the patriarchal customs in most Christian denominations. Briefly summarise why feminist theologians regard the ordination of women as a critical issue and relate this to their contribution and development of Christianity.

Analyse the extent of their impact by evaluating whether the different denominations allow the ordination of women. If this is not the case, give a brief statement of what role women are allowed to play in that congregation as a way of qualifying your statement. Show the relationship between the ordination of women and the development of Christianity and draw out the implications of feminist theology on this development.

Section 3 - Awareness raising (150 words)

Explain why raising awareness of the gender inequalities in the Church is important to the development of Christianity. Weigh up the extent of their impact by saying that this method provides incremental change rather than a radical overhaul of the current model.

Section 4 - Inclusive Language (200 words)

Discuss the contribution of feminist theology to the way it influences the mindset of individuals within that tradition. Provide a brief explanation of why feminist theologians argue that gender inclusive language is important.

Evaluate whether feminist theology has been successful in encouraging the use of gender inclusive language. Do this by showing how some Christian denominations such as the Uniting Church are more willing to adopt inclusive language lectionaries than the Catholic Church for example. Then qualify this statement by showing how changes are being made at grass root levels, despite the lack of policy change at an official level.

Section 5 - Alternative Models of Divinity (150 words)

Show the connection between the last Section and this Section, in that the use of language and alternative models of divinity are both methods of raising awareness. Briefly explain why alternative models of divinity are important. Link this to the development of how Christianity is expressed by individuals.

Evaluate whether feminist theologians have been successful in advocating the use of alternative models of divinity by examining the response of the different denominations towards this issue.

Conclusion (169 words)

Therefore, it can be seen that feminist theology has played a significant role on the development and growth of Christianity, by securing greater religious rights for women in the Church. The influence of feminist theology can be seen most evidently in the areas of theological study, in overcoming patriarchal customs, and awareness raising through the use of inclusive language and alternative models of divinity.

The influence of feminist theology, of which Elisabeth Schussler Fiorenza was a pivotal player, varies across the different denominations. Fiorenza's work in particular and that of feminist theology in general is widely acclaimed, especially among more progressive Christians across a range of denominations. It is unlikely that many conservative Christians would approve of her work if they were familiar with it. They would be critical of her work given that she discredits traditional approaches to sacred texts. Nevertheless, having said that is difficult to accurately gauge the extent of the influence by feminist theologians because their work is ongoing.