A Feminist Reading of Genesis: The Problematic Argument of Precedence for Female Ordination in the Catholic Church

Document Type

Oral Presentation

Campus where you would like to present

Ellensburg

Event Website

https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source

Start Date

18-5-2020

Abstract

In my presentation I will discuss the issues around the Catholic church claiming the argument of precedence for their ban on female ordination. Through the lens of the prominent feminist scholars in the field, chiefly Phyllis Trible and Elaine Pagels, I reexamine the Genesis story and point out the inconsistencies in the interpretations of Genesis adopted by the Catholic church. Instead of the common portrayal of Eve as a weak willed, unintelligent temptress, I argue that she is instead the very founder of humanity and the progenitor of free will. By deconstructing these faulty interpretations put forth by many of the early church fathers, we get not only a more equitable view of Christianity, but a more accurate one. College of Arts & Humanities Presentation Award Winner.

Faculty Mentor(s)

Lily Vuong

Department/Program

Philosophy and Religious Studies

Additional Mentoring Department

https://cwu.studentopportunitycenter.com/2020/04/a-feminist-reading-of-genesis-the-problematic-argument-of-precedence-for-female-ordination-in-the-catholic-church/

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May 18th, 12:00 PM

A Feminist Reading of Genesis: The Problematic Argument of Precedence for Female Ordination in the Catholic Church

Ellensburg

In my presentation I will discuss the issues around the Catholic church claiming the argument of precedence for their ban on female ordination. Through the lens of the prominent feminist scholars in the field, chiefly Phyllis Trible and Elaine Pagels, I reexamine the Genesis story and point out the inconsistencies in the interpretations of Genesis adopted by the Catholic church. Instead of the common portrayal of Eve as a weak willed, unintelligent temptress, I argue that she is instead the very founder of humanity and the progenitor of free will. By deconstructing these faulty interpretations put forth by many of the early church fathers, we get not only a more equitable view of Christianity, but a more accurate one. College of Arts & Humanities Presentation Award Winner.

https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2020/CAH/27