Women’s Forum on Spirituality presents different issues, viewpoints By Angela R. Treadway The Presbyterian Layman Volume 33, Number 3 Posted May 22, 2000 DALLAS – What do a feminist professor of theology, a “womanist” United Methodist pastor, a Jewish (Reformed) rabbi, and a conservative evangelical have in common other than being female? Maybe nothing, maybe a lot, but it was hard to tell based on the disparity in theological perspectives presented in a Women’s Forum on Spirituality held April 13th at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. The forum was sponsored by the Damaris Project and the Perkins School of Theology at SMU. Moderated by Diane Connolly, religion editor of the Dallas Morning News, the forum came across as a polite, ladies’ tea party. The format allowed for presentation of a variety of viewpoints, but for little direct engagement in debate or apologetics. Dr. Cynthia L. Rigby, assistant professor of theology at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, spoke to issues from a moderate feminist point of view, giving early pioneers of feminist theology credit for enabling women’s spirituality by giving them the “language of empowerment.” But Dr. Rigby, contrary to radical feminist theology, then discounted the idea that symbolism and God language should be changed to reflect female imagery. “The importance of the incarnation was not maleness, height, weight, hair color, but that the Word was made flesh,” she said, adding that it was a “mistake to overemphasize the differences between men and women.” Dr. Sheron C. Patterson, senior pastor of Jubilee United Methodist Church in Duncanville, TX, spoke out strongly as a self-proclaimed “womanist” whose ministry reaches out especially to single, black inner-city women. Patterson’s speech was full of modern self-esteem talk, seeking affirmation several times through direct promptings to the audience (mostly white college students) for amens (“c’mon, let me hear you say ‘Amen’”). Speaking from her “pain,” Patterson said it was “time for a new faith” and “new symbols,” but “first we have to change ourselves.” She stressed a need for women to exercise “corrective love”, which means that we need to love ourselves enough not to let others hurt us. “What we allow, we teach,” Patterson said. In accord with Rigby, though, Patterson said, “It’s a sin to try to look at God based on genitalia.” And then, reverting again to radical language, she concluded by stating that “Power is never given, it is taken. And it’s time to take ours.” Next up was Nancy Kasten, adjunct professor of Hebrew at SMU. She tried to weave together similarities in Jewish and Christian traditions, and noted that areas of commonalities in spirituality were “worship, study and acts of loving kindness.” She also called attention to the increased interest in meditation in both religions, and said we need to “reclaim the Sabbath.” Kasten said it was important for children to see males and females playing roles, such as women preparing for the Passover meal. In response to whether churches and synagogues are paying enough attention to women, she said, “We have to eradicate the idea that there is some kind of competition between men’s and women’s spirituality.” The final panelist was Donna F.G. Hailson, an assistant professor of evangelism and renewal at Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pa., and an authority on contemporary culture, evangelism, church renewal and apologetics. Asked, “Do men and women have different spiritual needs?” Hailson said, “We all have the same need. We need a relationship with our creator. ... Do women need new symbols? No. They need to discover the rich symbols already there.” She also reminded the audience that “the God of the Bible is self-revealed as Father” and that “our personal failures don’t negate the truth of the Gospel.” So, the moderator finally asked, just what is it that women are looking for? The four answers: Patterson: “Women have had a lot of pain – we’re seeking nurture, companionship.” Kasten: “Women need a sense of community, and also a sense of self, apart from spouse, parent or child.” Rigby: “Women are trying to figure out what God’s calling them to do.” Hailson: “We’re looking for answers to eternal questions – how do I live my life? Where do I go when I die? We need to find a balance between the God of logic and transcendence, and the God of feelings.”

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