AN (UNNECESSARY?) REFLECTION ON THE IMPORTANCE OF GENDER READING FOR A MORE INCLUSIVE CHURCH AND A WORLD WITH MORE JUSTICE

Abstract

The first part brings in diverse voices asking for a more inclusive ecclesiology, based on equal dignity of each human being (Gn 1,27; Gal 3,28). The second part offers three biblical examples: Rahab (Joshua 2, 6), Jael (Judges 4-5) and two household codes (Col 3,18-4,1; Eph 5,21-6,9). Evaluation of these texts from a gender perspective shows differences as to how does the academy evaluate them; but also similarity in the attempt to lower their feminist potential. Rahab, coming from the lowest social echelons, becomes a model by justifying her own land's exploitation by Israel. Jael is often considered by patriarchy a betrayer, even though the Bible only praises her; and the household codes are uncritically applied to present-day situations without due consideration of cultural differences between the first and the twenty-first centuries, nor of their liberating strength in the face of the Roman Empire.