(a) Outline Sallie McFague’s responses to the view that God is male. [25]
-Sallie McFague: American ecofeminist who wrote ‘Metaphorical Theology: Models of God in Religious Language’.
-Point 1: She said that metaphors used for God were outdated, had been overused so people were becoming attached to the metaphor over the actual person (God). Mother metaphors should be used instead- represent God more accurately e.g. birthing and creation. The use of God as male has led to male domination and women being seen as 2nd class citizens.
-Point 2: Warns against not sentimentalising metaphors as this leads to giving God female qualities when this isn’t accurate as these are just social constructs- not all mothers are comforting. She also warns that she doesn’t want to say God has female qualities, but that he IS female, because she doesn’t mean characteristics but rather things women do e.g. giving birth.
-Point 3: She uses three metaphors to replace the male metaphor. She replaces the Father with Mother, Son with Lover and Spirit with friend, each associated with a doctrine, type of love, and an ethical element. The mother: doctrine of creation, agape love, ethical element of justice. The lover: doctrine of salvation, eros love which means desire and ethical element of healing. The friend: ‘Spirit’, doctrine of eschatology, ethical element of companionship and philia.
