Violence against women: A problem for theological anthropology

Johann Marie Vento, Fordham University

Abstract

This study formulates the foundations of a practical feminist theological anthropology in response to the problem of violence against women. I argue that violence against women, in its causes and effects, poses a concrete threat to the subjectivity of women. After a review of feminist theological literature on violence against women, I engage the thought of Johann Baptist Metz and Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza on human subjectivity in the effort to formulate a practical feminist theological anthropology as a praxis in defense of women's subjectivity. Through an analysis and comparison of their work, the importance of a political or practical and feminist understanding of human subjectivity emerges. In light of the insights gained from an examination of the problem of violence against women as well as from the dialogue between Metz and Schüssler Fiorenza on human subjectivity, I articulate the basis of a practical feminist theological anthropology. This anthropology grounds itself in an understanding of the subject based on intersubjectivity, body- right, and solidarity with oneself and others. Further, the categories of memory, narrative, and solidarity, understood as praxes in the defense of women's subjectivity, become the main categories for this practical feminist theological anthropology.

Subject Area

Theology|Womens studies|Criminology

Recommended Citation

Vento, Johann Marie, "Violence against women: A problem for theological anthropology" (1999). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI9955974.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI9955974

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