Bibliography: pages 133-139. / Behind the overt sexism and racism exhibited in Mk7.24-30, lies a message of Liberation. This message of liberation is discerned through understanding the text as primarily reflecting its context of origin. This thesis argues that inherent in the bible is a message of liberation far all; and that this message has been lost through being written, redacted and interpreted, in a primarily androcentric environment. The task of this thesis is thus to discern whether this message of liberation is reflected in Mk7.24-30, and if so, to expose it and develop a feminist hermeneutic based on this understanding. Mark must be recognised as existing specifically as a text, and recognising its textual nature is crucial to understanding Mk7.24-30. This thesis holds that every text is shaped by the environment in which it in set and created, it is also shaped by the anticipated readers. In examining Mk7.24-3), the setting of the story is recognised as Palestine, and the audience for which it was written is seen to be the Roman Christians. Both Palestine and Rome are examined from a Historical Materialist perspective, in an attempt to discern ways in which the two environments contributed toward the shaping of the text. Once the text is recognised as primarily reflecting the dominant patriarchal ideology of the day, this thesis attempts to discern whether Mk7.24-30 contains a message of liberation. In reading the text from the perspective of the Syro-Phonoecian woman, and by examining the actions of both Jesus and the woman, we show how the text may indeed be liberatory to women, and all marginalised people, despite the harsh racist and sexist overtones.

Thesis (M.A.)--Catholic Theological Union at Chicago, 1995. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves [54]-56).

Thesis (M.A.)--Catholic Theological Union at Chicago, 1995. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves [54]-56).

Thesis (M.A.)--Catholic Theological Union at Chicago, 1995. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves [54]-56).

Thesis (S.T.L.)--Catholic University of America, 1987. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 147-153).

Sexist socialisation in the church starts from childhood. The Sunday school, the Christian community and parents all play a role in transmitting sexist values to children. Sexism is present in the interpretation, use and teaching of scripture as well as the hierarchy, roles, structures, language, worship and symbols of the church. These subconsciously influence children. People's faith may be shaken when the sexist nature of some of these beliefs is exposed. Sexist socialisation is detrimental as the growth and witness of the church may be stunted. Hence there is a need to develop non-sexist Christian education. Insights and tools from feminist theology help in this programme. The conclusions are tentative as such a process is evolutionary, but important. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / Th. M. (Theological Ethics)

Women today continue to struggle against male-dominated values and norms, and male prejudices, both in society and the Church. This balance of power needs to be altered to free women from the domination of men. The strategies proposed in this dissertation are based on the Christian ethic of justice and equality. Their implementation, I argue, would empower women to resist oppression, independently of men, to achieve liberation and equality so that male-dominated ideologies and structures could no longer oppress. A case study of women ministers in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa revealed discrimination against, and the limitation of the ministries of women clergy. The ethical dilemma of the Church appearing to follow, rather than to lead society on such issues was noted. The attainment of the liberation of women is dependent solely upon themselves and the extent to which they are prepared to take responsibility for their own lives. / M.Th. (Theological Ethics)

Sexist socialisation in the church starts from childhood. The Sunday school, the Christian community and parents all play a role in transmitting sexist values to children. Sexism is present in the interpretation, use and teaching of scripture as well as the hierarchy, roles, structures, language, worship and symbols of the church. These subconsciously influence children. People's faith may be shaken when the sexist nature of some of these beliefs is exposed. Sexist socialisation is detrimental as the growth and witness of the church may be stunted. Hence there is a need to develop non-sexist Christian education. Insights and tools from feminist theology help in this programme. The conclusions are tentative as such a process is evolutionary, but important. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / Th. M. (Theological Ethics)

Women today continue to struggle against male-dominated values and norms, and male prejudices, both in society and the Church. This balance of power needs to be altered to free women from the domination of men. The strategies proposed in this dissertation are based on the Christian ethic of justice and equality. Their implementation, I argue, would empower women to resist oppression, independently of men, to achieve liberation and equality so that male-dominated ideologies and structures could no longer oppress. A case study of women ministers in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa revealed discrimination against, and the limitation of the ministries of women clergy. The ethical dilemma of the Church appearing to follow, rather than to lead society on such issues was noted. The attainment of the liberation of women is dependent solely upon themselves and the extent to which they are prepared to take responsibility for their own lives. / M.Th. (Theological Ethics)