Suffering Our Way to Salvation: Ivone Gebara, Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza, and the Adequacy of the Cross as a Symbol for Women

Authors

  • Amy Chapman Boston College School of Theology and Ministry

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6017/lv.v1i1.1698

Abstract

This article explores the theologies of the cross and salvation put forth by Brazilian liberation theologian Ivone Gebara and American theologian Elizabeth Schüssler Fiorenza.  Both scholars depart from a traditional Anselmian theology of the cross and salvation, holding that for some women Anselm’s understanding is insufficient.  Both theologians claim that within Anselm’s theology of the cross and salvation is the understanding that suffering is necessary for salvation.  Wishing to dispute that, Gebara examines the lived experiences of women while Schüssler Fiorenza focuses on references from scripture.  Both women arrive at the conclusion that the cross proves to be an inadequate symbol for salvation for some women, and Schüssler Fiorenza provides the empty tomb as an alternative symbol.

Author Biography

Amy Chapman, Boston College School of Theology and Ministry

Amy Chapman serves as the Director of Faith Formation at St. Ignatius Church in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.  She holds an A.M. in Developmental Psychology and will graduate in May with a CAES degree in Religious Education.

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Published

2011-05-25

How to Cite

Chapman, A. (2011). Suffering Our Way to Salvation: Ivone Gebara, Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza, and the Adequacy of the Cross as a Symbol for Women. Lumen Et Vita, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.6017/lv.v1i1.1698

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Section

Articles