Theologist speaks on on religion as liberation

Womenist theologist Jacqueline Grant delivered a critique of religion's role in the repression of women and blacks at the Christian Association Thursday evening. Not merely accusatory, Grant also spoke about strategies for reversing this pattern by using religion as a means for empowerment and, ultimately, liberation. "A new language that challenges the servant mentality of the oppressed and the dominating mentality of the oppressors needs to be adopted," Grant said. "I believe that that this is the language of discipleship . . . The concept of discipleship is empowering for women who previously were relegated to the role of servant within both society and the church." While disciples have traditionally been male, Grant pointed out that anyone may become a disciple of Jesus. If women and blacks are able to throw off their oppressive chains of servanthood, she said, they would be able to move beyond simple equality to a new paradigm. She elaborated on this idea in a discussion following her speech: "Given the mutual respect implicit in disciplehood, I see a future where people's human dignity is not systematically assualted. I see a future society and church where people are not relegated to positions in this society merely by virtue of race and gender." "To reach this future, we cannot continue to use a servanthood language which has been given meaning by those who are in power," she said. "This oppressive language needs to be done away with." During a small reception after the speech many of the students and community members present mused over the difficult concepts presented in Grant's speech. "I appreciated and identified with the historical background Dr. Grant gave while describing servitude," Reverand C.F. Grant of St. Matthews United Methodist Church said. "I think ultimately, people will be able to become disciples when they are willing to take action." The Rev. William Green of Philips Temple methodist Church offered a different view. "I'm not sure whether I agree or disagree with Dr. Grant because while she gave a detailed analysis of servitude, she did not fully address how change would be made," he said. "In addition, I think that her argument is too caught up in difficult language and obscure themes," he said. "If her goal is to effect change, she must speak in simple terms that will empower all people." Grant's speech was part of the Christian Association's Liberation Lecture series which exposes the University community and local churches to newly emerging liberal schools of thought within theology.