I hope that this isn't too off topic, but it does have to do with Patriarchy, Gender, and many complaints of Lesbianism
The 8 Re-imagining gatherings were held in the Minneapolis metro area, the first in 1993. I was able to attend three, including the last.
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Originally Posted by u-dog
In the early 90's the was a PResbyterian women's conference called "Re-imagining"(attended by 2000 women and 80 men, and there was a LONG waiting list) that focused heavily on the concept of "Sophia". ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE. In another age there would have been burnings at the stake. People STILL talk about it almost 20 years later. Yikes.
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To taste some of the outrage:
"themes and content of the conference which ranged from direct attacks on traditional Christian doctrine and the celebration of homosexuality, to overt paganism, witchcraft, and New Age/Occult ritual".
http://www.watchman.org/reltop/reimagin.htm
http://www.brfwitness.org/Articles/1994v29n3.htm
I was unable to attend the first Re-imagining conferance, to my lasting regret. Many (male) voices from the hierarchies of many mainline denominations complained very loudly, and in their church publications that women can't DO this sort of thing, it's heresy, and even blasphemy. Some women were fired from their jobs. You CAN'T be a feminist AND a Christian, many of them said.
It is my belief that these men were saying, in their own way, that women are
not made in the image of the Almighty. The Catholics and hardline Conservative Christians have even made this a part of their doctrine. I maintain that you cannot be a Christian and NOT be a feminist. I am sorry. I am unable to NOT feel judgmental about these men, for that reason. Come judgment day, I am sure that we will all be suitably enlightened.
The theme, "God, Immanent and Transcendent" was the title of one of the
addresses given by one of the (women) theologians, of which there were many, at one of the gatherings I attended.
Yes, Sophia is the name given to the wisdom of God, personified as a woman.
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Originally Posted by u-dog
Conservative Christians don't like to.....
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Conservative Christians are afraid of women, and therefore also afraid of homosexuality.
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Originally Posted by u-dog
Its a form of idolatry because what they are really worshipping is maleness.
Their own, as far as I can see - BC
just my opinion of course.
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O.K., end of rant. In the Christian Church, there are many weak, craven people. And many wonderful, loving people. I hope that this isn't too far off topic, but
I Was There, well, immediately afterward, and at later gatherings, and this was
A Formative Experience in my Life
Peace and Love, Bruce Chris
"Re-Membering and Re-imagining", 1995, The Pilgrim Press, Nancy Berneking and Pamela Carter Joern, ISBN 0-8298-1074-9
And now, back to the Holy Spirit