Ruether and God/ess Concept
Rosemary Radford Ruether critiqued patriarchal God-language ('He,' 'Father,' 'King'), arguing it reinforces gender hierarchy and alienates women. She proposed 'God/ess' language and reclaimed feminine metaphors for God (Sophia, Spirit, Mother) as correctives to male-exclusive theology.
Real World
The Church of England's 2023 Liturgical Commission report considered expanding inclusive and feminine language for God in official services, directly reflecting Ruether's decades-old critique that male-exclusive God-language marginalises women worshippers and reinforces patriarchal hierarchy.
Exam Focus
Explain what 'God/ess' signifies linguistically before evaluating it; examiners penalise answers that critique the concept without first demonstrating accurate understanding.
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