Faith and Feminism: An Exploration of Intersecting Identities

Abstract

This goal of this project was to explore the relationship between feminism and Christian beliefs among people who identify as followers of Christianity and as feminists. How do people who identify as Christians and feminists form these identities together? Can people have beliefs from both identities? Although there has been some scholarship in the field of feminist theology, there has not been much intersection of faith and feminism elsewhere. Historically, there has been dissonance between feminism and faith, and this has caused both communities to be apprehensive about the other. Using feminist methodologies, four original oral history interviews were conducted with people of different backgrounds who identify as feminists and also believe in the gospel ofChrist. From a group that expressed interest over social media, interviewees were chosen who vary in age, gender and racial identity and Christian tradition. The goal of this research was to explore identity intersections and offer an often-overlooked perspective into why Christians do or do not identify as feminists. This intersection is important for feminists to broaden their concepts of identity formation and for Christians to broaden their acceptance and understanding of social justice issues