Reconstruction Of Female Identity

Elisabeth Moltmann-Wendel is an outstanding feminist theologian in Germany. The present thesis attempts to explore Moltmann-Wendel’s reconstruction of female identity on the basis of the background of her theological thoughts and by a close reading and analyzing of her own feminist theological writings. Moltmann-Wendel’s core contention is that in the patriarchal society, i.e. in the traditional society, women do not recognize their true identity, which in turn make them feel lost regarding the true value of life. According to Moltmann-Wendel, only based on the principle of body and by reconstructing their female identity are women able to rebuild their outlooks of world, value, and life, and reestablish their Christian faith.This present thesis contains three parts. The first part examines the theological background of Moltmann-Wendel. The life and thought of M.-Wendel, i.e. her family, her growth and education, her intention to study theology, is discussed here in a broader social and historical context. Such context shows us why it is so important for M.-Wendel to reconstruct female identity in theological discourses. The second part focuses on analyzing and interpreting M.-Wendel’s own writings regarding patriarchy, God the mother, and self-awareness of women, so as to illustrate her conception of the principle of female identity. The third part, which serving as the conclusion of the thesis, restates the importance of M.-Wendel’s feminist theology.The present thesis attempts to have a moderate contribution to Chinese Christian theology in this study of M.-Wendel’s theological thought. It may provide a certain perspective for further discussion and understanding of feminist theology in general, and M.-Wendel’s feminist thought in particular.