Toward a Post-Patriarchal Theological Education in the Era of Globalization
In the era of globalization, patriarchal system has been expanded and those on the margin of the system, including women, become poorer and their status gets lower in the hierarchy. Especially, traditional gender role division between the public and the private widens feminization of poverty. The traditional gender role division is so deeply rooted in church system and theological education that limits women's participation in church leadershi Patriarchal features of theological education vary. First of all, it is fundamentally found in its patriarchal understanding of God as patriarch. It is also found in Europe-centered theological curricula as well as in the dualistic division between teacher and learner and between theory and practical site. To critically engaging theological education in the context of Korea, the present article suggests four elements for developing a post patriarchal theological education. First, the purpose of theological education needs to focus on the development of theological personality to raise individuals that concerns justice and love of God, instead of vaguely stating its aim to raise those who serve the world and church. Second, a post patriarchal theological curricula bring intra-disciplinary courses into practice. The courses would be framed based on a subject or practical issues driven from the realities of Korea, instead of following traditional curricula that affirms sharp division of subject areas. Third, a post-patriarchal theological education seeks to establish alternative theological concepts that reflect current realities. For example, instead of understanding God according to title or human role, as like God the Father, God can be described according to the action of God, such as God the creator, God the redeemer, and God the savior. Finally, a radical change of patriarchal structure of church is necessary for the effective operation of post patriarchal theological education.