Synopses & Reviews
Theologies have often pointed to the cross as a place of suffering and sacrifice, while feminist critiques have frequently argued against interpretations of the cross as patriarchal valorizing of suffering. Wonhee Anne Joh points toward a new interpretation of the cross as a place of love, where God and humanity come together in a surprising way. Interpreting the cross as performing a double gesture that has a subversive effect, Joh argues that the cross works simultaneously to pay homage to and to menace complex oppressive powers. Utilizing the Korean concept of jeong, Joh constructs a theology that is feminist, political and love-centered, while acknowledging the cross as source of pain and suffering. Joh's innovative vision is a call for political love that is stronger than powers of oppression.
Synopsis
Traditional Christian theologies have often pointed to the cross as a place of suffering and sacrifice, while feminist critiques have frequently argued against interpretations of the cross as punishment. Wonhee Anne Joh points toward a new interpretation of the cross as a place of love, where God and humanity come together. Using Korean American experiences of hybridity and identity as well as theological and postcolonial interpretations of the contemporary world, Joh describes the heart of Christology as love that will not let go. Utilizing the Korean concept of jeong (a concept of ?sticky? love and commitment), Joh constructs a theology that is feminist and love centered but does not displace the cross as source of pain and suffering. In doing so, she provides a clear context for understanding Christ's act on the cross as salvation through love.
About the Author
Wonhee Anne Joh is Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois. She is the author of In Proximity to the Other: A Postcolonial Theological Anthropology.