Letty M. Russel's Model Of Authority

Reading the Bible from a feminist perspective is hindered by what Letty M. Russell interprets as the “hit parade of authority” (Russell, 138). This authority is that the Bible is understood to be the Word of God. Understanding its authority in this way enables readers to accept biblical contradictory, sexism, and racism (Russell, 140). More often than not, this authority obstructs feminist interpretations. Russell suggests that a feminist model of authority is inclusive in allowing feminist interpretation. The authority paradigm that does not align with feminists is authority viewed as domination. This domination is the kind found in a patriarchal society and refuses admittance of perspectives that do not fit into the normal (Russell, 143). The feminist model of authority is an authority as partnership which involves the participation in “the common task of creating an interdependent community of humanity and nature (Russell, 144). Authority of partnership is authority exercised within a community. Community is a very important aspect to Christianity. As people of God, we are one body, and benefit from each other. Humans are social creatures and require health interactions to survive. The domination
Can we conclude that the Bible was written during a time of domination authority, and therefore is irrelevant? Or does this change how we read scripture, to read forgotten stories about women and bring them to the surface. Katharine Doob Saakenfeld is more straightforward in her article “Feminist Uses of Biblical Materials” in addressing ways that Christian feminists can approach and engage with scripture. The three ways she suggests are: looking at texts to counteract famous antiwomen texts, looking at the Bible as a critique to patriarchy, and using texts to learn from women who are oppressed because of their