Teologi som kontrapunkt. En studie i Sarah Coakleys metod théologie totale

Abstract

The theologian Sarah Coakley has developed a theological method, which she calls théologie totale. This essay examines the methodological criteria for this method. To understand how its anthropology, epistemology and theology are shaped, the criteria are analyzed within a theoretical framework, in which mainly David F. Ford's theological typology and Stephen Bevans models of contextual theology play parts. The material consists of Coakleys texts, essentially the first part of Coakley’s projected systematic theological work. Théologie totale is linking pre-modern thoughts with modernity and postmodernity, and theology with feminism, to act as a counterpoint. The key components are contemplative prayer, desire and kenosis. Coakley combines those in the concept of "power-in-vulnerability" which brings together theology and feminism in a new way. From primarily Gregory of Nyssa, she brings out a theory of gender fluidity. The method claims to be a new contribution to academic constructive theology and can be understood as a new Catholic feminism. The method implies however presuppositions and results, which raise several theological problems, such a narrow view of creation, the Spirit, and prayer.