What is Womanist Theology?

Womanist Theology is a mixture of Black Theology and Feminist Theology. Since the African-American woman is always the ‘other’ in the Bible, they created a space to share their voice when reading and interpreting scripture. They cannot choose between their two identities, being Black and a woman; they need them both.

Womanist Theology treats everyone equally. There is no difference between races, gender, etc. Jesus died for every person, regardless of what color their skin is or whether they are a man or a woman. Community is a source of strength, and a very important aspect of Womanist Theology. Relying on woman’s wisdom and a mentor is also important. Delores S. Williams, in her essay Womanist Theology: Black Women’s Voices, says, “Black mothers have passed on wisdom for survival—in the white world, in the black community, and with men—for as long as anyone can remember” (78). Traditions of life are remembered in this manner.

Encounters with the Spirit are important in Womanist Theology. “The importance of this emphasis on the spirit is that it allows Christian womanist theologians, in their use of the Bible, to identify and reflect upon those biblical stories in which poor oppressed women had a special encounter with the divine emissaries of God, like the spirit” (Williams 85). This can affect their political action, and the manner in which they seek justice. The Spirit can be always with them, which places God with them also. God will make a way if there seems to be none.

Womanist Theology will always be changing and growing. As long as “black women come together and connect piece with piece” the “God-content” of Womanist Theology will continue to be created, until one day it will come together and “reflect the divine spirit that connects us all” (Williams 86).