Applying ecofeminist theory to Christian mission work in Honduras: Building theoretical bridges for real change

This thesis encourages the tens of thousands of Christian missionaries traveling yearly to Honduras to look to the ecofeminist theories of Rosemary Radford Ruether and Mary Judith Ress in order to more effectively confront the social, political, and economic hurdles preventing more Hondurans from living more empowered lives. This thesis first articulates why the colonialist patriarchy within Christianity must be abandoned in favor of unconditional love of all creation before a Christian ecofeminist mission work can be realized. Second, this thesis invites Christian ecofeminist political activism by addressing some of the international politico-economic forces at work contributing to Honduran poverty, violence, and environmental degradation. Finally, this thesis imagines the shape of long-term community empowerment programs led by Christian ecofeminist missionaries in Honduras. This thesis hopes to inspire more appropriate and effective Christian missionary practices in Honduras so that the positive energy of Christian missionaries in Honduras is fully utilized.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Women's Studies

Grantor dc:publisher

Texas Woman's University

Year dc:date.issued

2012

Author dc:creator

• Franklin, Michael Joseph

Chair dc:contributor.committeechair

• Sahlin, Claire L. (Claire Lynn), 1961-

Committee member dc:contributor.committeemember

• Phillips, Danielle Taylor

• Philosophy, religion and theology
• Social sciences
• Christianity
• Ecofeminism
• Honduras
• Mission work

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11274/8942

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:twu-ir.tdl.org:11274/8942