Rebalancing the tradition – Wisdom theology in hymnody

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article will examine gender issues in hymnody through the lens of Wisdom theology and Foucault’s subjugated ways of knowing. It interrogates the place of women in musical leadership in the history of Christianity and the nature of the hymnody that developed under male leadership. It analyses the dominant theology of traditional hymnody and calls for a rebalancing to include women’s creations and feminist theology. It claims that greater attention needs to be paid to what is sung in liturgy as singing takes a theology deeper into human consciousness. It draws from the women’s alternative worshipping groups as a case study and explores the obstacles to their representation in more public liturgy. It raises issues around the choosing of hymns and the obstacles in the way of a move towards a tradition that is more inclusive.