Abstract

This article will explore the possible reimagining of the infertile female body through the lens of theology. The rise of feminist movements and socio-political influence has impacted both men and women’s identity. Motherhood is still interconnected with the female identity, and this becomes problematic when women experience reproductive loss. Reproductive loss can challenge one’s faith and hope. Socially, when it comes to infertility there is still a negative connotation attached to it. This study serves to break the silence on this topic and explore ways to change the narrative surrounding infertility.

Highlights

  • Mielle Chandler says that “Mother is best understood as a verb, as something one does, a practice which creates one’s identity as intertwined, interconnected, and in relation, mothering is not a singular practice, and mother is not best understood as a monolithic identity.”[1]

  • Tayla Minnaar Stellenbosch University Stellenbosch, South Africa taylaamyminnaar@gmail.com Abstract This article will explore the possible reimagining of the infertile female body through the lens of theology

  • STJ 2020, Vol 6, No 4, 284–299 and the desire for children, this study focuses on women experiencing infertility and how theology can be used as a comfort tool

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Summary

Introduction

Mielle Chandler says that “Mother is best understood as a verb, as something one does, a practice which creates one’s identity as intertwined, interconnected, and in relation, mothering is not a singular practice, and mother is not best understood as a monolithic identity.”[1]. In her research on motherhood, Lilian Siwila notes that “motherhood is one of Africa’s most revered and celebrated acts in human life.”[11] Within African communities and culture giving birth is celebrated, and in some communities childlessness is associated with the women’s failure to conceive.[12] The biology of the female body reinforces the notion of motherhood, and that a woman’s identity is created and rooted in the womb. Not fulfilling this identity, voluntarily or otherwise, has stirred controversial debates. Motherhood is influenced by a women’s biological sex and her culturally influenced gender, reinforcing a social performance

Cultural and social influence of motherhood
Liberation through theology
Theology of the womb
Conclusions
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