Somatic pneumatology: A Pentecostal contribution to feminist liberation theology

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article presents a somatic pneumatology, defined as a theological approach in which embodied encounters with Christ through the Holy Spirit in worship form a basis for critical and constructive work. Arising from pentecostal feminist theology, this somatic pneumatology is a vital resource for women’s empowerment to subvert patriarchal structures, demonstrating positive personal and social consequences. A somatic pneumatology highlights and corrects limitations in liberation feminist theologies that do not account for ecstatic, embodied worship praxis in theological construction, instead deeming such praxis ‘otherworldly’ sublimation that upholds patriarchal power structures. Marginalization of embodied worship as a basis for theological construction stems from an understanding of power that struggles to account for the role of ecstatic religious experience in empowering women to work for social justice. A somatic pneumatology reveals and corrects this blind spot, offering an important contribution to feminist liberation theology.