Womanism and Womanist Theology
Womanism is a social theory based on the history and everyday experiences of Black women. According to womanist scholar Layli Maparyan (Phillips), womanist theory seeks to "restore the balance between people and the environment/nature and reconcil[e] human life with the spiritual dimension."
Womanist theology is a response to Black Liberation theology and feminist theology. Womanist spirituality has six identifying characteristics-it is eclectic, synthetic, holistic, personal, visionary, and pragmatic. Womanist theologian, Emilie Townes, says that womanist spirituality grows out of individual and communal reflection of African-American faith and life.
“From womanish. (Opp. of “girlish,” i.e. frivolous, irresponsible, not serious.) A black feminist or feminist of color. From the black folk expression of mothers to female children, “you acting womanish,” i.e., like a woman. Usually referring to outrageous, audacious, courageous or willful behavior. Wanting to know more and in greater depth than is considered “good” for one. Interested in grown up doings. Acting grown up. Being grown up. Interchangeable with another black folk expression: “You trying to be grown.” Responsible. In charge. Serious.”
“Also: A woman who loves other women, sexually and/or nonsexually. Appreciates and prefers women’s culture, women’s emotional flexibility (values tears as natural counterbalance of laughter), and women’s strength. Sometimes loves individual men, sexually and/or nonsexually. Committed to survival and wholeness of entire people, male and female. Not a separatist, except periodically, for health. Traditionally a universalist, as in: “Mama, why are we brown, pink, and yellow, and our cousins are white, beige and black?” Ans. “Well, you know the colored race is just like a flower garden, with every color flower represented.” Traditionally capable, as in: “Mama, I’m walking to Canada and I’m taking you and a bunch of other slaves with me.” Reply: “It wouldn’t be the first time.””
“Loves music. Loves dance. Loves the moon. Loves the Spirit. Loves love and food and roundness. Loves struggle. Loves the Folk. Loves herself. Regardless.”
“Womanist is to feminist as purple is to lavender.”
From In Search of Our Mother’s Gardens, “Coming Apart” by Alice Walker 1983
In praxis, Womanist theology looks at Scripture as filled with the stories of women of color. This lens of biblical interpretation requires us to consider the position of these women and the roles they play in the greater story of God.