Despite widespread growing interest in Theological Interpretation of Scripture (TIS) and the commitment of leading scholars in the field to a centred yet broad construal of evangelicalism, one voice which is not readily engaged in TIS is feminist interpretation. For example, a search of article titles across 34 issues and 17 years of the Journal of Theological Interpretation reveals no explicit constructive engagement with feminist perspectives. Thus far (TIS) seems neutral to negative about feminism.
This paper argues for the potential fruitfulness of the meeting of these two worlds – on both sides. Theological, canonical, and Christological readings of Scripture offer valuable resources for feminist interpreters, while feminist readings contribute to the church’s doctrinal precision and clarity, helpfully informing theological reading. An example of such fruitful engagement is offered, utilising the work of Francis Watson and Phyllis Trible on Genesis 1-3, in conversation with Daniel Treier’s “evangelical dogmatics of Scripture.” A theological reading of Gen 1-3 provides the hermeneutical key which opens space for feminist critical reading of Scripture.
I argue that although TIS may not be interested in feminism, evangelical feminist interpreters should be interested in TIS, and that theological reading of Scripture is a valuable resource for evangelical feminist interpretation.