ABSTRACT
Ecofeminism is growing in importance as a significant current of thought, also of gender and socio-environmental activism. It articulates practice and theory, criticizes patriarchalism, androcentrism and neoliberalism, and proposes a model of understanding the human being based on reciprocity, cooperation and love for the Earth. Such characteristics have not yet been widely embraced in theology. This study aims to show how ecofeminism contributes to the advancement of Latin American ecotheology, due: to its own hermeneutics, to inclusive anthropology, to language that integrates reason and emotion, to concepts and narratives, and to values of care for fragile people and the Common House. The article begins with a conceptual leveling. It presents the key points of ecofeminism and how it develops knowledge. It shows how ecofeminist theology develops a creative synthesis of conceptual elaboration, female protagonism, struggle in defense of women and the biosphere, and liberating spirituality. It concludes by presenting the various interfaces between ecofeminism and ecotheology. An ecological and feminist theology is fruitful for Christian practices and theory because it re-reads the Bible and Tradition under current categories, takes up the basic intuitions of liberation theology, associates ecological conversion with gender conversion for men and women, helps overcome the patriarchal heritage of the Churches, and expands the category of “care” with the unique contribution of women.
KEYWORDS
Ecofeminism; Ecotheology; Hermeneutics; Latin America; Feminist theology