Abstract
Contemporary feminist research on vulnerability bears a striking resemblance to Christian theological discussions of the vulnerability of Christ. This paper examines these similarities through Caravaggio’s depictions of vulnerability and wounds in dialogue with the work of Adriana Cavarero and Judith Butler on vulnerability. It argues for an understanding of vulnerability as part of a process of learning from wounds that is sometimes marked by emotional incredulity, an expression of doubt or denial of what one knows to be true because of the way its realization feels. Emotional incredulity in these circumstances is not a denial of vulnerability that pretends to mastery, but one that expresses the challenge of learning how much we do not know of ourselves.
Presenters
Fannie BialekAssistant Professor, The John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics, Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2025 Special Focus—Fragile Meanings: Vulnerability in the Study of Religions and Spirituality
KEYWORDS
Vulnerability, Christianity, Kenosis, Astonishment, Responsibility, Feminism
