The Femininity of Jesus Christ and its Ecclesial Implications in the Mystical Preaching of Juana de la Cruz (On the Pre-Reform and the Women Dispute in Castilla)

Abstract

In this article, some of the most relevant Christological keys of the Castilian visionary Juana de la Cruz are studied. They are considered as the bed rock for a proposal of socio-ecclesial political reform. Within the frame of Pre-Reform, Humanism and the Querelle des Femmes (Debate about Women), it can be designed as feminist. Having its origin in the incarnation in a woman’s body, its singularity is determined by the feminine in both the human and divine dimensions. Through his person, his relationship with his mother, and the new salvation order inaugurated by him, Jesus Christ gives a new expression to sexual identity, and offers a new model of human relationship: sexual differentiation becomes valuable, especially on women; it fosters equality with no regard for sexual hierarchies; it promotes an exchange of roles, as well as love between men and women.