Transformative theologies arising from Canadian margins: embodied and hope-filled, transformative theologies arise from suffering and resist violence.

What does a theology from the margins of our Canadian society look like? What makes theologies from the margins liberating and transformative? I suggest characteristics, a checklist, for those attempting to connect with others living on the Canadian margins and "do" transformative theology.

Arises out of suffering

Feminist theologies intentionally begin from experience. It is important to define whose experiences shape a particular belief and whose experiences are left out.

As a woman, I have sometimes experienced silencing and violence directed at me because of my gender. My reflections are shaped by experiences of marginalization. As a white, middle-class, able-bodied person with a high level of academic education, my reflections are also shaped by tremendous privilege.

Transformative theologies from the marginalized arise out of experiences of suffering. The importance of suffering does not mean that it is necessary for salvation. Suffering born out of the pain of oppression does not purify nor is it God's will. Although I agree with scriptural passages suggesting that good can come out of suffering, it can never be justified on this basis.

Maiming of the earth and its creatures is evil. The cross is an evil instrument of torture, not an atoning symbol of victory. What the cross does symbolize is God's choice to suffer and die with us.

For the sake of justice some of us choose to suffer in solidarity. For the sake of spiritual renewal some of us choose to do without. For the sake of peace some of us choose to risk our lives. To choose suffering is not to justify or extol it, but to enter into it in order to bring an end to it.

A theology born out of suffering connects with the depths of life and has the credibility to address issues of justice. It aches with the pains of the people and the land without trying to dismiss, glorify or …