Abstract

Though progressive liberals and feminist liberationists diverge in their interpretations of social disease, its treatment, and its cure, their theological and ethical perspectives bear important resemblances, and both are animated by a passionate commitment to social justice. Comparative analysis of these two forms of ethical reflection exposes areas in which "bridge discourse" makes possible the formation of hybrid publics capable of advancing change. Focusing on the work of James Luther Adams and selected feminist theologians, I argue that contentious alliances joined by progressive liberals and feminist liberationists can contribute to an ethics that is radically transformative-one that articulates a profound critique of existing injustices and simultaneously informs effective action for combatting and reshaping unjust structures and practices.