Mythological Sources of Feminist Theology: Lilith in Jewish Mythology

This study critically examines the historical transformation of Lilith, an important mythological source of Judeo-Christian feminist theological tradition, and its impact on feminist thought. The Mother Goddess archetype, which was at the center of the cycle of fertility, life, and death in antiquity, was demonized and transformed into a femme fatale figure with the rise of the patriarchal order. Lilith's transformation in this context is considered one of the examples of the negative positioning of women in religious and cultural narratives and shows how female images in Judeo-Christian sacred texts serve to reinforce patriarchal structures. Starting from the etymological origins of Lilith, the study examines her position within the polytheistic belief system of antiquity and how she was reshaped in monotheistic traditions. The transformation of Lilith into a malevolent figure in Judeo-Christian scriptural narratives is associated with the perception of the female body, sexuality, and autonomy as a threat and is considered as an element that reinforces the anti-woman constructs of patriarchal theology. This transformation has formed the basis of theological critiques by Western feminist movements and has contributed to feminist theology's efforts to reinterpret female archetypes. In conclusion, by analyzing the interplay between religious narratives and gender relations, the study reveals that Lilith's transformation is a theological issue and plays a vital role in shaping feminist thought. This context provides a critical framework for comparing feminist theology with the patriarchal religious tradition.