‘Divine love’ in the philosophical works of Luce Irigaray: a critical quest of a Korean woman seeking women’s spirituality

Abstract

This dissertation provides an understanding of ‘divine love’ in Luce Irigaray’s philosophical works. It also attempts to draw implications from her notion of ‘divine love’ for a feminist theological perspective. In order to engage with Irigaray’s concept of ‘divine love’, a rather personal approach is being used as a methodology, which is apposite for Irigaray’s rhetorical style. The idea of ‘divine love’ is well treated in the texts of Irigaray in conjunction with the four elements. Therefore, the first chapter sets the scene for understanding by presenting an account of what ‘divine love’ means. The second chapter engages in scrutinizing critically unexamined assumptions in the concept of ‘divine love.’ Nevertheless, the spiritual dimension of Luce Irigaray’s philosophical works deserves serious consideration. The third chapter seeks to the insights gained to spiritual dimension in feminist theology. In search for women’s spirituality and identity, the synthesis of Irigaray’s idea and Goddess Thealogy is considered because of certain commonality bringing into perspective women’s spirituality. This could provide a scope for future research.