Can I wear Emily Culpepper’s red “Witch Shoes” to work? An exploration of thealogical ethics and their application in the graduate workplace.

Abstract

This thesis proposes the potential for thealogical ethics, defining them as based in three key concepts: immanent divinity, interconnection and the web of life, and different constructions of power. These three concepts are explored through an in depth engagement with a seminal publication from four key thealogians, Carol Christ, Melissa Raphael, Paul Reid-Bowen and Starhawk. The concepts are interrogated for their ethical implications including discussion on a thealogical problem of evil, the Goddess’ influence in the world, and the web metaphor as a positive model within thealogical ethics. Additionally, Gaia theory and Chaos theory is adapted to and explored within a thealogical framework. The ethical framework arrived at is then applied to the issue of graduate employment and the notion of a “thealogically friendly” career is delineated. Furthermore, this thesis offers and experiments with the idea of a thealogical methodology as based in critique of the subjective/objective binary, active promotion of the creative and subjective voice, embodied thought and politically aware scholarship