Joy is a powerful emotion that has been used throughout history to resist oppressive systems that value suffering and pain. In many cases, joy can be seen as a form of resistance because it challenges the status quo and offers an alternative perspective on life. Joy can also be used as a weapon against systems that promote dehumanization and exploitation by celebrating humanity's capacity for pleasure, connection, and creativity. This article will explore how joy can become a theology of resistance against such systems.
The role of joy in theology
The concept of joy plays an important role in Christian theology, where it is often associated with salvation and redemption. Theologians have long argued that God desires humans to experience joy as part of their relationship with Him.
Psalm 16:11 states "You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy." This verse suggests that joy is not just a fleeting emotional state but rather an integral part of a person's spiritual journey towards God.
The New Testament teaches that Jesus Christ came into the world to bring joy and hope to those who are oppressed or marginalized. As John 10:10 says, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the fullest." This verse implies that joy is essential to living a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Resistance through joy
Some people argue that joy can also be a tool for resistance against oppressive systems.
Feminist theologian Sallie McFague suggests that women should use joy as a form of resistance against patriarchy. In her book "Models of God: Theology for an Ecological Age," she writes, "Women need to rediscover the power of laughter and celebration.to resist the dehumanization of our lives by a culture that values production over pleasure, profit over play." She argues that by embracing joy, women can challenge the dominant system's view of them as subordinate to men.
Queer theologian Marcella Althaus-Reid wrote about how joy could be used to resist heteronormativity. She argued that queer communities should reclaim joy as a way of affirming their identities and relationships in defiance of social norms. In her essay "Indecent Theologies," she writes, "We must learn to rebel against the 'normal' order of things and create new forms of desire and eroticism." By claiming their right to experience pleasure, queer communities can assert their own agency and dignity.
The role of pain
While joy can be a powerful force for resistance, it is important to acknowledge that not all forms of resistance involve exclusively positive emotions. In fact, many activists have used pain as a weapon against systems of oppression.
Black feminist theorist Audre Lorde famously argued that "pain will never disappear so long as there are those who profit from it." She suggested that people should embrace their pain as a means of empowerment rather than seeking refuge in escapist pleasures like drugs or alcohol.
Pain and suffering have also been central to Christian theology, with the cross serving as a symbol of Christ's sacrifice for humanity's sins. Some scholars argue that this emphasis on pain has led to an overemphasis on suffering and martyrdom within Christianity.
Others argue that pain can still be a tool for resistance if it is used to expose systemic injustices and inspire action.
Joy can be a potent tool for resisting oppressive systems that value pain and exploitation. It offers an alternative perspective on life by celebrating humanity's capacity for connection, creativity, and pleasure. At the same time, it is essential to recognize that pain and suffering can also play a role in resistance movements.
Any form of resistance requires careful consideration of how best to use one's emotional resources to effect change.
Can joy itself become a theology of resistance against systems that valorize pain?
To begin with, it is important to distinguish between two forms of joy – hedonistic and eudaimonic. Hedonistic joy is associated with pleasure and immediate gratification, while eudaimonic joy involves a sense of meaning and purpose in life. While both forms of joy can be experienced in response to resistance against oppressive systems, they are not necessarily mutually exclusive.