What are your thoughts regarding intermingling of people of different genders in a social (religious setting)?

Question

(As you might know for the most part Muslim man and women really do not "Intermingle" in religious social settings. Because Islam requires Modesty and respect from people, thus when for example people are having gathered at the mosque, with lots of people (Maybe strangers there too) man and women pray, eat and seat in separate rooms.

The reasons are various, coming from trying to prevent sin by even looking at someone in a "Less than brotherly way" , preventing Gossip, in prayer this is done so that men and women concenrate on God rather than each other... because that is the purpose of a social religious gathering in the first place, concentrate on GOD.... etc)

In any case I am interested in your experience in such occasions :)

Thanks so much,
Muslimah

Answer 1

There is only a slight separation of men and women in my religion, and it's not during a ceremony. It's usually afterwards.

Most ceremonies are headed by a "priest" and a "priestess" (I'm simplifying the words to something easily understood by all, rather than using our words for these things). However, after the ceremony, men tend to wander off one way and women and children another. It's not mandatory, but it does seem to happen.

At large gatherings, you will see groups of women scattered about teaching our children crafts and lore and cooking. You'll see the men having axe throwing contests and playing other games, keeping the camp in order, hunting (ick!!), gathering wood if the women don't want to, etc. But that's pretty much just following our traditional way of life, so it just comes naturally to us.

There's nothing to prevent me from throwing axes and playing games with the men (I've done it and lost miserably! I'm tiny for a Scandinavian.), and there's nothing to prevent a man from hanging out and playing games with the children and cooking with the women. Some of the men seem to prefer to be around the women and children. (I think it's partially a protective thing.)

We don't have 'set' gender roles/rules of behavior in our faith, as men and women are considered equal and are supposed to behave themselves on their own. But we do seem to slip into them, don't we? Next time I go to a Sumbel or Blot or Thing, I'll really have to pay more attention to what happens afterwards rather than just wander off towards the nearest pot of food and group of children! You've really got me to think about it now...

Very interesting question!

~Morg~

Answer 2

I dont see anything wrong with men and women "intermingling" in a religious setting. I manage everyday to "intermingle" with lots of men...and not have an impure thought about them. ITs called self control. Most humans have that ability. Most people who are in a religious setting are there because they want to learn about god, not to hook-up with members of the opposite sex. So why shouldnt they be allowed to mingle together?? Keeping men and women separate(in my opinion) is mans way of making sure those women know they are not as important as the men. Men dont want to hear those women's views on things...so lets keep them separate. Its really just about showing them whose boss...and I feel very sorry for those women that they allow that.

Answer 3

I find value in both genders intermingling. With out women the feminine atributes of God (wisdon and knowledge) are missing. (Proverbs chapters 1-3)

I also think God wishes us to learn self restraint. If Ican not keep my mind on God as long as a woman is present I am a week man. Also, what does this say about my passion for God.

Avoidance of temptation is good in moderation. One grows as a person by facing temptation and not sucumming to it.

Answer 4

Peace be upon you!

The reasoning's you give seem honorable as far as addressing mankind's sinful human nature.

The difference between Christians and Muslims is that those of us that have asked the living Spirit of Jesus to come inside our hearts to live, are led by that same Spirit.

We have a personal relationship with God and we can by our free-will choose to follow His counsel that is alive within us, thereby not having to rely on religious rules and regulations.

This from God's word.

Romans 8:13-14
For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live,

Because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
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Addition

There are sinful people all over the world that are not acting in a respectful way with one another.

Could it be that there are different degrees of "sinfulness" according to what society or culture you were born into?

Maybe the Muslim cultures need those rules and regulations moreso because lack of self control towards women is inherently greater in those societies.

Example;

http://www.ecwronline.org/english/harassment.htm

Answer 5

I think your religion has some weird ideas about sex.

But then I'm not in a religious setting very often, so I guess I don't have much of an answer for this - my atheist group is men and women, and we don't feel the need to seperate.

Answer 6

Personal Opinion: The failure of Muslim men & women to develop a sense of comfort around one another (enhanced by frequent social interchange) has led to an excessive awareness of sexuality and heightened objectification of women among men. The separation has resulted in the failure of each gender to view the other as simply human.

Answer 7

I like to think I am capable of being around someone of the opposite sex without thinking impure thoughts about them or wanting to gossip about them. If not, I believe I would have to stay inside my house and never leave. I respect your religions reasoning behind what they do however it is simply not for me.

Answer 8

Absolutely no problems. Because men and women think differently about things, it is great to get that second opinion/insight into the discussion.

Answer 9

Your mistake is in questioning that because of the fact something masquerades as a faith, it easily is. Christianity is only prepared crime, and has murdered hundreds of thousands of harmless human beings with a view to acquire wealth and ability. it somewhat is no longer possibly available to get alongside with them. in spite of the undeniable fact that the adverage christian would seem advantageous on the exterior, and not in any respect in my opinion participated in persecuting others, they'll nonetheless grow to be very offended and shielding if the area of their criminal history is raised. which potential all of us would desire to humor them via pretending their so-called faith is a valid and pious one, while in fact all of us comprehend it somewhat is particularly the alternative. different religions, that have brought about no harm to others, are high-quality with me. i'm consistently happy to socialize with them or perhaps communicate our distinctive ideals... yet sorry, no longer christians.

Answer 10

It is the major flaw of societies like yours that women are treated like property and jealously hidden away. It is a major flaw of an individual if they stand for it.