Sexism and religion?

Question

Why does religion so often promote sexism? Why would you follow a religion that did this (especially if you are female)?

I know that there are quotes such as "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" but there are also sexist parts of the Bible e.g. "I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet." - 1 Timothy 2.
If you do not reject any of the Bible, how can you let yourself agree with this? Do you actually believe this to be true?

Oh, and 1 Corinthians 11: "the head of every man is Christ, the head of a woman is her husband...For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man."

And Ephesians 5:22-24: "Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything."

And 1 Peter 3:7: "Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner"

Sorry to all the muslims, jews, buddhists, hindus, pagans and other religions - I meant Christianity. Thanks for answering though :)

I don't really agree with the 'different roles' either - or are these just suggested? I know women who are stronger than lots of men, since I am friends with some girls who do rowing. I don't see why they should still be considered weaker when theyre not weaker than most men.

And I personally don't think I'm happy being the compassionate, supportive role - I think women and men can have characteristics that are typical of the opposite sex - should we all have to conform and be stereotypes??

Also, who wouldnt be insulted at being told their husband is Christ and theyre a bloomin church?? Slight difference in importance.

Answer 1

This is spiritual it is not sexist. It is the order of God.There are spiritual meanings behind these things. Without knowing God a well a we hold many times we make the mistake of judging him. Many people decide God is evil because of hell. Others think God an egotist others think God cruel...These are mistakes that we make and they are not because they are true but because our understanding is weak. God is not sexist he created men and women and each have their own purposes. Would you consider your feet more important than your hands? No but they have different purposes. Now The spiritual meaning behind a man and woman's roles....As you yourself stated A woman should not have authority over a man...If we understand God's order then we get some understanding as to why this is so. God is to Jesus as Jesus is to the church. The same is said of man to woman and spirit to flesh. As the Bible teaches We are to submit our flesh to our spirit.It is the flesh that is tempted. If we study the creation and the time in the garden where the serpent beguiled the woman. It is also an example of how we are tempted in our flesh. In order to show the order of God the man is in authority over the woman and it ha nothing to do with sexism but a symbol that the flesh is in submission to the spirit. The same as Christ was in submission to the father

Answer 2

These people dont know much about Islam. Islam was the first and most prominene to promote gender equality, they gave many rights to women that they did not have in other religions at the time. The veils, hijabs, burkas have nothing to do with religion. The religion promotes modesty, but nowhere in the Quran or Hadiths does it talk about wearing hijabs and burkas. Those are some dumb laws and values created by governments and people.

Answer 3

Christianity was the first major religion to teach that women and men were equal in God's eyes.

Prior to that, in the dominant society at the time (Rome) women were very much second-class citizens.

They were in ancient Judaism too -- in ancient Israel, women were very much looked down on in that patriarchal society.

But Christianity came around and changed that -- "husbands, love your wives" (a quote from Ephesians that you conveniently left out, while isolating other selectively-chosen quotes to make Christianity appear sexist) was very much a new concept in the ancient Roman world back then.

Amazingly enough, at least half the world's adherents of Christianity (and other religions) are women -- even in this day and age, when women are well-informed and well-educated.

Obviously, then, your opinions do not reflect those of the average woman, including me. No offense.

.

Answer 4

...I can "let myself agree with this" because God says it and that settles it, and I will obey Him.
...You and I are free to follow any kind of a Gospel we want - we can even pick and choose what verses we wish to follow, based on the current culture, what's in vogue, what is politically correct, etc. I don't mean to be unkind, but it sounds like you done just that. It is wrong and sin when you disobey His word.
...God made us and designed us, and He has also created roles for men and women. It sounds as if you think it unjust for men and women to have different roles, that somehow it is demeaning to you. I am sorry you feel that way, but I will bank on God and His infinite wisdom, that He knows what He is doing, and He knows what we ought to do.
...You need to re-think your position and adjust to God's word, and consider a few things, i.e.,
...2 Timothy 3:16-17
...16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;
...17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
***********************************************
...Revelation 22:18-19
18 I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book;
19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.

Answer 5

Listen is Islam for example alot of ppl try to say that Ilsam is sexism.. and their evidence just province in Quran said ( the male not like female)... and they dont get the meaning right... they thought that Alla wanna say that men r better than women while ALLA mean that the features of girls not like man..( breats.. face.. hair.. body.. characters.. nature and everything..there r differences between men and women...also women get pregnant and bring up babies... women have sixth sense towards their husbands if he cheats her.. and towards her babies... while men no....)
So thats the sexism in relegion if that what u meant.

Answer 6

How does Islam guarantee human rights?

According to the Qur'an, God has created all of humankind equal, and has given each the right to pursue their own destiny. The life, honor and property of all people in a Muslim society are considered sacred, whether the person is Muslim or not. Racism, sexism and prejudice of any sort are unacceptable in Islam. The Qur'an speaks of human equality in the following terms:

"O humankind! We created you from a male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, so that you may come to know one another. Truly, the most honored of you in God's sight is the greatest of you in piety. God is All-Knowing, All-Aware." (Qur'an 49:13)

The right to life is the most basic of human rights; the Qur'an equates the unjust killing of a single person to killing all of humankind: "And whoever kills a soul…, should be as though he has killed all of humankind." (Qur'an 5:32)

Dealing equitably and protecting the rights of every individual is the cornerstone of a Muslim society. God further states in the Qur'an: "O you who believe! Stand up firmly for God, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not hatred of a people invite you to act inequitably; act justly, that is nearer to piety, and be conscious of (your duty to) God, surely God is aware of all that you do." (Qur'an 5:8).

http://www.discoverislam.com/poster.asp?poster=DIP2004_26&page=1

Answer 7

Man cant get pregnant & woman cant fight ( physically ) with man. these are some created differences by God. What u read is the modified versions by man.. who have powers most of the time. so, go by what u think is right, believe what u think is right. & if u have the power than change what u think should be changed.

Answer 8

I really do have intentions of reading the bible one day. I cannot do it now i really do not have the time not to mention it really does confuse me. I am not a christian either so i do not think that it is my duty at all.

Answer 9

http://www.fnsa.org/fall98/terwilliger.html

This article clears up a lot of the misconceptions about Christianity and the Church

Answer 10

you can believe in the bible but give other people including women a chance.and no o dint believe it si true