The role of women in religion.....?

Question

I may be mistaken, but it seems that some of the biggest modern religions do not let women become spiritual leaders. They can become nuns and deacons, but I haven't heard of any priestesses in Catholic churches. I've heard of a few female pastors in Protestant churches, but not many. What do female followers of these religions think of this? Does it not seem a bit degrading that you are not an equal in your religion?

Answer 1

I was Catholic and I also believed that it was degrading! The church was the one that started that. They found women (and many others who had knowledge) a threat to their existence. They called them "witches" and "Devil worshipers" had them punished because they questioned what the church was saying. That is another reason why practitioners of witch craft, healers, midwives and the like hid in the shadows. That is also why there are no women in the priest hood in many of the older established christian, Muslim (etc.) religions. It was meant to keep women down!

Answer 2

Oftentimes women think themselves into a lower position because of societical pressures when they should, in fact, be in an elevated poition. God saved the best creation for last! :o)

I am a member of the LDS Church and women are not to hold the Preisthood. That is what God has dictated. Men and women have different spheres of responsibility and you won't see me going aorund trying to give birth to a child and the weight of the morals of the next generation do not rest as heavily upon my shoulders, among other things.
http://www.lds.org/library/display/0,4945,161-1-11-1,00.html
The link above explain the Lord's position on the family.

Now...please read this talk which may help you to understand how important women are in the eyes of both the Lord and in the eyes of the men in my church. It was given at a meeting for the men of the church...
http://www.lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=f5b5a7b37c11c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1

This next talk was given by the young women's general president in a meeting of the entire church. It may also help you to understand, if you are truly seeking knowledge! :o)
http://www.lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=d243b5658af22110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1

Anywho...I hope I helped a little. By the way...do you know why womens' brains cost less? Because they are used! :o)

Answer 3

The women who have become leaders have often started cults like Ellen White.

http://www.ellenwhite.org/

Or Mary Baker Eddy

http://www.ondoctrine.com/10chscie.htm

That's why the Apostle Paul wrote this passage.

1 Timothy 2:12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve; 14 and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.

The person who was glad about a woman Bishop in the Episcopal church just adds icing to the cake since that church has fallen away from sound doctrine and now embraces behavior that the Bible clearly calls sinful.

There's a woman Pastor at my church. She is in charge of the Children's ministry.

Answer 4

Hopefully they realise that priest's were responsible for a breadth of things which in the day were not things done by a Women. Helping build communities by getting out and helping men and women doing the dirty work, and bringing them together on Sunday's for peaceful reflection under the guidance of the Church. Today that role has softened but it shouldnt be that people demand the Church to change. If a Church doesnt suit you then find one that does perhaps... I think Women should actually be elevated and worshipped myself.

Answer 5

Buddhist woman have the comparable roles as adult males. we are dealt with the two (even if it took an prolonged time too permit women folk grow to be Buddhist nuns) I also have a function to Base my existence on how th Buddha (Siddhartha) has given me. I stay daily residing my function to be a extra suitable guy or woman by utilising interpreting the Dhammapadda, exhibiting Compassion, and listening to different peoples veiw.

Answer 6

i don't and have never felt unequal being a christian. i feel that there is a place in every church for women. i hold many positions in my church....from leading worship to hosting a small group in my home. Jesus used women in His life here on earth as much as He used the men. Jesus calls the men to be the spiritual head of the household, to love his wife as Christ loved the church and for women to submit to their husbands. this doesn't mean what most people make it out to be. i don't just stand there and let my husband order me around. we are friends who discuss and make decisions based on what is true and right. we play an equal part in our family and in our church...based on what our spiritual gifts are. there has always been equality in all my life as a christian. I wouldn't want it any other way.
blessings.

Answer 7

This is not nessasary ture. There are many preachers all over the world who are women. Wtih the catholic religon is difrent, for watever reason. I was once a catholic, but i change because of this reason too. Maybe you should try christainity. We worship God, jesus christ, and the holy spirt. The same thing like you.
God bless, and God luck =D

Answer 8

Wicca is growing pretty fast, in part because we allow women to be priestesses of equal rank (and sometimes superior rank within a coven) with the priests.

Answer 9

I'm fortunate that in my church (Episcopal) our Presiding Bishop is a female. I've also been able to participate in the church in every way I've wanted to. We've had female priests, deacons, acolytes, etc since the 70s.

Answer 10

Actually, when my father read me the passage in the Bible that Paul wrote saying that women should not become leaders of the church, I was a little disappointed. But I think now that it may make sense, somewhat. Men were created to be leaders, not the other way around. Although, a woman's influence is important.