Religion and women?

Question

How many of you think that a lot of religions were made to keep women lower than men.

Answer 1

I think religions are a product of their times and the cultures they were developed in. They were violent patriarchal societies and the writings reflect their values and culture. There was a hard line division of labor. Men had to fight and kill and bring home food. Women were without the means of family planning and tied to caring for the home and children. Women were not educated as there seemed little point to it as they would be homemakers, child bearers, and care givers. Today we live in a far different society. Earning income to survive is no longer dependent on brute strength in most fields. Women can plan families or choose not to have children. Women contrary to belief back then are proving to be individuals with dreams, aspirations, and intellectual capacity beyond the limits of stereotypical female roles of old. It is forgivable that religions should be a product of their times. What is unforgivable is if they should fail to evolve with the human race and understanding and seek to hold women in rigid roles rather than allow them to explore their potential as is the right of every human.

Answer 2

I don't think "a lot" of religions were made to keep women lower than men. Religion is an element of culture. As an element of culture, just like any other element, it develops in response to the people in the culture. More, while I can't speak for other faiths, Christianity at least as been predominantly female. Women are the ones who fill the congregations. Without their consent, both explicit and implicit, Christian religious movements would loose their impetus and dwindle away.

That said, the modern church still struggles to shed the taint of cultural patriarchy.....

While, I'm at it, I would also point out that the Scriptures do not claim to be written by men only. Several passages of the Old Testament are specifically indicated as the words of women.....and it has been argued that the book of Hebrews was written by a woman.

Answer 3

I think a good majoritiy of religions are made to make women feel inferior. Which is funny when you consider how much more stronger women are than men. I don't mean in physical strength. We are stronger in emotion, and have no fear to show it (which is strength in itself), we are stronger than men to endure the pain of childbirth, we are stronger than men to be able to raise a family while at the same time take care of the home, AND keep a full time job. Let's see how many men can do all that and still remain sane, lol.

Answer 4

I don't think the religions themselves were intentionally created that way.

Although that was the effect because of the social views of society at the time.

it was the society that was keeping women lower than men (or of differential importance as some societies had different roles) and the religion was created by people from that society so naturally thier views and cultural norms and idioms would be injected into that religion.

religion didn't come first, society did.

Answer 5

My religion, The Bible, teaches me to Love my wife as Christ Loves the Church. The fact that this is not practiced is the largest problem that relationships have today. When a man loves a woman that much, She doesn't usually have problems with looking up to him a bit.

Answer 6

I dont think Christianity was. Jesus treated women with respect and love..I think it says a lot about His views on women that Mary (a woman!) was the frst person to see the resurrected Jesus.
The Bible can be used to make women feel inferior but that is not its true message. The devil can quote and twist Scripture very well! (Remember Jesus' tempations?)
God bless

Answer 7

Whether we like it or not, that is the way God ordained it. Man was created first, then woman. Now a truly Godly man will not treat a woman as a lower class citizen, but as a help mate as God intended it to be.

Edit: kstfas' response is absolutely correct.

Answer 8

Ya think?
Catholics get alot of b.s. over Mary don't they? That should tell you right there! Scoffing the mother of Jesus. And Eve is the temptress? Again, Adam could have told her no.

Answer 9

Depends on the religion.

Most neo-pagan paths exalt BOTH sexes and strive for balance.

Answer 10

Women should be under men.

Amazing thing is religious women actually agree.