Is sexism rooted in the major male dominated religions?

Question

Judaism, Christianity and Islam? Ran by men for men?

I believe most organized religions are sexist, but I would love detailed examples/comments if you think that's not the case and which religion?

Answer 1

yes
ESPECIALLY
those three
but don't forget
even
Hinduism
and
Buddhism
has
some of this
because that is how
the ones with the pow
er
want the words
to be
interpreted
it is all about social control

Answer 2

I don't think the major religions need to be sexist, and I don't think their religious texts were necessarily sexist, but the majority of the leadership of these three religions are sexist and male dominated, and many of their followers are (but not all, of course).

The early religious leaders of these three religions chose to interpret their texts and chose to interpret the actions of their religious icons like Jesus and Mohammed, in a sexist manner. Men who had and still have power in these religions interpreted their texts and leaders so they could continue what they were comfortable with, male domination, instead of equality. And in turn, these religious beliefs have been used by those in economic, political and social power to justify their subjucation and persecution of women, of blacks (slavery), and of gays/lesbians, for example.

I've studied both the new and old testament quite a bit, and there are many different greek words that could be used when translating these texts-often english is a very imprecise language, especially when it comes to the word "love". Often the most sexist (and racist and homophobic) interpretation of a word has been chosen for these religious texts.

But then again, I grew up in a fundy christian household, and saw how words , beliefs, and religion were used to enforce rigid sex roles, and promote racism and homophobia. I've met some Christians who are tolerant and open-minded, as well as followers of Judaism and Islam, but they are fighting a very archaic, rigid, and powerful group, that will do anything to preserve their power and control over others.

Answer 3

No.

I do believe that the interests of sexism have been furthered by religious institutions, by political institutions, even by scientific institutions in some very unfortunate instances.

I also believe that anti-sexist goals have been furthered by each of those institutions at various times.

When people talk about things being "caused by" or 'rooted in" this or that, the almost invariably make an unduly simplistic picture. And sometimes simplistic pictures which conflict yield pseudo-controversies.

Non-sexism-related example:

Some say the basis for punishment is revenge, some say rehabilitation, some say deterrence, etc.

The truth is: people support punishments for a variety of reasons and so the institution is perpetuated.

EDIT

I am better informed about the fight for racial equality in this country (EDIT than I am about sexism. I don't mean to claim to be better informed than someone else) and I can tell you that there have been religious institutions supporting and actively pushing on both sides.

My nose tells me it is likely the same for sexual equality.

Case in point:

The early Women's suffrage organizations were largely Christian.

The alliance between suffragettes and Christian churches in support of prohibition was frequently presented in terms of the role of alcoholism in domestic violence and men's neglect of family responsibilities.

Answer 4

Thats probably a fair statement. Organized religion has been the cause of many attrocities commited against mankind throughout the ages. Its sad when humans can take the interpretations of a loving God and somehow twist them to hurt others. For example, I live in a community that has a large sign out on the street which reads, "No aldulterer or homosexual will enter into My Kingdom". What kind of message does that send, other than intollerance and hatred? Do the sign posters actually believe that people will 'change their ways' because of the sign? In reality, the blind faith in religion (not God, mind you) has done more damage than good for men and women throughout this earth's history.

Answer 5

I think it's more complicated than that. If you look at other societies where buddhism or hinduism, for example, are the primary religions, men dominate there as well. I suspect it's more the case that men tend to dominate becuase they have evolved greater size, strength and aggressiveness, and the institutions of society, including religion, have developed to support a power structure that already existed.

Answer 6

There is no right or wrong answer. Some people could easily misuse the religion to dominate the woman just as Christianity does also. Muslims can be good or bad people depending on who they are, being of a certain religion doesn't make you bad or good. As for doubting your faith, that is extremely personal thing. If you doubt it then learn more about it and other religions, or contemplate no religion. If it doesn't feel right it just doesn't. One belief could be right for you and wrong for someone else.

Answer 7

I don't think you can call it sexist, religion has been used for thousands of years to dominate both men and women. But I suppose the ladies do get a slightly worse deal out of it.

Answer 8

Religion is the root of most evil, and in our times it's the three Abrahamic religions that are the culprits. Notice how most who would argue that there are very rigid gender roles that should not be broken under any circumstance are very devout and fundamentalists in one of those three religions.

Edit: psalmsmuse, would it be fair to argue that the reason Cosmopolitan magazine is the way it is is because it stems from a Christian society, and even if the writers and editors of the magazine no longer subscribe to Christianity, that mindset is still ingrained into their brains?

Answer 9

I am going to say that I am stunned today! The Catholic Church in CT I believe, voted to allow Catholic Hospitals to give out Plan B to rape victims. There was a state law going into effect Monday and they had to choose. Potentially they could have been sued to keep the them from receiving any state funds. Does my church make decisions based upon money? (i.e Not cracking down on pedophile priests until the lawsuits started)

Answer 10

In my experience with Christianity, I have found this to be mostly true. This idea that men are "closer to god", etc.

There was an interesting book I read several years ago called "When God Was a Woman" and the premise of the book was basically, that in cultures that have female religious deities, women generally hold a higher place in those societies. It was pretty interesting.

Answer 11

Religion are the creation of man And I do not see any difference in Islamic Fundamentalist and the religious right (Christian Fundamentalist) they both misuse the name of God to Buttress there hold on Power ,In most religions, woman are delegated the lesser role "many do not see it because of their blind faith) in their teachings.
Yes religion the creations by males, to mandate male domination.