Christianity, gender and sexuality

Question 1

The place of women in Christianity has been a subject of debate and discussion throughout the history of the Church. There are different views and interpretations of the role of women among Christians. Why?

Answer 1

• Biblical interpretation
• Historical and cultural context
• Denominational differences
• Personal beliefs and experiences

Question 2

Biblical interpretation

Answer 2

Some Christians interpret certain biblical passages as limiting the role of women in leadership and ministry. Others interpret then as affirming the full participation of women in all aspects of Church life

Question 3

Jesus clearly regarded women highly - he taught them in the same way as he taught with his disciples. An example of this is when…

Answer 3

he ate with Martha and Mary and when he spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well

Question 4

Galatians 3:28

Answer 4

“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Question 5

Paul and his positive attitude towards women: Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome and told them to show respect to…

Answer 5

a woman deacon named Phoebe

Question 6

Paul and his negative attitude towards women: This is shown in…

Answer 6

1 Corinthians 14:34-35

Question 7

1 Corinthians 14:35-35

Answer 7

“Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.”

Question 8

Historical and cultural context

Answer 8

The role of women in Christianity has been influenced by historical and cultural factors - such as patriarchal societies and gender roles - which have shaped the ways in which women have been viewed and treated in the Church

Some Christians view the traditional gender roles and hierarchies as biblically mandated and necessary. Others view them as cultural and historical constructs that can be challenged and changed

Question 9

Different Christian denominations have different views on the place of women in Christianity. Give examples of this

Answer 9

Some denominations (such as the Roman Catholic Church) limit the roles of women in leadership. Others (such as the United Church of Christ) ordain women as pastors and embrace gender equality

Question 10

Personal beliefs and experiences: Individual Christians may have different views on the role of women in Christianity based on the personal beliefs and experiences - cultural background can also factor in on this. Give an example.

Answer 10

Some Christians may support gender equality and the full participation of women in Church leadership and ministry based on their personal experiences of women’s empowerment and the belief that all people are created equal in the eyes of God

Question 11

How does Daphne Hampson see Christianity?

Answer 11

As irredeemably sexist

Question 12

Hampson holds that Christianity has always been…

Answer 12

inherently patriarchal and sexist

Question 13

What does Hampson believe the Church has perpetuated this inequality through?

Answer 13

Its teachings and practices

Question 14

Hampson suggests that many Christian teachings have reinforced gender inequality. Give some examples.

Answer 14

• The subordination of women
• The idealisation of virginity
• The exclusion of women from leadership roles

Question 15

What does Hampson say is needed to challenge and overcome this legacy of sexism in Christianity?

Answer 15

Radical reform

Question 16

Rosemary Radford Reuther argues that traditional Christian theology has excluded…

Answer 16

the female aspect of divinity and perpetuated the oppression of women

Question 17

What does Reuther propose to combat the gender inequality prevalent in Christianity?

Answer 17

She proposes an androgynous Christ who represents both male and female qualities

Question 18

What does Reuther argue about female nature?

Answer 18

Reuther argues that the female nature is more Christlike than the male. She indicates that women’s experiences of oppression and marginalisation can bring them closer to the compassionate and redemptive aspects of Christ’s teachings

Question 19

What does Reuther criticise?

Answer 19

Traditional Christian theology for its patriarchal bias

Question 20

What does Reuther call for?

Answer 20

A re-evaluation of the role of women in the Church and in society

Question 21

Summarise the viewpoint expressed by Rosemary Radford Reuther.

Answer 21

Reuther proposes an androgynous Christ who embodies both male and female qualities and suggests tat the female nature is more Christlike than the male. She emphasises the need for re-evaluating the role of women in the Church and society

Question 22

What is the conservative Christian view on homosexuality?

Answer 22

Many conservative Christians view homosexuality as a sin

Question 23

What is the conservative Christian view on homosexuality based on?

Answer 23

It is based on their interpretation of certain biblical texts - they therefore oppose same-sex relationships and marriages

Question 24

What story in the biblical book of Genesis has been associated with homosexuality?

Answer 24

The story of Sodom and Gomorrah

Question 25

Genesis 19:24

Answer 25

Sodom and Gomorrah (notoriously sinful cities in the biblical book of Genesis) destroyed by “sulphur and fire” because of their wickedness

Question 26

What is the liberal Christian view on homosexuality?

Answer 26

Many liberal Christians have a more inclusive view and support the full inclusion and affirmation of LGBTQ+ individuals in the Church and society

Question 27

Which Christian denominations have actively welcomed LGBTQ+ individuals and ordained gay and lesbian clergy?

Answer 27

• The Episcopal Church in the United States
• The United Church of Canada

Question 28

What is the conservative Christian view on transgender people?

Answer 28

Some conservative Christians view gender identity as a biological God-given characteristic - opposing transgender identities and transitions

Question 29

What is the Liberal Christian view on transgender issues?

Answer 29

Many other Christians (particularly those with a more inclusive and affirming theology) support transgender individuals and recognise the diversity of gender identities

Question 30

How have some churches taken steps to welcome and affirm transgender individuals?

Answer 30

Through using inclusive language and providing gender-neutral facilities