Feminist theory of religion Flashcards
what does religion legitimise
Religion legitimises patriarchal society through religious scriptures, ceremonies and practices and religious structures
religion functions as
- An agent of socialisation into patriarchal ideology - Armstrong
- An agent of social solidarity which ensures acceptance of the patriarchal hierarchy - Davie
- A stabilising force which helps maintain the status quo leaving the patriarchy unchallenged - Holm and Bird
- A source of comfort which encourages women to accept their own exploitation
socialises us into the patriarchy
Although the formal teachings of religion often stress equality between the sexes, there is considerable evidence of the patriarchy within them according to Armstrong. For eg, Early religions were based on polytheism and many goddesses were revered equally with male gods. Men then created monotheism to remove female gods. Another way religious organisations socialise women into the patriarchy is by marginalisation. Armstrong sees women’s exclusion from positions of power like priesthood as evidence of women’s marginalisation. Orthodox Judaism and Catholicism forbid women from becoming priests, this sends off the idea that men are dominant which causes women to be socialised into patriarchy
religion as an agent of social order - patriarchal hierarchy
Davie argues that christianity in particular promotes the belief that males are superior and dominant. Jesus’ disciples are all males so all priests must be males too. Sacred texts largely feature the doing of male gods and prophets while simultaneously reflecting anti-female stereotypes of women being secondary to men. For example, Eve was made for Adams’s spare rib and caused the fall of humanity. This spreads the idea that women are responsible for man’s downfall which has been co-opted by modern societies and used as a way to push women out
religion maintains the status quo
According to Bird, males fear female sexuality which is expressed through religious teaching - the whore of Babylon, virgin births. Males fear women’s ability to reproduce and condemn them as a polluting force in order to keep males and females separate. Holm argues that many religions exclude women from equal participation - menstruating women in Islam are not allowed to touch the Quran this is described as the devaluation of women in religion. Women are presented as sexual predators with endless desire who are out to seduce men and divert them from their proper religious duty, this condemned view of female sexuality has maintained the status quo as it has led to attempts by religious countries to regulate women’s reproductive role. eg Poland’s abortion ban - catholic church influence
religion as a false sense of comfort
Religion justifies women’s secondary status in society and makes a sanctity out of suffering. Suffering is seen as holy and it gives women a false belief that they’ll be compensated for their suffering on Earth by equality in heaven. The idea that women’s suffering is a necessary part of their spiritual journey or a form of divine punishment or purification is central to many religions according to Simone de Beauvoir. Some religious traditions have upheld the idea that women’s pain and suffering are a way of atoning for sins. For example, in the story of Hagar in the bible who was given to Abraham by his wife Sarah as a concubine when Hagar became pregnant, Sarah mistreated her - an angel appeared to Hagar and promised her that her son would become the father of a great nation in return for her suffering.
evals - feminist theology
Not all religions are patriarchal according to Holm and Bowler. Some promote values based on gender equality and some challenge the social order. For example, the Quaker movement actively promoted the ministry of women and the right to choose. Female Rabbis are accepted in some areas of Judaism, there are female Islamic scholars
feminist ethnocentrism
Abdullah criticises some feminists as ethnocentric. Some feminists have misunderstood freedoms in religious practice, women choose to wear the burka or hijab. Pronouns for God do not directly translate into English pronouns. In Arabic pronouns do not carry biological connotations as they do in English. God has no human likeness so cannot be considered male or female
false sense of comfort eval
Religion can be a source of comfort - bell hooks. Religious traditions can be a source of resistance to patriarchal structures and oppression. Black feminist though provides a framework for interpreting religion in a way that is empowering for black women
