Feminist Theory On Religion

Question 1

Why does Armstrong argue

Answer 1

Until Bronze Age most religions where polytheistic with many female gods,also many priestesses.therefore these early religions were not patriarchal.
-polytheistic religions were gradually replaced with monotheistic with a single Male god
Feminists see monotheistic religion as patriarchal to exploit women

Question 2

Patriarchal religion

Answer 2

Religion is patriarchal in following ways:

• organisation-religions are led by men
• beliefs and doctrines(teachings) women are often portrayed as inferior

Question 3

Holm(organisation)

Answer 3

Most religions founders were men(Jesus,Buddha,guru Nanak)
As a result religious leaders tend to be men and even if women are allowed in the leader structure their position is subordinate to that of men(nuns)

Question 4

Beliefs and doctrines(Holm)

Answer 4

Beliefs and teachings of many religions imply that men are superior to women
In Christianity god made Adam,making eve from Adams rib
In Christianity,at marriage women promise to OBEY husband

Question 5

Practices(Holm)

Answer 5

Many religions women can’t join fully in religious ceremonies(women are not allowed to read holy text(judaism)and are excluded from main prayer area
Women are forbidden to enter places of worship or touch sacred objects during pregnancy because they are seen as unclean(Islam)

Question 6

Radical feminist(de Beauvoir,daly)

Answer 6

De Beauvoir argues religion is used by women to control women.Bc men exercise control over religious belief.(men wrote the bible so male power is seen as god given) religion compensates women for their low status
Daly-argues religion is infused with patriarchal ideology.provides specific rules for women to follow(how to dress not for men tho)

Question 7

Criticism of radical feminist view

Answer 7

View of religion is ethnocentric (women claim wearing hijab is liberating for them-it liberates them from being objectified by men

Question 8

Woodhead

Answer 8

Religion can be used to gain greater freedom and respect in society(hijab provides identity and independences,Christian women can join church group activities to find support with other women.

Question 9

Brusco

Answer 9

Found Pentecostalism empowers women within home as its teachings are that men should respect women.woken can then use reachinfs to influences men’s behaviour