THEORIES OF RELGION-FEMINISM Flashcards
Leadership positions in religious organisations are male dominated
-Men dominate high level leadership roles in religion
Holm:compared roles performed by men and women in a religious context.Men dominate what is known as the public sphere of religion which refers to leadership roles within their religious communities and places of worships
-In islam only men can lead the worship and prayers in a mosque
Females dominate the private sphere which refers to the role played behind the scenes.Woemns responsibility in the family unit to socialise he children and pushing them into the faith the family follows
Evaluation:
theory outdated women have a lot more opportunities today
Sacred texts and teachings are interpreted by men in a way which justifies their position of power
Daly:
Christainity focuses most of its attention on male heroes giving little attention to female roles.Eg emphasis on Jesus and his male disciples yet the role of feamle disciples is under acknowledged
quotes and passages from Holy texts eg women should not have authority over men, although they have a right to study but should be silenced
evaluation:
more religious communities today which promote gender equality
Religions portray women as a distraction or temptation to men and use this to control women
Some religions promote the view that men are at risk of being led astray by females temptresses who use their sexuality to make men think impure thoughts and act in imp ways.
Adam and Eve story in which Eve encourages Adam to eat the forbidden fruit-interpreted as Eve is the original sinner.
Muslim women cover their whole body in public so that no man can see them.
Feminists are critical of these practises because they suggest that some are responsible for mens sexual desires and behaviours
-Others claim its not religion that promotes women as sexual beings but men in positions of power with authority who have picked specific teachings.
-Problem is men who are unable to control themselves so pass on the blame to women
Evaluation:
All women are at risk of being objectified not just religious women
