GENDER AND RELIGION

(Vincoy, John Lloyd A.)

Religion has played a dominant role in the idea that men and women are different.
Monotheistic world religions have traditionally subordinated woman with respect to man.
Religious traditions require different roles for men and women.

The Historical Gendering of Religions

• Greek mythology included goddesses
• Hinduism holds that there are many gods and goddesses.
• Monotheism: one God.
• Assertion that God is male.
Religion and the Body
 Gender inequality often expressed in bodily practices:
- Christian men are not to cover their heads.
. - Fundamentalist Islam: women should conceal their body
- Muslim men must wear a beard
. - Menstruation made women unclean.

Religion and Sex

Orthodox Jews
Men and women are
encouraged to experience
sexual fulfillment in
marriage.
Christianity Many religions prohibit
- Sex is only for procreation. homosexuality
- Lust is considered a deadly
sin.
- Modern Christians: good
sex as long as married

The Gender of Religiosity

• Many religions promote gender difference and male domination.
 • Women are more likely to "practice" religion.
• Men are more likely to claim no religious affiliation.
• Fundamentalism - seeks to return women to "rightful places"

Religion as a Gendered Institution

• Although the law prohibits the use of gender as a criterion for hiring or firing
someone, religious sectors can still use it.
• Reform Judaism allows gays, lesbians, and women to be rabbis.
• Some Protestant denominations allow women to become ministers.
• Catholic churches still oppose women, gays, and lesbians as priest.
• American churches include secular activities.
• Mostly women organize programs and arrange for church upkeeps.