Those who follow a feminist perspective towards religion would argue that the main function of religion is to maintain patriarchy and oppress women.
Daly argues that religions maintain patriarchy by portraying male domination over women. The narrative of the bible was determined by men as they controlled what was to be included. For example, access for women to reach top levels of the church were restricted, God has been portrayed as a man and women were depicted as bad influences or impure (which is evident as Eve is blamed for causing the fall from grace). Daly concludes that there cannot be equality in religion until there is acceptance the God could be a woman.
However, Woodhead argues that women use religion as a way to gain greater freedom and respect. She explains how the Hijab which is seen in the west as a form of oppression can also be a
form of liberation as it allows them to enter the public sphere without fear of being considered immodest.
De Beauvoir argues that religion tricks women into believing they are equal to men and will be rewarded for their suffering in the afterlife when in reality they are second class and inferior to men. She also believes that girls are socialised into worshipping a male god and therefore are unconsciously encouraged to see men as
superior.
However, in liberal protestant movements such as the Quakers and the Unitarians, there is a commitment to gender equality. For example, approximately ⅓ of Unitarian ministers are female and
in the Church of England over ⅕ of the priests are female.
Armstrong argues that women are often blocked from progressing to the top positions of the hierarchy in mainstream churches - she called this the “stained glass ceiling”. This is evident as the vote to allow female Bishops in the Church of England was strongly opposed by traditionalists who were very vocal in their opposition.
However, El Saadawi suggests that is religion is not patriarchal but it is the cultures that they appear in. For example in Arab culture men hold all the powerful positions which mean that they are able to interpret the Qur’an to support their views.
Daly argues that religions maintain patriarchy by portraying male domination over women. The narrative of the bible was determined by men as they controlled what was to be included. For example, access for women to reach top levels of the church were restricted, God has been portrayed as a man and women were depicted as bad influences or impure (which is evident as Eve is blamed for causing the fall from grace). Daly concludes that there cannot be equality in religion until there is acceptance the God could be a woman.
However, Woodhead argues that women use religion as a way to gain greater freedom and respect. She explains how the Hijab which is seen in the west as a form of oppression can also be a
form of liberation as it allows them to enter the public sphere without fear of being considered immodest.
De Beauvoir argues that religion tricks women into believing they are equal to men and will be rewarded for their suffering in the afterlife when in reality they are second class and inferior to men. She also believes that girls are socialised into worshipping a male god and therefore are unconsciously encouraged to see men as
superior.
However, in liberal protestant movements such as the Quakers and the Unitarians, there is a commitment to gender equality. For example, approximately ⅓ of Unitarian ministers are female and
in the Church of England over ⅕ of the priests are female.
Armstrong argues that women are often blocked from progressing to the top positions of the hierarchy in mainstream churches - she called this the “stained glass ceiling”. This is evident as the vote to allow female Bishops in the Church of England was strongly opposed by traditionalists who were very vocal in their opposition.
However, El Saadawi suggests that is religion is not patriarchal but it is the cultures that they appear in. For example in Arab culture men hold all the powerful positions which mean that they are able to interpret the Qur’an to support their views.
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