BAD RELIGION

BAD RELIGION

When surveying an overview of world religions, one is immediately struck by the universality of male-dominance. Most world religions are narrated from the male point of view, and center upon the struggles of men in coming to terms with their own being. Women, it seems, are in a catch-22 when confronted by these religions, not only are they expected to exist in and conform to a male paradigm, they are also expected to exhibit an array of ìfeminineî characteristics in degrees that are convenient to menís needs- such as the Madonna/Whore Ideology. Is this inequity rooted in our very biology, as the ìactive male/passive femaleî model Richard Wright seems to suggest? Is religion a vehicle that has perpetuated and amplified an otherwise minor or nonexistent imbalance of power? Or is the male dominance in religion an indication that males are the source of the problem which finds its solution in religion (in other words, is the male psyche the one which needs to be kept in check by external coercion?) Do females truly play an integral role in the dominant religions, or are they delegated to the periphery, doomed to perform auxiliary functions?
It is with these questions in mind that we have decided to investigate the issue of women and religion. We will research pertinent information from the traditions of Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam and Hinduism. We will examine how women are depicted and dealt with in these traditions, how women view and orient themselves within these traditions, and finally, how the religious teachings about women would confirm and/or contradict Wrightís model. We will discuss the cultural significance of the Virgin Mary in regards to the perceived Madonna/Whore dichotomy that surrounds her and how it differs in North and South America.
For this project, we will differentiate between religion and spirituality. By using the word religion, we are referring to any given socio-political institution, complete with doctrines, codes, and dogmas. On the other hand, spirituality refers to a more subjective and personal dimension. WEBSTER defines the terms as the following:
Religion: the service and worship of God or the supernatural: commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance
Spirituality: of, relating to, consisting of, or affecting the spirit related or joined in spirit: of or relating to supernatural beings or phenomena: of, relating to, or involving spiritualism
Playing off of these definitions, it is possible for one to be religious without being spiritual. For instance, one could conceivably observe every Sabbath, perform all necessary rituals, study scripture and yet be consumed by hatred. Another person, on the other hand, might practice none of the aforementioned, and yet be brimming with joy and love for humanity (One may cite the antinomian tendencies of Jesus Christ).
An account of the Buddha (Gospel of the Buddha by Paul Carus) illustrates the tension between the religion of ritual and what he deems the true religion (spirituality): ìAnd the Bodhisattva went to the priest officiating in the temples, but the gentle mind of the Sakyamuni was offended at the unnecessary cruelty performed on the alters of the gods. He said, ìIgnorance only can make these men perform festivals and hold vast meetings for sacrifices. Far better to revere the truth than try to appease the gods by shedding blood. What love can a man possess who believes the destruction of life will atone for evil deeds? Can a new wrong expiate old wrongs? And can the slaughter of an innocent victim blot out the evil deeds of mankind? This is practicing religion by the neglect of moral conduct. Purify your hearts and cease to kill; that is true religion. Rituals have no efficacy; prayers are vain repetitions; and incantations have no saving power. But to abandon covetousness and craving, to become free of evil passions, and to give up all hatred and ill will; this is the right sacrifice and the true worship.î

To supplement our research, we will be polling a random sample of Miami students, both male and female, to get a sense of how each view the role of women in religion, respectively. Students will be asked such questions as:
1. Do you differentiate between religion and spirituality?
If so- do you consider yourself more religious or spiritual?
2. Are you a member of a congregation?
3. Do you attend church regularly? - If so- what religion/denomination?
4. Fill in the blank- G-d plays a ---- role in my life.
5. Do you pray? If so- how often?
6. What is the goal of your spirituality? (Circle all that apply)
Enlightenment Needs Forgiveness Wants The Welfare of Others Redemption Other
7. Do you feel your own religion is male dominated? ...Supports the Madonna/Whore Dichotomy?
8. Do you believe females play an integral role in your religion, or is it directed more towards males?
9. In your opinion, are females, in general, more religious, less religious, or about as religious males?
10. In your opinion, are females, in general, more spiritual, less spiritual, or about as spiritual as males?

It is important to understand what various people think about these issues, for ultimately, these opinions are contingent upon past attitudes, shape present thought, and determine future structuring. Indeed, how we collectively think about gender/sex is the most powerful force in determining, not surprisingly, how we do think about gender/sex, and how these thoughts actualized in the world. While biology may play a more significant role in shaping our actual behavior, how we understand and orient ourselves to behavior is powerful enough to modify it in the future.

Next Article
Previous Article
Return to the Topic Menu

Here is a list of responses that have been posted to this Study...

• Bad Religion Critique (3/10/00) [ Contributor: Sarah Statton and Ashley Myers-Section: Myers ]

Respond to this Submission!

IMPORTANT: For each Response, make sure the title of the response is different than previous titles shown above!

Visit the rest of the site!