Feminist approaches to

SexualityL.O To investigate the arguments feminists make against religion

Christianity

What was seen as a traditional woman's role?

Criticism they have of religions

Women’s role are1.Child-bearer2.Wife3.Submissive companion

Christian & Hebrew view1.Women created for the man2.Property of the man3.Secondary to the man

Restricting women's status in societyMany religions rely on natural law and human nature – but this seems to be more of a product of social conditioning. To give women secondary role in society.

Woman were stoned to death for being adulterous before Jesus stopped it

The Hebrew and Greek Views

Chained woman

Churches…O Liberal criticised- by Feminists

1. They assume level playing field2. Men and women both can enter freely into

a sexual relationshipO This is in a society that is patriarchal

‘Women may be so conditioned that they are not even aware of their disempowered status’.

Feminists viewsO Catharine MacKinnon

Sexuality must be changed- until this happens sex is immoral

O Jill Johnston Must separate men & women Same sex for women as political statement to

undermine the domination and power of men

O Mary Daly Women cannot call God farther Implies Gods male , then men must be God Women not fully in image of God , due to ancient

influences Religions are sexist

Feminists viewsO Daphne Hampson

Since enlightenment there has been ill fit and Christianity and modern thought

Equality doesn’t fit into many religious traditions Must discard these traditions

In response to these…

O Raymond Bellioti Women are not socially defined They can decide for themselves If they feel they cant then surely patriarchy is

needed No problem with a woman accepting a socially

defined role if she chooses it

Polygamy O It is more common then polyandry

O List the reasons why and then evaluate are the sexist?

O Think back to Islam, that is it fine to be involved with Polygamy but not Polyandry – why? Sexist?

Sikhism – Equality? O Does this really exist both religiously

and culturally? (Guru Amar Das)

O For Against

O Conclusion - Sexist?

Issues arisingO Religion is too old fashionedO So religion is wrong and view of the world

and has nothing to offer people in the modern world.

O Other view is that there view have been lost to today's society.

O Religious perspectives just seem irrelevant because their ideas don’t match what the modern world take for granted.

O Religion is too concerned with sexual actsO Modern society is setting its own codes of

behaviour

Criticisms

Debate Question O Get into two groups – mix yourself up

O Within those two groups, make another 2 groups. Decide which ever way you wish for is making arguments for and who is against

‘Religion is out of date and should not get involved in sexual and non sexual relationship issues’

Make notes to refer back to and revise from.