christianity, gender and sexuality Flashcards
The place of women in Christianity has been a subject of debate and discussion throughout the history of the Church, and there are different views and interpretations of the role of women among Christians. What are some of the reasons why there are different Christian views about the place of women in Christianity?
- Biblical interpretation
- Historical and cultural context
- Denominational differences
- Personal beliefs and experiences
Biblical interpretation
The Bible is the primary source of Christian teaching, and different interpretations of its passages can lead to different views on the role of women in the Church. Some Christians interpret certain biblical passages as limiting the roles of women in leadership and ministry, while others interpret them as affirming the full participation of women in all aspects of Church life.
Jesus clearly regarded women highly – He taught them in the same way as he taught his disciples, for example, when he ate with Martha and Mary and when he spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well. What scripture highlights this?
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
(Galatians 3:28)
When Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome, he told them to show respect to Phoebe who was a woman deacon
However, a negative attitude to women is shown in Paul’s first letter to the Christians in Corinth. Taken as it stands, it displays a view that would now be regarded as sexist
“Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.”
(1 Corinthians 14:34-35)
Historical and cultural context
The role of women in Christianity has been influenced by historical and cultural factors, such as patriarchal societies and gender roles, which have shaped the ways in which women have been viewed and treated in the Church
Some Christians view the traditional gender roles and hierarchies as biblically mandated and necessary, while others view them as cultural and historical constructs that can be challenged and changed
Denominational differences:
Different Christian denominations have different views on the place of women in Christianity. Some denominations, such as the Roman Catholic Church, limit the roles of women in leadership and ministry, while others, such as the United Church of Christ, ordain women as pastors and embrace gender equality
Personal beliefs and experiences
Individual Christians may have different views on the role of women in Christianity based on their personal beliefs, experiences, and cultural backgrounds. For example, some Christians may support gender equality and the full participation of women in Church leadership and ministry based on their personal experiences of women’s empowerment and the belief that all people are created equal in the eyes of God.
Summarise the view of Daphne Hampson on Christianity and women
Hampson sees Christianity as irredeemably sexist
Hampson holds that Christianity has always been inherently patriarchal and sexist, and that the Church has perpetuated this inequality through its teachings and practices.
She argues that Christian teachings, such as the subordination of women, the idealization of virginity, and the exclusion of women from leadership roles, have reinforced gender inequality
According to Hampson, radical reform is needed to challenge and overcome this legacy of sexism in Christianity.
Summarise the view of Rosemary Radford Ruether on Christianity and women
Ruether argues that traditional Christian theology has excluded the female aspect of divinity and perpetuated the oppression of women
She proposes an androgynous Christ who represents both male and female qualities
Ruether also argues that the female nature is more Christlike than the male, and that women’s experiences of oppression and marginalization can bring them closer to the compassionate and redemptive aspects of Christ’s teachings
She criticizes traditional Christian theology for its patriarchal bias and calls for a re-evaluation of the role of women in the Church and in society
In summary, Ruether proposes an androgynous Christ who embodies both male and female qualities and suggests that the female nature is more Christlike than the male, emphasizing the need for a re-evaluation of women’s roles in the Church and society
Conservative Christian view on homosexuality
Many conservative Christians view homosexuality as a sin, based on their interpretation of certain biblical texts, and therefore oppose same-sex relationships and marriages
What story in the Bible has been associated with homosexuality?
The story of Sodom and Gomorrah in the Bible has been associated with homosexuality
Liberal Christian view on homosexuality
many liberal Christians have a more inclusive view and support the full inclusion and affirmation of LGBTQ+ individuals in the Church and society
Which Christian denominations have actively welcomed LGBTQ+ individuals and ordained gay and lesbian clergy?
the Episcopal Church in the United States
the United Church of Canada
Conservative Christian view on transgender issues
Some conservative Christians view gender identity as a biological and God-given characteristic, and therefore oppose transgender identities and transitions
Liberal Christian view on transgender issues
Many other Christians, particularly those with a more inclusive and affirming theology, support transgender individuals and recognize the diversity of gender identities
Some churches have taken steps to welcome and affirm transgender individuals, such as using inclusive language and providing gender-neutral facilities
