The Words of God Do Not Justify Cruelty To Women
Jimmey Carter
The Observer, Sunday 12 July 2009
"Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status ..." (Article 2, Universal Declaration of Human Rights)
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28)
I have been a practising Christian all my life and a deacon and Bible teacher for many years. My faith is a source of strength and comfort to me, as religious beliefs are to hundreds of millions of people around the world.
So my decision to sever my ties with the Southern Baptist Convention, after six decades, was painful and difficult. It was, however, an unavoidable decision when the convention's leaders, quoting a few carefully selected Bible verses and claiming that Eve was created second to Adam and was responsible for original sin, ordained that women must be "subservient" to their husbands and prohibited from serving as deacons, pastors or chaplains in the military service. This was in conflict with my belief - confirmed in the holy scriptures - that we are all equal in the eyes of God.
This view that women are somehow inferior to men is not restricted to one religion or belief. It is widespread. Women are prevented from playing a full and equal role in many faiths.
Nor, tragically, does its influence stop at the walls of the church, mosque, synagogue or temple. This discrimination, unjustifiably attributed to a Higher Authority, has provided a reason or excuse for the deprivation of women's equal rights across the world for centuries. The male interpretations of religious texts and the way they interact with, and reinforce, traditional practices justify some of the most pervasive, persistent, flagrant and damaging examples of human rights abuses.
At their most repugnant, the belief that women must be subjugated to the wishes of men excuses slavery, violence, forced prostitution, genital mutilation and national laws that omit rape as a crime. But it also costs many millions of girls and women control over their own bodies and lives, and continues to deny them fair access to education, health, employment and influence within their own communities.
The impact of these religious beliefs touches every aspect of our lives. They help explain why in many countries boys are educated before girls; why girls are told when and whom they must marry; and why many face enormous and unacceptable risks in pregnancy and childbirth because their basic health needs are not met.
In some Islamic nations, women are restricted in their movements, punished for permitting the exposure of an arm or ankle, deprived of education, prohibited from driving a car or competing with men for a job. If a woman is raped, she is often most severely punished as the guilty party in the crime.
The same discriminatory thinking lies behind the continuing gender gap in pay and why there are still so few women in office in Britain and the United States. The root of this prejudice lies deep in our histories, but its impact is felt every day. It is not women and girls alone who suffer. It damages all of us. The evidence shows that investing in women and girls delivers major benefits for everyone in society. An educated woman has healthier children. She is more likely to send them to school. She earns more and invests what she earns in her family.
It is simply self-defeating for any community to discriminate against half its population. We need to challenge these self-serving and out-dated attitudes and practices - as we are seeing in Iran where women are at the forefront of the battle for democracy and freedom...
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/jul/12/jim...
A real (Christian) man speaks: The Words of God Do Not Justify Cruelty To Women
by SixofNine 13 Replies latest jw friends
-
SixofNine
-
Odrade
Incredible, thanks. I'll put up the rest:
"I understand, however, why many political leaders can be reluctant about stepping into this minefield. Religion, and tradition, are powerful and sensitive area to challenge.
But my fellow Elders and I, who come from many faiths and backgrounds, no longer need to worry about winning votes or avoiding controversy - and we are deeply committed to challenging injustice wherever we see it.
The Elders have decided to draw particular attention to the responsibility of religious and traditional leaders in ensuring equality and human rights. We have recently published a statement that declares: "The justification of discrimination against women and girls on grounds of religion or tradition, as if it were prescribed by a Higher Authority, is unacceptable."
We are calling on all leaders to challenge and change the harmful teachings and practices, no matter how ingrained, which justify discrimination against women. We ask, in particular, that leaders of all religions have the courage to acknowledge and emphasise the positive messages of dignity and equality that all the world's major faiths share.
Although not having training in religion or theology, I understand that the carefully selected verses found in the holy scriptures to justify the superiority of men owe more to time and place - and the determination of male leaders to hold onto their influence - than eternal truths. Similar Biblical excerpts could be found to support the approval of slavery and the timid acquiescence to oppressive rulers.
At the same time, I am also familiar with vivid descriptions in the same scriptures in which women are revered as pre-eminent leaders. During the years of the early Christian church women served as deacons, priests, bishops, apostles, teachers and prophets. It wasn't until the fourth century that dominant Christian leaders, all men, twisted and distorted holy scriptures to perpetuate their ascendant positions within the religious hierarchy.
I know, too, that Billy Graham, one of the most widely respected and revered Christians during my lifetime, did not understand why women were prevented from being priests and preachers. He said: "Women preach all over the world. It doesn't bother me from my study of the scriptures."
The truth is that male religious leaders have had - and still have - an option to interpret holy teachings either to exalt or subjugate women. They have, for their own selfish ends, overwhelmingly chosen the latter.
Their continuing choice provides the foundation or justification for much of the pervasive persecution and abuse of women throughout the world. This is in clear violation not just of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights but also the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul, Moses and the prophets, Muhammad, and founders of other great religions - all of whom have called for proper and equitable treatment of all the children of God. It is time we had the courage to challenge these views.
• Jimmy Carter was US president from 1977-81. The Elders are an independent group of eminent global leaders, brought together by Nelson Mandela, who offer their influence and experience to support peace building, help address major causes of human suffering and promote the shared interests of humanity."
-
SixofNine
thanks for posting the rest, Odrade. Powerful.
The truth is that male religious leaders have had - and still have - an option to interpret holy teachings either to exalt or subjugate women. They have, for their own selfish ends, overwhelmingly chosen the latter.
Their continuing choice provides the foundation or justification for much of the pervasive persecution and abuse of women throughout the world. This is in clear violation not just of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights but also the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul, Moses and the prophets, Muhammad, and founders of other great religions - all of whom have called for proper and equitable treatment of all the children of God. It is time we had the courage to challenge these views.
-
snowbird
Thanks for that, Two-Third.
Sylvia
-
Scully
Although I agree with his sentiments (even if they are based on scripture) and applaud the direction he is promoting in equal rights for women, regardless of the belief system to which they ascribe, if he's not pro-choice, then he's not totally for equality.
-
BurnTheShips
regardless of the belief system to which they ascribe, if he's not pro-choice, then he's not totally for equality.
Pro-Choice, great for females, unless you are a female fetus. Then you're toast.
-
truthlover
Pro choice in this discussion is not relevant Here is a man, who sees women as being equal--- ladies, that is a huge confession from one who seems to have just recognized this fact since he was a member of the S.B. convention for over 60 years!! Think of how his friends and family would react to this statement..almost like Da yourself from the WTBTS.... he deserves a pat on the back! He was a person of great power and now towards the end of his life, building homes, etc... for the less fortunate receives this lightening bolt! I say -- good for him ... and if the WTBT$$ would relinquish their man hold on the borg, the large army of women, would clean it out like it should be.... Jehovah would be pleased..
-
beksbks
I think Carter's attitude about abortion is pretty good actually. He's against it for reasons other than rape, incest, or harm to the mother. He's a religious man, I can respect that. But he's also very much for education and programs which help reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies. He believes in women having the power and control over thier bodies that might preclude pregnancy. He also had the ability to separate his religious views from his obligation to uphold the laws of the land (Roe V Wade). He doesn't seem to be as concerned about trying to change that as he is concerned about America using force as an answer before diplomacy.
If every christian out there were as reasonable as he is, this country would be a better place.
Pro-Choice, great for females, unless you are a female fetus. Then you're toast.
Great for females? I doubt that very much. Actually, I'm pretty sure it's men who benefit the most all around from pro choice.
-
SixofNine
Scully, while I disagree with BTS that a fetus, up to a certain point, would qualify to be included in this discussion with the term "unless you are a fetus", his point is taken that those who do see it that way consider the matter mostly outside of female/male equality, but rather as another equal person to be considered. I disagree but I think many people, even many women, are anti-right to abortion, but still want full equality for women.
At the same time, if you said that this issue would have been settled easily and resoundingly on the "choice" side a long time ago if men got pregnant, well I'd wholeheartedly agree with that.
-
BurnTheShips
Any reasonable sane person desires equality between the genders. But to bring a bit of balance here:
While I think there is still a some discrimination behind the gender and pay gap, there are many reasons why there is a gap other than discrimination. Women are more likely to take time off than men for family. I am ready to be corrected.....
Also, a number of trends are running against males, the current "mancession" being one of them. Male unemployment is several percent higher than "safer" jobs more frequently taken by women.
Lastly, we are graduating more women than men from our university system. The gap is nearly 60/40. I think that post-secondary education has become in some respects hostile to men.
http://www.tcsdaily.com/article.aspx?id=102408A
http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/006/531ffoaa.asp
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2008/08/26/gender
BTS
