The Role of Women in Religion

Paper Summary:

This paper examines and compares the historical role of women in Judaism, Christianity and Islam. It first looks at the role of women according to the Bible and the Koran. The paper then looks at education and women, the ability of women to bear witness, and the role of women as mothers. The paper finally compares the roles of women in all three religions and discusses how their roles have changed with time.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
In The Beginning
Role Of Women In The Church
Education And The Woman
Almujadilah Or 'The Man Who Is Arguing
Women And Bearing Witness
The Role Of The Mother
Rights Of Women Compared
Jewish Women Reclaiming Their Role In Religion
Misconceptions Regarding Marriage In Islam
The Issue Of Shame In Islam & The Role Of Honor
Summary & Conclusion

From the Paper:

"While the Jewish and Christian society have tended to be one that restricted women historically and traditionally, this study has shown that in the earlier days of Judaism and Christianity women were very active in the religious life of the community. In the Old Testament of the Bible women filled the role of prophet, judge, general, war heroes, and great examples of faith as reported in this work citing the work of Hughson, Johnston and Bisman (nd). The truth is that women's roles have changed and evolved continually and in a perpetual manner being constantly shaped through the struggle of women to fully participate while the powers vested in the patriarch within each religion have a tendency to restrain their participation in religious activities that carry with them the weight of authority in an age old struggle that may have very well had its' beginning in the Garden of Eden."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Hughson, G., Johnston, S.A., Bisman, D. (nd) Understanding the Three Abrahamic Faiths: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The Dunedin Jewish, Christian and Muslim Community Liaison Group.
• Q&A on Islam and Arab Americans (2001) USA Today. 30 Sept 2001 Online available at: http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/islam.htm
• Azeem, Dr. Sherif Abdel (1995) Women In Islam Versus Women In The Judaeo-Christian Tradition: The Myth & The Reality. Part I. Online available at: http://www.themodernreligion.com/women/w_comparison_full.htm
• Kingston, SM (1995) Women In Islam Versus Women In The Judaeo-Christian Tradition: The Myth & The Reality. Part II. Online available at: 10 Feb 1995 Online available at: http://www.themodernreligion.com/women/w_comparison_full2.htm
• Gottlieb, Rabbi Lynn (nd) Claiming the Title Kohenet: Examining Goddess Judaism and the Role of the Priestess Through Conversations with Contemporary Spiritual Leaders.

More papers on The Role of Women in Religion:

• Analytical Essay # 140765 : "The Role of Women in Western Religion"
• Comparison Essay # 91540 : "The Role of Women in Islam and Christianity"
• Analytical Essay # 136639 : "Role of Women in Christianity"

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