Feminism and Christianity
Faith Serbinski
Application Paper
COM 295 – Prof. Zhang
Christianity and Feminism An issue I have identified in our culture deals with the effects that the practice of Western Christianity has on women. Sexism is – or a misogynistic way of thinking – is a product of Christianity. In today’s world the perpetuation of traditional Christianity enforces and upholds ideals that are detrimental to the progression of sexual equality.
Through a Platonistic way of thinking and because of a lack of style, Christianity rarely allows for the formation of new ideas. It desires to hold fast to the same values that were thought to be relevant a few thousand years ago. By adhering to ancient text’s policies, Christianity is cementing the meaning of certain ideals and symbols. Solidifying the meaning of a symbol can be very harmful to society because it limits creativity and exploration. According to Lanham, one should have play, game, and purpose within life. Christianity puts limits on the type of person who is allowed to participate in play, game, and purpose and establishes a hierarchy of whose style or purpose is more meaningful. For example, women are not allowed to be preachers or prophets according to traditional Christianity. In fact, they are not supposed to be heard within the church. Women belong in the background.
I Corinthians 11: 5 But every woman that prayeth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.6 For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.8 For the man is not of the woman: but the woman of the man.9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.
1 Corinthians 14: 34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak;
Application Paper
COM 295 – Prof. Zhang
Christianity and Feminism An issue I have identified in our culture deals with the effects that the practice of Western Christianity has on women. Sexism is – or a misogynistic way of thinking – is a product of Christianity. In today’s world the perpetuation of traditional Christianity enforces and upholds ideals that are detrimental to the progression of sexual equality.
Through a Platonistic way of thinking and because of a lack of style, Christianity rarely allows for the formation of new ideas. It desires to hold fast to the same values that were thought to be relevant a few thousand years ago. By adhering to ancient text’s policies, Christianity is cementing the meaning of certain ideals and symbols. Solidifying the meaning of a symbol can be very harmful to society because it limits creativity and exploration. According to Lanham, one should have play, game, and purpose within life. Christianity puts limits on the type of person who is allowed to participate in play, game, and purpose and establishes a hierarchy of whose style or purpose is more meaningful. For example, women are not allowed to be preachers or prophets according to traditional Christianity. In fact, they are not supposed to be heard within the church. Women belong in the background.
I Corinthians 11: 5 But every woman that prayeth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.6 For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.8 For the man is not of the woman: but the woman of the man.9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.
1 Corinthians 14: 34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak;