Owen T Bartolome Prof.

Cacoilo Women in the Media 7 December 2011 Patriarchy in Christianity and Islam Often we openly criticize the media for propagating and fostering a socially masculine culture, however are they really the ones to blame or are they exploiting an institution that has held great influence for hundreds of years. Before the creation of the Internet, television, radio even as far back as the printing press, the concept of a male centered society has been practiced throughout the world. This practice is apparent in many religious institutions today, however none are more influential then the two major religions of Christianity and Islam. Collectively these two religious orders constitute for slightly more then half of the worlds population (Britannica Encyclopedia). It is evident that these two dominant religions foster social behavioral standards that are beneficial to society. However, hidden under the positive inclinations and guise that these two religions often imply, a patriarchal institution was perpetuated, and through the zeal of its radical supporters was this system spread throughout the known world. Yet before we examine gender roles in these two religions it is important to comprehend humanities appeal toward religion, so one may understand why its widely influential practices, such as patriarchy, are applied throughout the world. Despite the vast knowledge acquired throughout humanities existence, juxtaposed by the continuing advances in the fields of physics, biology, chemistry, sociology, philosophy and other physical and social sciences; how is it that that people still cling to antiquated religious institutions? The existence of a higher form

of life arbitrary to all forms of life is an idea believed by masses, yet its existence cannot be proven by science or logic. One can ask, where does religion get its appeal? The answer lies in the fact that religion, despite the numerous variations, fulfills a sense of meaning particular to human needs. Israela Silberman, a psychology professor at Colombia University, wrote that religion is a meaning system that is unique in centering what is perceived as sacred, and its genius stems from the ability to address humanities quest for meaning. By implying three main ideas one can explain human beings attraction toward religion. Firstly, individuals require rationalization to events that are seen as enigmatic to human comprehension, such as the necessity to understand and know the purpose of our uncertain existence. Religion provides answers to these questions and therefore alleviates the psychological anxiety associated by lifes uncertainties (Renzetti and Curran 394). Secondly, religion provides the sense of belonging innate in all humans, as it is an institution practiced as a group, and therefore fulfills this sense of belonging (Renzetti and Curran 394). Lastly, religion instills on its practitioners a set of behavioral standards to which one must adhere to, thus fulfilling the inherent need to know how one must conduct oneself in relation to society at large (Renzetti and Curran 394). Religion fulfills a sense of meaning in life is by cultivating significance to one's existence. In a Deity centered religions like Christianity and Islam, the better an individual fulfills a purpose that its religion has assigned, the closer you are to attaining an understanding that transcends human comprehension. The idea is that there is a plan for the universe and that one's life is meaningful to the degree that one helps humanity realize this

plan (i.e. the crusades, Spanish Inquisition and religion based colonialism), in the particular way religion wants one to do so. Fulfilling purpose, and doing so freely and intentionally, is the sole source of meaning within these religions. If a person fails to conduct his life along the behavioral standards set by its religion and justified blindly by a divine deity, then consequently his life would essentially be meaningless. Although religions influence stems from the quest to find meaning in ones life, the influence is further propagated and maintained through a particular system in religion: the need to teach religion to children while they are still impressionable (Craig 152). Religious beliefs revered by an individual can strongly influence ones views both socially and politically, also bearing with it strong sense of passion displayed through ones attitudes and actions. Religious notions and principles are among the first instilled to us as children. Its influence is deeply ingrained at such a young age that it would certainly be difficult to impede any notion contradicting those very beliefs. It is evident that humanities appeal to religion rests in the innate need understand fulfillment and meaning to ones life, yet when partnered by a system of institutionalization of its younger generations; not only will humanity be drawn to it, but its legacy will be carried from generation to generation, thus spreading its authority and influence throughout the world. There are countless religions throughout the world, thus given the vast amount it would be an incredibly formidable task for me to examine the gender roles incorporated within each religious canon. Instead I will be concentrating my research on what many consider the two major religious institutions in the world

today, Christianity and Islam. Throughout my research I have found that historically, these major religious traditions have been overwhelmingly patriarchal, having men in a higher spiritual status, while the role of women is conventionally subordinate to men. Although it must be stated that in my effort to summarize the gendered teachings of Christianity and Islam, there are also many branches and sects within the two religions that practice fluctuating views ranging from conservative, moderate to liberal ideologies concerning gender roles. This essay focuses on traditionally conservative and fundamentalist views of the two religions. Bearing in mind these concepts we can examine the gendered roles incorporated within Christianity and Islam. When examining the Gender roles of Women in the Christian faith looked into the subordination of women within Christianitys primary religious text, the bible. Analyzing these aspects grants a greater understanding to Christianitys subordination of women. The bible is immediate when addressing the patriarchy involved in Christianity, the subordination of women in the bible is one of the very first themes presented. In Genesis, the first book of the bible, we are told a biblical interpretation of the creation of life. The first biblical stories regarding the creation and the fall of mankind imply anti-feminist beliefs, which reinforce the traditional views of patriarchy. The creation story states that god workplace created man first and called him Adam (Genesis 1:7) then god says that he will make Adam a companion in his likeness (Genesis 2:18) the bible then describes the creation of woman from Adam:

And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. Then the rib that the LORD God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. And Adam said, this is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man. Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. - Genesis 2:21-24 By analyzing Genesis 1:7, the order in which god created mankind, it is evident that Christianity places importance to men, as they are the first ones created. This notion is made apparent in Christian based cultures, where more importance, prestige, honor and privilege is bestowed to the first-born child, however in this case first-created gender. Next by analyzing Genesis 2:18 we see that Christianity places the purpose of a woman to men as his companion in the world, therefore implying that a womans purpose is only meaningful if she is mans companion. Furthermore, the bible asserts that Eve (woman) was created from the ribs of Adam (man) therefore further validating patriarchy under the notion that womans existence would not be so if not for man. The teachings of St Paul constitutes for about 13 of the 27 books in the new testament of the bible. In his teachings he provides advice and instruction for Christians seeking the proper way to live a life according to Christian principles, here he outlines the proper gender roles of Christianity. In St. Pauls letter to the Christians in Corinth he writes: obedience Christ is the head of every man, and the husband is the head of his wife, and God is the head of Christ. Any man who prays or prophesies with something on his

head disgraces his head, but any woman who prays or prophesies with her head unveiled disgraces her head it is one and the same thing as having her head shaved. For if a woman will not veil herself, then she should cut off her hair; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or to be shaved, she should wear a veil. For a man ought not to have his head veiled, since he is the image and reflection of God; but woman is the reflection of man. Indeed, man was not made from woman, but woman from man. Neither was man created for the sake of woman, but woman for the sake of man. For this reason a woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man or man independent of woman. For just as woman came from man, so man comes through woman; but all things come from God. Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head unveiled? Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair, it is degrading to him, but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering. But if anyone is disposed to be contentious we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God. - 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 When examining this passage St Paul incorporates a patriarchal style of keeping a family where the husband is seen as the head of his wife and therefore head of his family. He observes that man is made in the image and glory of God, and woman is made in the likeness of man. The man demonstrates his purpose by being master of Gods creation (Genesis 2:19-20). Therefore, Adam gave glory to God by being what God intended him to be. Similarly if woman was created to be mans companion, she gives glory to God by being what God intended her to be, which is mans counterpart. St Paul explains that rational as to why women must cover their heads at religious gatherings and when read carefully, we are even given reason to the popular notion of associating short hair to males and long hair to females (1

Corinthians 11:4-6). The tone of patriarchy in St. Pauls writing is clearly apparent, and the concept of men only subject to God, while women subject to men, as she would also be to God, is repeated throughout other epistles (Colossians3 3:18,Ephesians 5:22-24, 1 Timothy 2: 8-15). The church subordinates other aspects of women for men; take for example a womans sexuality. Traditionally, many Christians have perceived sex as an activity principally for reproduction; and celibacy has been held as a better way of life. A woman who is sexually pure holds high regard in a Christian society as opposed to a woman with multiple partners (i.e. Virgin Mary vs. Mary Madeline). Additionally the church exploits the role of women in regards to higher clerical positions in the church. Church authorities argue that, traditional Christianity believed that the statements attributed to St. Paul in I Timothy 2 that women were created second, sinned first, and should keep silence. Thus implying that a womans role in a church should be one of silence. Furthermore St Pauls teachings have been debated over by many, yet more importantly the fact that the tolerance of such patriarchal teachings used by the church brings forth much concern and controversy. Now by understanding the patriarchal tone and teachings conveyed in Christianitys primary text, the bible, we can now move to the gender roles practiced in Islam. Noted as the fastest growing religions today, Islams influence is greater, if not equal to that of Christianity. For this reason I have chosen to include this religious canon to analyze. The patriarchal Islamic culture we know today was not present in the early

Middle East. However due to the increase of commercial trade routes around that time, different cultures began to interact. This interaction led to the distribution and trade of everything from material goods to complex philosophies. This constant association to other cultures, more specifically Christianity, as we know religion known to be patriarchal, led Islamic scholars to adopt the same patriarchal institutions to Muslims (Renzetti and Curran 416). Comparable Christianitys primary religious text the bible, Islams principal manuscript is known as the Quran. Resembling the bible, which is separated into books, the Quran is divided into 114 Surah. Many stories in the Quran are parallel to stories told in the bible, however Muslims believe the Quran to be verbally revealed through the angel Gabriel from Allah to Muhammad with no mention of Jesus Christ. The status of women in the Quran is believed to be one of equality, that both men and women are created alike according to Allah. However there are discrepancies in this statement, for gender roles are clearly laid out in the Quran with a patriarchal attitude: Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more than the other, and because they support them from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in (the husband's) absence what Allah would have them guard. As to those women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill conduct, admonish them, refuse to share their beds, and scourge them; but if they return to obedience, seek not against them Means. For Allah is Most High, great. -Surah An-Nisa 4:34

Here we see that men are the head since Allah has given power to men to encompass women, and it is men who provide for women. Next we can see the behavioral standards for women according to Islam where a good woman is obedient and therefore submissive to her husband. When speaking of women guarding a secret many believe that it could mean the wifes keeping of her sexuality for her husband, while he is gone. Others interpret it as keeping mans estate and property in his absence. Lastly, when examining the last line, we are presented with a social protocol for assumed disloyalty with inclinations to the justification of spousal mistreatment. The Quran also permits men to exercise polygyny, a practice where men can have more than one wife at the same time. Below is an excerpt from the Quran consenting polygyny: If ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly with the orphans, Marry women of your choice, Two or three or four; but if ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly, then only one, or (a captive) that your right hands possess, that will be more suitable, to prevent you from doing injustice. - Surah An-Nisa 4:3 This Surah permits multiple wives but limits the number to four as long as each wife can be supported properly, both financially and emotionally. If a husband cannot support his other wives equally he should have only one wife. The last sentence implies sexual utilization of a captive, but many explain this statement as a practice used in the old Islamic world where a Muslim victory on the battlefield justified the utilization of captives, both male and female, or prisoners of war as slaves. Female slaves were used for primarily for work. But they also provided

other services to their male masters. Muslims are encouraged to live in the way of Muhammad, who was a slave owner and trader, he captured slaves in battle and maintained sexual relations with them (Bukhari 62:137). Islams outlook to a womans sexuality is essentially the source of prejudice against women apparent in Muslim culture. Islam understands the human need and desire for sex. Although Islamic doctrine upholds rights of both spouses to indulge in sexual pleasure sex outside of marriage is condemned and harmful to the moral fiber of Islamic culture. However Islam, instead of placing fair accountability on both men and women in terms of succumbing to sexual temptation, attacks women portraying them as dangerous because they posses a innate potential for sexual allurement thus justifying the concealment and control of a womans appearance by measures such as the Hijab, or customary veil worn by women in Islamic societies essentially utilized to prevent men from indulging in sexual promiscuity (Munoz 40). Since Islam regards women as an active sexual power, it is important in its culture to restrict womens sexual power over men. The result is isolating women and men in different worlds (i.e. public and private)(Munoz 41). A womans sexuality has to be concealed. Her looks and behavior must not expose her sexual force since it will remind the man of his weakness. The media perpetuates a male centered society. However it is evident that patriarchy practiced in todays culture is influenced and perpetuated through traditions and institutions developed since the beginning of time. The religious institutions of Christianity and Islam bear great influence, as these two religions appeal to vast amount of followers. Through close examination of these institutions

we see how they place women in a subordinate role to men. Nevertheless, patriarchy is an oppressive institution degrading the value of women. Therefore in order to counter patriarchy justified by religion one must be educated and understand the implications involved when joining any religion. The issue of gender equality in these two religious canons may be unresolvable, but all we can do is hope that people will develop better ways to find fulfillment and meaning in ones life, and do so without oppression to fellow human beings regardless of race, gender, and social status.

Works Cited 1. Bendroth, Margaret Lamberts. Fundamentalism & Gender, 1875 to the Present. New Haven: Yale Univ., 1993. Print. 2. Cinnirella, Marco, Andrew K. MacLeod, and Kate Miriam Loewenthal. "Are Women More Religious than Men? Gender Differences in Religious Activity." Personality and Individual Differences 32: 133-39. 2001. Web. 6 Dec. 2011. <http://pure.rhul.ac.uk/portal/files/4124634/Are_women_more_religious_than_ men.pdf>. 3. Crothers, Lane, and Charles Lockhart, eds. Culture and Politics: A Reader [Paperback]. Pelgave Macmillan, Sept. 2000. Print. 4. Ganeri, Anita. The Quran. London: Evans, 2002. Print. 5. Hamid, Abdul Wahid. Hadith. London: Umran Publications, 1981. Print. 6. James, Craig A. The Religion Virus: Why You Believe in God : an Evolutionist Explains Religion's Tenacious Hold on Humanity. Hants, UK: O, 2010. Print. 7. Levy, Reuben. The Social Structure of Islam: Being the Second Edition of The Sociology of Islam. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 1957. Print. 8. Muoz, Gema Martn. "Patriarchy and Islam." Universidad Autnoma De Madrid. Web. 8 Dec. 2011. <http://www.iemed.org/publicacions/quaderns/7/037_Martin.pdf>. 9. The New English Bible. [New York]: Oxford UP, 1961. Print. 10. Renzetti, Claire M., and Daniel J. Curran. Women, Men, and Society: the Sociology of Gender. Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 1989. Print. 11. Silberman, Israela. Religion as a Meaning System. 4th ed. Vol. 61. Malden, MA: Blackwell, 2005. Print. 641-663. 12. What Is Democracy? Perf. Laura Flanders and Nawal El Saadawi. GRITtv, 14 Mar. 2011. Web. 6 Dec. 2011. <http://blip.tv/grittv/grittv-nawal-el-saadawi-what-isdemocracy-4901107>.