Religion and Gender Communications (Part 2)
In
the second part of Chapter Ten, the book discusses gender communication and
religion through sexuality, liberation, and empowerment. We will first look at
the “Religion and Sexuality” and how religion and can be an influence on an
individuals sexuality. Then we will look at “Religion as Liberation and
Locations of Empowerment.” This deals with gender and spiritual equality in the
eyes of their supreme deity. It will discuss how individuals try to find a
balance between their sexuality and religion. Also it will look at how
individuals try to find empowerment in their religion through different
religious practices.
Religion and Sexuality. Certain religions offer teachings on
sexuality and directions on gender and sex. Religion also plays a big role in
political issues when it comes to sexuality. For example, the legalization of
same sex marriage can be viewed as a secular, public issue. However, decisions
on whether or not it should or should not be legalized, has been influenced by
religious views. My personal experience with how sexuality can be influenced by
religion is through my Christian beliefs. In my Christian beliefs, I am
encouraged to restrain from any type of sexual contact that is outside of the
laws of marriage. I was encouraged at the age of 16 years old to make what is
called a purity pledge. This purity pledge was my agreement and choice to
remain abstinent until marriage. Through the years I occasionally held on to
this idea that if I can maintain that promise I made to God and in my Christian
religion then that would somehow reconcile my faith and sexuality. That is just my personal experience of how my
sexuality has been influenced by religion.
Religion as Liberation and Locations of
Empowerment. The book
talks about spiritual equality amongst gender and religion. In Christianity,
Christians believe that no matter what race or gender, all are equal and are
one in Christ. You are viewed the same as the next person. “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) In Islam, all Muslims are
encouraged to “seek knowledge.” No matter if you are man or woman, you are
considered capable of doing so. People try to find empowerment and fulfillment
through their religion and religious acts.
“Religions and divinities are more than a source of violence;… religions
are also a source of resistance, hope, and struggle.”(Thie, p.232)
African Americans and Religion. Religion has been a source of empowerment
for African Americans throughout history. Their faith and trust in God has
given them the strength and courage to take risks and fight for rights. The
book gives an example of how woman like Harriet Tubman found courage and
motivation in God to get through to freedom from slavery. This is an example of
how individuals use religious institutions as a location of empowerment. Their
religious institution, for example, church, can be a place where they can go to
grow spiritually in a way that frames their everyday lives. Spirituality is not
a system of religious beliefs but a way of life. In my personal experience,
within my Christian faith, we are encouraged to not have a religion but to
instead have a relationship with Christ. We are encouraged to not habitually participate
in the actions of religion but to do these acts as a service to God. We are
encouraged to live our lives for Christ. The book also discusses how religion
can serve a purpose of to create a sense of community. Gender still defined
certain roles that men and women play in the religious community. Usually, men
played the roles of hierarchy within the church community while women tend to
play roles that are seen as an invisible service in the church. I personally
feel that has changed in today’s age. At my church, women are
ministers/evangelist and occasionally sit in the pulpit. They even preach sermons.
I know of some churches that have female head pastors.
Veiling Practices. The book discusses the practice of
veiling amongst men and women and Christians and Muslims. Unfortunately, the
use of the veil has been misinterpreted by western society. “Veiling practices
provide an excellent example of how religion is a site of resistance and
emancipation but also can be used as a justification for subordination.”
(Defrancisco, 2007) According to Fadwa El Guindi, “veiling is a language that
communicates social and cultural messages.” Wearing veils can provide an
example of nonverbal, bodily communication. Western society sees veiling
practices as a sign of oppression for women. Before the 1960s, Catholic women
were required to wear head coverings to church. Islamic women practice veiling
as a form empowerment and not oppression. Veil Practices are not solely
connected to religion and Islam. Veil practices are also seen in wedding
ceremonies. Veil practices are not solely for women either. Even men in the
Islamic religion are encouraged to practice in body coverings.
Behind the Veil. In the article, Behind the Veil, Hebah
Ahmed discusses her decisions to wear a veil. She discusses the reactions of
people in America that made comments towards her new choice. Her parents didn't
push her to wear veils. ''I do this because I want to be closer to God, I want
to please him and I want to live a modest lifestyle,'' said Ms. Ahmed, who
asked that her appearance without a veil not be described. ''I want to be
tested in that way. The niqab is a constant reminder to do the right thing.
It's God-consciousness in my face.'' But there were secular motivations, too.
In her job, she worked with all-male teams on oil rigs and in labs.''No matter
how smart I was, I wasn't getting the respect I wanted,'' she said. ''They
still hit on me, made crude remarks and even smacked me on the butt a couple
times.” “Wearing the niqab is ''liberating,'' she said. ''They have to deal
with my brain because I don't give them any other choice.'' (Ali, 2010)
1.
What
other ways can you think of that religion has had an influence on sexuality/gender besides the decisions on same-sex marriage?
2.
Why
do you think western culture has a narrow-minded view on veiling practices?
3.
Do
you have any experiences that can relate to gender communications and religion?
