I do understand that in the traditional Judeo-Christian ethic women generally play a submissive and subservient role - but I don't think that role is the exact same in every case. I do think that like any ethic, the Judeo-Christian ethic is capable of evolving over time. Capable of learning.

I don't think all people who consider themselves informed by and "blessed by understanding" of "Biblical Christianity" would agree with the notion that they should sell their daughters.

such as . . .

What Jesus said to the rich man:

Mark 10:21-22 Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, "You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions.

Luke 14:12-14 He said also to the one who had invited him, "When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."

And regarding the poor. . . .


Matthew 25:34-36 Then the king will say to those at his right hand, "Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me."

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And Jesus had many women among his followers, including women named Mary and Martha. Mary just wanted to sit and listen to him (like the men), and when she was criticized for not working, like Martha, Jesus said Mary was doing the right thing.

The sexist things you hear about in the New Testament were supposedly said by Paul, who never met Jesus in his lifetime, but claimed to have met him on the road to Damascus.

What with all that stuff about selling everything you own and giving it to the poor. They do smiting, found in abundance in the OT.

cafeteria Catholics, because we don't accept some non-core teachings (like against artificial contraception or same-sex marriage). I think every Catholic (okay, maybe except for some nuns) is a Cafeteria Catholic. Especially the ones who ignore the Christian obligation to the poor.

Same goes for other Christians. There is no such thing as a perfect Christian. Every Christian is a Cafeteria Christian in one form or another.

I very strongly object to killing Buddha if you see him on the road.