Is there a major Religion that didn't Oppress Women historically?

Sandpiper

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Wed Apr-20-05 11:27 AM
Original message

Is there a major Religion that didn't Oppress Women historically?

My religious insight is limited mostly to the Abrahamic Religions: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, none of which was a great friend to women historically (and in many cases, modern times too).

So what I'm wondering is, is or was there a major religious philosophy in the world that historically, didn't regard women as second class citizens?

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hlthe2b

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Wed Apr-20-05 11:30 AM
Response to Original message

1. May I suggest the following book:

When God Was a Woman by Merlin Stone.... I'm rushing out the door, but this book is pretty revealing.

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readmoreoften

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Wed Apr-20-05 11:31 AM
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2. Why does it have to be 'major'?

Many Native American societies were excellent examples of egalitarianism among a multiplicity of genders.

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Sandpiper

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Wed Apr-20-05 11:35 AM
Response to Reply #2

8. It doesn't necessarily have to be

I'm just wondering if there was a religion that was widely practiced that promoted gender egalitarianism.

Since on the other hand we have examples of widely practiced religion that regarded women as chattel.

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Guckert

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Wed Apr-20-05 11:31 AM
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3. The difference is that Catholics are PRESENTLY oppressing women.

Most other faiths have learned to EVOLVE with the changing times. Even Jesus had Women preaching his word.
Some faiths are just clearly out for wealth, hate,and power, while others are for Peace, love, and Inclusion.
I think you know who is for the first.

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Lone Pawn

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Wed Apr-20-05 11:31 AM
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4. Many early tribalist religions, of course.

I believe the religious discrimination against women was only a reflection of the discrimination against women that developed in societies around the world.

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WearyOne

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Wed Apr-20-05 11:31 AM
Response to Original message

5. can't think of one..but many of the Australian Aboriginal communities

Edited on Wed Apr-20-05 11:32 AM by WearyOne

are matriarchal and women have more power than men.

and they are the oldest known race on the planet !

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Proud2BAmurkin

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Wed Apr-20-05 11:34 AM
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6. Christianity as practiced by Jesus Christ

as opposesd to practiced by Repukes and their historical equivalents.

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PA Mamma

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Wed Apr-20-05 11:34 AM
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7. Iroquois ??

Ah, my first thought was "No" -- what would be the point of that --
But that is bitter and incorrect.

I don't know much but the Iriquois seemed pretty chill with the chicks.

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DURHAM D

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Wed Apr-20-05 11:40 AM
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9. Yes, Christinanity before the plague.

The church needed someone/something to blame in order to make some sense of it. Thus women and homosexuals were the easy victims.

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Canuckistanian

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Wed Apr-20-05 11:44 AM
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10. Isn't Baha'i a progressive religion as far as equality goes?

I thought I heard that somewhere. it might be different in practice.

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efhmc

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Wed Apr-20-05 11:49 AM
Response to Original message

11. In the main, no, but there were certain Protestant sects that did follow

Christ message of inclusion. (Quakers, I believe were one.)

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funflower

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Wed Apr-20-05 11:51 AM
Response to Original message

12. Very early Christianity and Jesus Himself

were relatively respectful of women for their time.

The Quakers have always believed men and women were equal.

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LondonReign2

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Wed Apr-20-05 11:53 AM
Response to Original message

13. Wiccans?

B-)

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