All Comments (7)

Hi Baroness!

Hints in the Hebrew bible of some people interpreting the wive's tale of Sarah and the lizard in the wheat field as meaning Mary Magdalene doesn't get stoned to death . . . yeah! That's a good one. I'm with ya, Baroness, all the way, right! Especially when you say:

"The interesting question is whether they are
now gaining greater equality, or whether the gains they are making in those sections that allow them equality have to be offset by those sections of religion that treat them as second-class citizens, possibly even worse than in previous generations."

Yeah, let's balance one bunch of idiots with another and see if we can keep the woman's movement alive in the third world. Sure. Come on girls, let's get there and balance the fools, so we can all move ahead.

Thanks a lot!!

@Extremophile: I wholeheartedly agree. And, if you would let me, I'd like to expand on your quite logical argument.

Women bleed without being injured. That is a sign of sin. Furthermore, they were chosen for the burden of childbirth: a surefire sign of damnation.

Women are naturally passive, whereas men are naturally aggressive. Therefore, women need men for protection.

Women tempt men with their appearance. They are fleety, intellectually limited, and uninterested in the world at large.

There. I think we've chronicled every last outdated premise hidden beneath the tomes of antiquated faiths. Does anyone else have any suggestions?

Or - even better - can anyone figure out how to move the world beyond this dismal worldview?

This was a wonderful article, thank you Rabbi. Biologically speaking the male does not have a bigger brain, sorry. If you want the natural order look to nautre. Think about it, the males fight over the females, but the women are defiantely the Alpha partner in most animal societal structures, especially in insects. As far as mammals go for the most part the men defend the Pride, Pack, Herd, or whatever from predators, but has no ther function and does not control the female. Think about it.

Be Blessed.
Love, Light, and Peace to All.

The man should be in charge.

He is stronger, has a bigger brain, and not as subject to emotionally driven decision-making. He can fight wild animals, club other men to death, and provide food for a pregnant woman. Above all, he is equipped by the Creator to satisfy her sexually.

The woman is moody and small, but very sexy and good with children. She should sit in the passenger seat and allow the man to drive.

This is the natural order. All else is blasphemous to God.

How many women would feel good with a man they could beat in an arm wrestle?

None.

If women are gaining greater equality, it is in spite of the holy books, not because of them. See Sam Harris' post on this question. He is spot on.

May Light and Truth always be with you and yours, Dear Rabbi.

Dear Rabbi, I hope all is well with you and yours. I have stated elsewhere that I thought the balance between the male and female aspects of a religion are dependent upon the specifics of the culture in which it is practiced. The trend should be acsendent. Where is is descendent, the work of anti-light, and anti-truth must be suspected.