Many people view the world through the eyes of religion and let its influence shapes their understanding of the world around them. Common concepts of good and evil, virtues and vices are often understood through faith which helps individuals understand abstract concepts more accurately. This, however, can present one with a number of unexpected challenges. In the case of many ancient texts, their pages may contain certain beliefs that are harmful in today’s society. Thoughts about power structures, gender roles, and relationships between people as depicted in religious texts often cannot be held to a sufficient level of scrutiny. This makes a critical analysis of certain ideas in religion crucial, the lack of knowledge may prove detrimental to the reader. Taking the treatment of and views on women as an example, in many books their role is rather limited, holding a subservient position to a man. Similar to how Eve was created after Adam from his bone, many women in religion are not the main focus of the narrative. Roles women in religious texts play are often relegated to a few simple archetypes: the mother, the seductress, and an innocent maiden. This limited approach forms an untrue understanding of women in people, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and regressive thought.
Notably, women in many religions are closely associated with the concept of “evil”. Women are oftentimes portrayed as inferior intellectually, morally, or physically, requiring the guidance and assistance of men. The Hebrew Bible, as the first example, displays misogynistic attitudes towards women on multiple occasions. One of the morning blessings used by the religion includes the phrase “Blessed art thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who hahasot made me a woman”, which blatantly disrespects women. In the text of the Bible itself, women are regarded to be the same slaves, encouraged to not study or learn, and generally disrespected. One of the passages is quoted as stating “Happy is he whose children are males, woe is him whose children are females”. Other Jewish religious teachings also connect women with moral depravity, dark arts, and deception. In many instances, women are treated as mere objects unworthy of respect or human interaction.
In the case of the Christian faith, some problems are also apparent. The shining example of the Bible’s questionable treatment of women is its attitude towards Eve. The woman is regarded as a temptress and bringer of evil. Christian religion largely advocates for concepts of moral and physical purity, condemning the desires of the body and acts of sexual nature. Women, who are often associated with lust and sin, therefore, are treated as impure and harmful to the traditional Christian life. The new testament argues that women should be obedient to their men and sacrifice their personal autonomy. St. Paul particularly states that women should not be permitted to speak in a church setting. In Islam, expectedly, similar sentiments can be found. Women are regarded are property, standing a level below a,nd male, and best suited for housekeeping and childrearing. Many of the passages in the Koran place women in a subservient position to men, describing them to be fit for pleasing others and providing care. This assessment is not entirely harmful, but nevertheless restrictive and has been historically used to discriminate against women.