Question

In this final week of the course, we expand our consideration of religion to those that are considered alternative. We will analyze the histories, beliefs, and ethics of some alternative religions, and we will explore how the role of women in religion has changed over time.

Take a moment to reflect on the alternative religions we learned about this week. Respond to the following questions:

• What do you think are some primary reasons these religions emerged?
• What are some of the commonalities in their popularity or characteristics?
• Finally, consider the role of women in at least two of the religious traditions you have learned about during this class. Discuss and provide examples of how the role of women in those two religious traditions has changed over time.

Answer 1

Answer 1:

Religion is the first and foremost way of attaining social order in any society. It gives a vision of paradise to its subjects diverting them from their bohemian understanding of the world. Besides social order, as Karl Marx puts it, "Religion is the opium of the masses." One refuge into god when they are in a state of solitude and sorrow. As "Hope" is an inseparable part of a human being, religion acts as a primary source of hope. It gives an otherly meaning to each occurrence in our lives, providing us with a different perspective. Thus, we look up to something "beyond" that validates these reasons. All of the world religions that we see today are a result of different regional beliefs. However, all of them serve the most basic purpose of humanity. This is how religion emerged.

Answer 2:

The universality of religion lies in common characteristics such as worshipping a symbol or an object, which is denoted with the idea of "almighty." Their popularity lies in turning towards religious beliefs in the time of distress with a true hope that the almighty has the potential to make things better. Moreover, each individual finds their own religious beliefs superior to others. This is a result of ethnocentrism and the religious beliefs embedded in the culture. Another commonality is the social norms provided by religion. It promotes humanity and poses severe consequences to the ones who choose to not behave in accordance with the norms provided. The portrayal of "Hell" in religious scriptures is another commonality. Moreover, there is a promise to the eternal life, which is highlighted through 'resurrection' in Christian belief or 'Punya' in Hinduism.

Answer 3:

In my experience, most of the religious scriptures are patriarchal in nature. Thus, very little importance is given to the female counterpart of human beings. For instance: 'Eve' is portrayed as a symbol of the tempter in the story of creation, in the Bible. However, in certain matriarchal societies, it is women who perform rituals. However, matriarchal societies are globally a minority. However, it's the matriarchal societies that put forward the feministic understanding of society. They pose equality in their concerned societies.

With modernity striking the society and struggle for gender equality, though the religious scriptures have a different story to say, women are allowed to be a part o many religious rituals with men. For example, the prohibition of women in certain religious places has been dropped. Plus, many unjust practices like the triple talaq, have been legally prosecuted. Thus, religious traditions are gradually changing towards gender equality.