Feminism and Religion: What Price Holding Membership in Both Camps?

Abstract

Today perhaps more than ever before it is apparent that religion and feminism have often clashed, mightily wounding each other and scathing those from each camp who holdopposing views. What really happens when women who do not set aside their more traditional beliefs and mores also choose to identify with women who a r e devoutly feminist? Given that the more conservative religious views espouse a patriarchal system while the feminist outlook promotes mutuality between women and men, what do women holding membership in both camps sacrifice in the trade-off?Under what conditions can they maintain such dual membership, and for how long? Do they really feel equally at home in both camps, o r are they the objects ofsuspicionto those in each camp, thus coming to feel ill at ease in either setting? What might be some of the considerations that they give to each persuasion when choosing a point of view? How do they explain their dual positions to those in each camp, to justify their own stances and also possibly to influence others and win them as adherents to both stands in life? Answers to questions concerning the value structures of such women a r e vital for understanding them, for working with them in counseling situations, and helping them to meet today's many chal-

Responding to and Retreating from the Call: Career Salience, Work Satisfaction, and Depression Among Clergywomen

“…They find themselves caught in unmanageable conflicts between pastoral duties and family responsibilities. Clergywomen who attempt to meet all of the demands of multiple roles, increase their risk for stress, strain, and depression (Rayburn, 1991;Rayburn, Natale, & Linzer, 1982). On the other hand, clergywomen continue to report high levels of job satisfaction, often higher than that of male clergy (McDuff, 2001).…”

Theobiology

“…Nonetheless, gender and racial discrimination within ecclesia, either by tradition or practice, is a very painful reality in many instances. Expecting an atmosphere of loving kindness, tolerance toward those who are not like most other people or like the dominant male authority or membership, and encouraging of all members to realize their potential and to do their utmost good in life, religious individuals may be repelled when they do not see these positive actions in their religious organizations (Rayburn, Natale, & Linzer, 1982). Furthermore, in a study by , women scored significantly higher than did men on seeing themselves as spiritual.…”

Theobiology: Interfacing Theology and Science

“…Expecting an atmosphere of loving kindness, tolerance toward those who are not like most other people or like the dominant male authority or membership, and encouraging of all members to realize their potential and to do their utmost good in life, religious individuals may be repelled when they do not see these positive actions in their religious organizations (Rayburn, Natale, & Linzer, 1982). 3:28, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus," has given Christians hope in expecting fulfillment on earth and in the here and now rather than in a postponed heavenly existence of equality of all believers.…”