Women and Religion - An Act of God or An Act of Man (submitted paper with portions omitted due to confidentiality)

WOMEN AND RELIGION – AN ACT OF GOD OR AN ACT OF MAN By Silva Redigonda Several years ago, before altar girls were popular a friend informed me that her priest wanted altar girls in their parish and her daughter would probably be accepted. She said the priest was contacting all the altar boys to ensure that they were not opposed to the notion. “He is asking boys permission for girls to be alter girls?” I expressed, shocked. At times it is difficult to distinguish what God wants and what the men in organized religion want. Jesus welcomed women as equals. As I studied about different religions, I realized that women seem to serve and have a place in all religions. This position is normally subservient to men. This paper will begin with the image of women in the Classical world and will depict what the Christian and Muslim religion experience is for women in the church/mosque and outside of it. This will be followed by the pastoral and theological significance of the experience of women in these organized religions. Growing up in Toronto I was offered the opportunity of equality by my parents and then by the education system. I was informed that I could do anything I wanted with my life because I was living during a time of opportunity and equality. My first hint that this may not be so was within my church when I wanted to be an altar girl. I was told I could not. When did this division of boys and girls occur? When did it begin that men were elevated by gender alone? This did not make sense to me. Let us begin during the era of the Ancient World. Here women are described as “empty-headed; vengeful, dangerous, and responsible for men’s sins; medacious, treacherous, and unreliable; fickle” etc… Men appreciated a good wife but women as a group were not well thought of.” It is clear that women were suspect and unequal to men. Women’s status in pre-Islamic Arabia was observed in the marriage agreement that resembled a contract in which a woman became the property of her husband. This lowly status is depicted in Quranic condemnations, “When news is brought to one of them of the birth of a female child, his face darkens, and he is filled with inward grief! With shame does he hide himself from his people because of the bad news he had! Shall he retain it on sufferance and contempt or bury it in the dust? XV1: 58-59)" One gender is not only supreme over another, one is shameful and not worthy of life. Daughters were often buried alive in their infancy. The koranic reforms forbade infanticide and required that daughters be included in inheritance. In Arabia, men also had a right of unlimited polygamy based on the male’s ability to capture or purchase women. Islam brought a shift to the status of women. A strong family theme of Islam meant recognition not only for males, but rights for females as well (Esposito, p 15). The Koran permits a man to have four wives simultaneously, though monogamy is encouraged. Many Muslim men now insert a clause, in the marriage deed, excluding the right to a second concurrent spouse, with the exception of African tribes where polygamy is still a custom (Smith, p 252). So, is Christianity superior? Not quite. The Qur’an provides no account of the creation of the first human pair that favours one over the other. The story of the creation of Eve from Adam’s rib only occurs in Muslim traditional literature in the period following the Muslim conquests. Muslim women do not have the stigma that Christian and Jewish women have, being blamed for the fall of humanity due to their primal ancestor. Adam and Eve share disobedience equally and Adam and Eve are restored to Allah’s mercy and forgiveness (Geaves, pp 225-226). Did Jesus feel that women were less worthy than men? Jesus treated men and women with equal respect. Women were among the inner group of disciples who followed Jesus in public ministry. It was also women who were particularly responsible for the financial support of the movement of Jesus. The parables of Jesus depict what Jesus thought about women as persons and in their roles in society. Women appear as key figures in the parables with equal frequency with men. There is a comparable balancing of male and females. It is ironic that Jesus is willing to be subjected to the anger of a synagogue leader by healing a woman on the Sabbath. Jesus declared the woman, a daughter of Abraham with the same status of any of his males. It is also to women who Jesus first appeared to after his resurrection (Drummond, pp 213- 214). How did Muhammad react to women? Muslim women argue that during the time of Muhammad, both men and women sat before the Prophet when he preached (Geaves, p 234). The Qur’an’s teachings about women, is “enormously progressive in their original historical context.” The legal and financial rights became dramatically advanced (Renard, 128). The Christian and Muslim Woman in the Chruch/Mosque While women comprise the large majority of active church membership, there is no sustaining force in almost every congregation. Women have virtually no power within its structure. This is dominated by men. A woman pastor is more readily accepted by laymen than by the clergy. Not only is she the pastor of his church, she also has a degree in theology, plus approval, since she is ordained (Doely, p 68). It is not the congregations who protested against women clergy in the Anglican Church, it is the male counterparts who have complained of ordained women. It is interesting that the Pope (at the time) welcomed these malcontents as Priests into the Roman Catholic Church. This is a double blow not only to women in general, but also to Roman Catholic Priests in Western Society who have a vow of celibacy. How easy it is to change the rules when it re-enforces male dominance. It has been established that women are subservient to men within the church. Does this extend to the Muslim woman? Of course, most Muslim societies segregate males and females in public. This is also found in the mosque, which remains a male’s domain. It is not uncommon for a mosque to forbid entrance to women for public prayer. Other mosques provide a segregated space for them. The majority of Muslim women pray at home. Women are therefore denied the religious equality which is central to the Qur’an’s message (Geaves, p 234). The Christian and Muslim Woman in Contemporary Society An increasing number of Muslim women are “challenging the overwhelmingly male voice of religious authority, and reassessing the roles of prominent women in early Muslim development.” (Geaves, p 224) Nowhere does the Qur’an indicate that women are to wear veils. The Qur’an indicates that women dress modestly at all times (Renard, p 129). However, the idea that all Muslim women must wear the veil is not accurate. In certain cultures it is mandatory and in others, among young and educated women, wearing the veil is a symbol of resistance and cultural authenticity or as a symbol of their Islamic identity (Geaves, p 232). Women in the Western world can wear what they want. However, some churches may request a code of dress for women. I have been stopped from entering an Orthodox Christian church where there was a claim of the Madonna statue crying. My T-shirt was considered inappropriate and I was provided with a shawl. I later learned that the Madonna mystery was a hoax. I cannot recall what the young man who stopped me was wearing because from my perspective, clothing has no significance. Culture is very important regarding how religion is viewed and practiced. In certain extremist Muslim societies, the punishment for adultery is death by stoning, a repetition of Jewish law of death by stoning, and social dancing is proscribed (Smith, p 253). A female Christian Minister who was enjoying a festivity and was dancing with joy was upset as she told her story of a congregation member making a comment regarding how inappropriate her dancing was. This particular male found it offensive that a minister would dance. Women definitely have a role in the Christian and Muslim faith. It is clear that this role is controlled not only by men, but by the culture. This subservient role that women have adopted is contrary to Jesus and the prophet Mohammed. How does this experience of women have pastoral and theological significance? THE THEOLOGICAL AND PASTORAL SIGNIFICANCE Jesus and Mohammed both liked and respected women. Women were provided with an opportunity to grow along side men towards God. Yet, somewhere this has taken a turn favouring men over women. Women are told that they have a place in the church/mosque. Some women internalize society’s norms and accept what is, as justified. It is a form of conditioning. If society is not challenged, than change is not possible. Jesus made changes and was crucified. Mohammed also made changes which favoured women, especially for his time. Yet, somehow these messages got lost. I have met one woman who said she left the Catholic Church to become a priest in the Anglican Church. Is she happier? What is the concept of communion now for her? Is it a memory of the last supper or does she believe she is receiving Christ? This can cause serious theological consequences for her if she is torn between two belief systems but belongs to one to be a priest. I have had female Anglican priests tell me that they go to the Catholic mass and receive communion. When I say that this is contrary to the Catholic faith, a debate arises. I do not understand the theological objectives in their need to do this? I ask but I am informed that it is I who do not understand that they are able to have communion without being a Roman Catholic in a Catholic Church. Since some Catholic priests have agreed with them, this misconception is encouraged. After all, I am not a priest and they are supposed to know more than I. In another situation, I asked a student during a course if she was a Catholic because of something she said that led me to believe she was. She became angry and said she was Catholic but not a Roman Catholic. I dared not ask what the difference was because her face became red and she looked furious. What could cause such anger? How does this extend to Muslim women? Muslim women I have met and have been friends with in Toronto, inform me that they refuse to wear traditional garments of any kind and adopt the customs of the Muslim culture. They inform me that wearing a veil or covering their faces, has nothing to do with their religion. They also inform me that their husbands understood their wishes prior to marriage. This has taken a toll on their husbands when they are ridiculed by their friends and co-workers of the same faith in Toronto. Subsequently, this has caused their husbands to challenge them on their clothing, considered inappropriate and too revealing. One acquaintance who believed her husband loved her, felt deeply devastated when he left her. Was it because she refused to accommodate cultural norms? I do not know. She left the country shortly afterward. In the aforementioned examples, theology and culture takes a toll not only on the women but on the men who try to support them. Men in Christian Churches as well as Muslim men agree and support women in issues of inequality. If men did not support women, change would not be possible in the religious tradition or outside of it. Pastoral significance is as important as the theological significance. How does one help and minister to women who feel that they are not respected or treated with equal importance in their church or Mosque? Being a listening presence and knowing that God loves everyone equally is supportive to women and men struggling with whatever issues they may have. (Large portions here are removed due to privacy issues. ) God is there for everyone equally and this has been taught by Jesus. Mohammed too supported women and elevated them in the society in which they lived. Yet, men still dominate and regulate the church/mosque to serve God in the manner which keeps women subservient. These norms become internalized and that makes it difficult for change. People who recognize these differences can become a source of comfort to those who suffer because of it. Women should never forget that they are no better and no worse of any man and that Jesus and Mohammad did welcome them and made changes for them. Somehow this change has been lost in translations through the ages. Men and women need each other to pro-create and raise families. How wonderful it would be for men and women to walk side by side, in peace. BIBLIOGRAPHY Drummond, Richard Henry. A Broader Vision Perspectives on the Buddha and the Christ. A.R.E. Press: Virginia Beach, 1995. Esposito, John L. Women in Muslim Family Law. New York: Syracuse University Press, 1982. Geaves, Ron. Aspects of Islam. Georgetown University Press: Washington, 2005. Renard, John. Responses to 101 Questions on Islam. New York: Paulist Press, 1998. Smith, Huston. The World Religions. 50th Anniversary Edition. Harper Collins: New York, 1991.

My book site is back on as I was advised to do. Check out www.silvaredigonda.com

Well, I closed my book site as I explained before because I could not connect to Canada Post with Go Daddy. I sent out several emails to different web designers in Toronto with what I wanted and not one responded. I did call Canada Post and I will try to connect with them after I do some catch up with other things on my must do soon list. So, if any of you order my books or download my ebook and you are having any difficutly at all please let me know. You can also pick up a book from my office when I am doing paper work there. If you provide me with an address and postal code, I can check with Canada Post on their line to give you the various posting options and costs. The costs are almost as expensive as the books in some areas and more in others. However, I can post anywhere in the world. I had one person tell me that my second book could not be found anywhere. That prompted me to ask for advice and a writer who is successful told me to get my web site of books back on immediately regardless of how satisfied I am with it. That was yesterday. It is on there now. There were a list of other things as well and I will get to it. Some suggestions is belong to a club with other writers, get my books into the stores (that I cannot do right now) go on amazon (they do not take ebooks from individual writers) etc....So, I have work do to. I will do my best because I do love to write stories. It is fun. However, I would like the time to write them and had to put the "Internet Murders" down for a while though my brain is buzzing to return. But for now it is back to psychotherapy, deciding what I can and cannot attend for seminars etc... So, for you Canadians I hope you had a nice and safe and fun Canada Day! For you Americans, I hope you have a nice and safe Jul 4th. And for the rest of the world, don't hesitate to buy my books and if you want to keep it simple, download my ebook. Have a wonderful weekend.

cont.: Different Types of Schizophrenics (prior to DSM changes) Hope everyone had a Happy Canada Day

To be continued: Different Types of Schizophrenics 1. Paranoid preoccupation with one or more delusions or frequent auditory hallucinations. none of the following is prominent; disorganized speech, disorganized or canonic behavior or flat or inappropriate affect. 2. Disorganized Type a. all of the following are prominent: (1) disorganized speech (2) disorganized behavior (3) flat or inappropriate affect 3. Catatonic Type A type of Schizophrenia in which the clinical picture is dominated by at least two of the following: motoric immobility as evidenced by catalepsy, excessive motor activity, extreme negativism (or rigid posture), peculiarities of voluntary as evidenced by posturing movements, prominent mannerisms or prominent grimacing. Echopraxia (repeat what you say or they say over and over again). 4. Residual Type (nothing fits alone) A. Absence of prominent delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech and catonic behavior. B. There is continuing evidence of disturbance - negatives symptoms or two or more symptoms listed in criteria a. for Schizophrenia, present in an attenuated form ( eg. odd beliefs, unusual perceptual experience. History Reactive Schizophrenia - stress motivated. Where does it come from? Data - runs in families. Prof never dealt with first generation family of schizophrenia. Have I? No. Not even if not called Schizophrenia in the past eg. nervous breakdown and hospitalized for 11 years. Twin Studies - much higher concordance in M twins than D twins and much more between siblings than non siblings. Higher in adoptees of biological parents rather than adopting parents. Biological than adoptive siblings. It is quite clear that there is genetic influence. Nature - nurture < sibling interaction. Genetic studies come from Scandinavian studies - reason because they keep registers of people from birth to death and note conditions/jobs/arrested alcoholics etc… Data is there to look at. If have credentials/study/finding will share date. One study : 80% Schizophrenics born in Scandinavia born between Dec and Mar (25% of year) so started think what might it be also? Schizophrenics tend to be born in schizophrenic families. - not entirely determined by genetics, otherwise not important in what birthdays. Does not fit pattern of genetic dominant or not —obviously some predisposition but some environment condition to trigger it. What is it that occurs in these four months? - a virus called sygomadis virus, a slow acting virus - does not show directly eg. syphilis. It takes years to show symptoms latent phase, than 20 years later develops and psychotic, memory loss and death. So decided to look at twins. One has it and one does not. D 2 different eggs share half genetics. M - identical genes. If entirely genetic then not expected to be any discordance between M Twins because M should all be Schizophrenics or neither. Therefore should not be any difference so took M-twins discordant from Schizophrenic. Spinal taps for fluids and this fluid contains fluid from the brain. Looked for antibodies against virus. What was found was twins who were Schizophrenic had antibodies against this virus and vice versa. _both twins had antibodies of virus therefore at some point exposed to brain. Somehow, virus got into the brain. Prof’s hypothesis - blood brain barrier - glio cells that come between blood vessel and neurons - all kind of molecules that are harmful to the brain. Blood brain barrier protects the brain so that if exposed to this environmental virus then gets into the brain and 20 years later sees effects of schizophrenia - if no tendacy of late born barrier will be in body but not into brain because protected by blood brain barrier. Depends also on nutrition of fetus and sometimes on position of fetus. P twins might get more or less nutrition and that tips balance would explain why (theory only so far). One percent of population where ever studied. Females do better. Higher in males but slightly. To be continued with : Neurological Basis to Schizophrenia

Busy times - planning conferences

It is a busy week preparing, planning, working, and of course having fun, which makes for a very interesting and varied life. Sometimes I can also mix business with pleasure. I will be attending a three day conference with the American Association of Family Therapy in October and our American Colleagues will be coming as well. So I am looking forward to that. Learning and socializing is always fun for me. On the Specialist Pastoral Counselling side of the house there will be a day with speakers pertaining to "Assisted Dying" so that will be something new for me, according to the law changes. I read a few interesting articles from AAMFT's magazine which I will be sharing with you when I have more time. Again the revised DSM is being talked about and I have learned a few more things than I learned from attending Adler's School of Psychology on the topic. It is always difficult to cover everything, but the controversy remains. So, next week I shall continue with my notes on Abnormal Psychology and when all my notes are transferred here for you, I will write about the review of the DSM changes. Regarding my book sales, "Hey Guy Buy Me" was the selling book with no sales from my second book. I found that very interesting. I personally think my second book has more substance but all I got was a snear from one person who read outloud, "for love of country" Only men bought my books, though women stopped by saying that women probably buy the book more. I always find people interesting and it was a day of fun though there were fewer people than usual due to a big street fair, on Eglinton. I am very motivated to get back to writing my third book. At times I play with the plots in my mind while going somewhere. I am hoping for more time to get back to my passion of writing. I was asked once if I ever get writers block? No, it has never happened yet. I love to write and have so since writing stories for grade school. I still remember my English teacher in grade seven not believing that I actually wrote a short story that was requested in class. He challenged me in class telling me that I must have gotten it from a book in the library. I should have been flattered, but I was upset that he did not believe me and told him he could ask my mother, since I had written it in the kitchen while she was working and taking delight in my story. With that story I have shared, I would like you to think about a time when something similar happened to you. Who is in your life who supports you and validates you when you are faced with challenges? Do you have resilience and where do you get that from? Are you in a relationship that does not sustain you? Are you in a relationship that is emotionally, financially, sexually or physically abusive? Have all your support systems been removed so your partner has more control? Are you alone with no support system and rely on the internet for all your entertainment or friendships? Remember that you never know who you really are talking to. If anyone is abusing you and you are a minor, please report it to an adult preferably the police. Abusers will manipulate, threaten and terrorize. There is always help even if the abuse stems from within your own family. Where do you get your motivation to face challenges? What do you think?

American Bush politician, wishes Pope would mind his own business? It’s all our business pal!!!!!

Ok, so he didn’t say it quite that well, but when I watched the news this morning before starting my day and looked at that condescending smugness of a politician trying to separate religion from large corporations exploiting the poor and our planet, I felt my blood rising. That our planet is in serious trouble has nothing to do with religion, it has lots to do with our disrespectful nature all around us. But, someone needs to wake up and smell the coffee before we run out of it. Years ago I attended a two or three day seminar at a university where we were basically told, “ not your generation, and not your children but their children will see the end of this planet and if they continue to tamper, it may be even sooner”. This was before they even talked about global warming and changed it to climate change, because global warming is confusing for some. Why bother educating, just change the name. This information we were receiving originated from Scientists who have been basically ignored. Hard to tell a Scientist to mind his or her own business huh? Them you can just ignore or produce a gag order. So, I think that it is great that the Pope is taking this stand, because this problem is big and it is terminal. We are increasing the process yearly where before it took about 82 years. Several weeks ago I watched a USA documentary entitled "Poverty in America". Basically, the poor are getting poorer and the rich are getting richer. Anyone notice? (It's happening everywhere) They demonstrated about 400 people as the richest in the States who could control the bottom half of the States and about one percent of them are even more powerful. There used to be a narrower divide in income and this is becoming the past. I think that this is sad. I would recommend that every American and Canadian watch that program. Whatever happens in the States normally comes here. Unfortunately society does not learn from its past or neighbours. I was amazed as I watched and learned that American Corporations are paying less taxes than a firefighter. Am I surprised? It was bound to happen. When a bank here wanted to increase their teller fees, in spite of billions of profits, thankfully some went to the press and the bank told us that they heard. So, the fees from them are staying the same (for now). Every once in awhile some politician and hopeful comes to Toronto and tells us how we can improve etc….I believe that one of them was trying to get free health care for the States but then it quickly came to a halt. I wonder why that happened? Care to guess? They try to convince the people that a free health care system would be socialism. That is manipulation in its finest. These same people who say this, are backed by huge corporations who would lose a lot of money if caring for people became a priority. So, yes, it is all our business when people are getting poorer and our planet is sick. So, Bush, listen up. We all need to do our part, but some have the resources and others naught. In this day and age there is no need for anyone to go to sleep hungry, no one should have to lose their home to pay health bills or any bills. And it is definitely not ok, to exploit mother nature. It is time for all of us to look at all our politicians and observe what they are doing and then take action by voting while we still have an option. Oh, I almost forgot, though Bush obviously stung this morning, Trump, trumped him by reporting that he would build a wall South of the border. I couldn’t stop laughing long after he stopped talking. Looks like the Mexican government got a tad upset. Aw, forgive them for they really don’t know what they’re doing or do they???????? This Saturday I will be selling "Hey Guy Buy Me" and "For Love of Country: Military Policewoman". I will be at Oakwood Avenue (which is an extension of Ossington Avenue). I will be between the Bakery shop and the CIBC bank cooling off under an umbrella. If you are a friend of mine bring coffee. If you are not a friend of mine, no offence but I do not take any candy from a stranger. However, you are all free to buy a book. No pun intended. If you cannot make it, you still have the option to buy from me directly or on eBay. An ebook may be mailed to you as well. Have a very nice weekend, enjoy your lives and don’t mind your own business. What do you think?

Did you have a nice weekend? You may now buy my books directly from me and pay with pay pal! How is that for a start?

My weekend was busy as usual but Sunday (my day of rest) was spent with family in my backyard. One family member fed the singing Cardinal and of course my squirrels came to watch, seeking more peanuts. It was quiet too because it was raining and so neighbours stayed indoors. Except for the faint roar of the Indy, it was a very peaceful day, eating and drinking and having good conversation. I want to let you know that I called pay pal and they gave me options. I have read some of what they have sent me. So, if you want any of my books or ebook, all I need is your address (with postal code). I will then check how much it would cost to ship the books to you. You will have the option of having it sent to you quickly or most economically. I will then find out for you and break in down for you on an email. Then I will have pay pal send you the pay options. Once you have paid, I will send you the book. If you want the ebook, I will upload it to you on an email and then you can download it. That would be the cheapter option. So, that is how I will work it for now, until I have the opportunity to explore other options. What do you think? How do you spend weekends? Does it make you happy? Why?

About my books: 2 are on ebay ----------- Go Daddy.........why?

I have been exploring my options and again I have to give it a rest, due to other work and play commitments. I have placed two books for sale on ebay. I have also learned after spending a full morning this week, that you can not upload an ebook on ebay which is too bad. The impression I am getting is that there is a concern of copy rights. I hold all rights to all of my two books and ebook. I am looking into pay pal for my blog so that I can post my books here and have interested parties pay via paypal. If I could have done that with the other one I wasted a lot of time with, surely I could do it here. Being a self published writer is a learning experience. If I wanted to do this right, I would have to hire an agent, a distributer etc....It is a big business which is kind of sad because the actual writer can beome quite dissuaded. However, where there is a will, there is a way, and I shall find it. I have to always consider that I have two businesses and I write for fun which has nothing to do with my practice. However, I do keep a few books there if anyone ever wants to drop by. This would be so easy if Go Daddy could figure out how to put a link to Canada Post. So, when you are buying products you think is coming from the States, it could be coming from Russia. Is that not interesting??? Now Canada has to start getting motivated to do our own thing. I have sent out emails to Canadian Companies and guess what?????You can guess, because I am still trying to figure this all out. Also, check the better business borough and complaints. That brought me back to the beginning. So, I need to now take a break from all this book non-business and do my other stuff. I shall pick a day next week to continue figuring this out. Who knows maybe by then Go Daddy will figure out how to put a link to Canada Post (Canada Post is complaining about losing business - maybe I should call them to see if they have any options for me? Their on-line business web doesn't really enlighten me). Maybe ebay can figure out that maybe people can sign and prove that they have all rights to their book? Wouldn't that be something? I am not really a business person because I have always worked in the service of others and quite frankly still do. But, what I would recommend to people out there, is get a business degree before deciding what you want for a career, because our world is one big business. So in a dog eat dog world, this pup is ready to roar. Have a nice weekend, thank you for reading my blogs. Take time to relax daily and spend one full day of time for something you love to do by yourself or family. Too much stress is very destructive and it can creep up without you realizing it. Managing stress should always be part of your life. What do you think?