Catholicism: A tradition of respect for women and femininty
I trust that it is out of ignorance, not malice, that many people accuse the Catholic Church of being a harsh patriarchal religion with a disregard for women. In my experience, Catholicism not only upholds respect for women, it also celebrates the unique aspects of femininity.
It is often pointed out that the Catholic Church is built upon a hierarchy of men. However, what is often ignored is one of the most controversial practices of Catholicism: the veneration of Mary.
Distinct from other religions, Catholicism places Mary, a woman, in a special light, claiming that God blessed her more "than any other created person" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2nd edition, p. 124) when he allowed her a very important part in the salvation of humanity by asking her to carry Jesus in her womb.
The veneration the Catholic Church gives to Mary is so intense that Catholicism has actually been (falsely) accused of worshipping her above God! How is that for respect for women?
Some argue that Mary's veneration in the church is based on two "demeaning" aspects: her servitude and her ability to bear children. While it is true that these two aspects do play a part in the Catholic Church's respect for Mary, they are by no means demeaning.
In the Catholic Church, obedience to God is highly thought of. According to the Church, "by her complete adherence to the Father's will, Mary is the Church's model of faith and charity (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2nd edition, p. 252)."
By saying this, Catholic theology is clearly stating that obedience to God is something desirable, not only in women, but in all members of the Church.
Some people seem to be under the impression that in order for women to be truly appreciated, we must be seen as the same as men. To say that to be respected, we must lay aside what makes us unique as women, is ultimately a continuation of the idea that men are the desired sex.
From this ideology springs the belief that having children is demeaning because it reduces women to "baby makers" and keeps them from being viewed as carbon copies of men.
Obedient Women In Patriarchy - News
29. Honor remains an important value in patriarchal societies where the interests of the community trump those of the individual. Women bear the burden of the family honor and are expected to uphold it through their modest and obedient conduct.
I trust that it is out of ignorance, not malice, that many people accuse the Catholic Church of being a harsh patriarchal religion with a disregard for women. In my experience, Catholicism not only upholds respect for women, it also celebrates the
In patriarchal communities, women are seen to embody the family's honor, and thus are expected to be modest and obedient. But if honor-based violence goes back to the dawn of time in some parts of the world, tradition today often blends with modern
Shahrzad Mojab, an expert in honour killing, told the Shafia jury that in ``traditional, patriarchal families, the chastity, virginity and obedience of girls and women are vital to the maintenance of family honour. If a woman dresses immodestly or
Shahrzad Mojab, an expert in honour killing, told the Shafia jury that in “traditional, patriarchal families, the chastity, virginity and obedience of girls and women are vital to the maintenance of family honour. If a woman dresses immodestly or
