When we started this blog the goal was to show all different faiths in a (mostly) unbiased way. We have found that nearly impossible. Both of us identify as Christian, and it's very hard to separate that from what we read and see. Another thing we have found is that it is hard to write about something you aren't interested in, some religions are just more colorful than others. The last thing we discovered, and I guess we were fairly naive about it, is that Atheists and Fundamental Christians are fighting a very angry, and mostly pointless battle on the Internet. I have been following a diverse set of people on Twitter, I'm fairly new to it, but I wanted to see what kind of people were out there. I followed Atheists, LGBT activates, Fundamentalists, Muslims, Jews, and all sorts of other people. (Sara7133, if you want to follow mine). The fighting is fairly nasty, the folks from the Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) tweet up a storm, and their tweets are as nasty as their signs. Tweets like this are very common from that set
Fred Phelps Quotes @FredPhelpsQuote
Now the sodomites have taken over America. There isn’t 1 politician that doesn’t jump every time a fag squeals. Maybe it's too late for USA.
Jonathan Phelps @GodShakes
More @US Army song: Hating God, cowards hearts, ziplock bags for body parts, and your Army goes marching to hell.
That isn't even scraping the surface of their insanity. Here is one from Godswordislaw, another evil person who has decided to embarrass Christianity.
Dr. Keith Roberts @GodsWordIsLaw
Christians are the founders of America and WE determine who gets rights in this country - and pervert homosexuals should not get any.
The other side isn't much better, it seems there are Atheist fundamentalists, and they are also pretty mean. The common belief among Atheists seems to be that Christians are stupid. It's just not true, just because the loudest Christians are ofter ignorant doesn't mean the rest of us are. I find it a little offensive, but the only way to prove it wrong is to calmly show them over time that you aren't dumb, and it does seem to take a lot of time.
Another atheist @kaimatai
Creationism died as a biological model 150 yrs ago, yet its brainless-tail keeps twitching today #atheist #atheism
Monica @Monicks
To be able to cling to your religious beliefs, you have to ignore science & facts—that's when you come across as an idiot. #atheism #atheist
The fact is that these fundamental Christians are scaring people away from Jesus. Muslim fundamentalists scare Americans, they make all Muslims look bad, but from personal experience I know that most Muslims aren't scary people. Once again though, the loudest are the scariest. Religion has a very dark side, Christians need to work as a group to dispel these attitudes, only when we start speaking kindly to those who believe differently will people see that fundamentalist are the exception, not the rule. People who are part of the LGBTQIA set seem to be common in the Atheist community, and are sometimes pretty angry. Of course they are, they are treated terribly, what do we expect? I might be angry if all through my life I had been considered a second class citizen, shoot, I'm still a little angry at how the Bible talks about women, but that's something I have been trying to sort out for years. Just because I don't like it, doesn't mean I don't believe it :)
Atheists, Muslims, Jews, Pagans, and Christians are all just people. We should all take them on a case by case basis, not as a whole. Twitter, Facebook, Google +, these seem to be the new battleground of faith. The problem is that you can't really get a good feel of how people are in real life on these sites. How can I tell sarcasm from sincere belief, unless you put the word in the message? People are also more bold online, it's easy to be loud when you remain in relative anonymity. The sad fact is that the rudeness and hate on these social forums won't end anytime soon, or ever...
Showing posts with label Pagan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pagan. Show all posts
Thursday, January 26, 2012
What level Druid are you?
Druidry, or Druidism, is another form of Paganism. It is a nature based faith that is becoming fairly popular. I feel that in these times when the health of our home is in question, people are turning to faiths that show a reverence for nature. Pagan religions are perfect for this, especially Druidry. Druids can be monotheistic, polytheistic, or anything in between, they can also choose to not believe in any sort of Deity. Druidry is very old compared to some other Pagan beliefs, it started in Europe over 25000 years ago. Many Druids of the past were converted to Christianity. Their history is somewhat shady, not too much is known of them.
Christianity and Druidism are compatible, as it can be a philosophy as opposed to a faith. Some Pagans also combine it with Wicca, Buddhism, or Hinduism. Some monotheistic Druids worship the Christian God, thankful that he made animals, plants, and the wonders of nature.
There are many myths about Druids, like they have ritual killings. Many historians believe they actually practiced human sacrifice. It seems however that a prejudiced Julius Caesar recorded these stories, so this isn't believed to be accurate, however some sources would disagree. Other people through history have recorded the Druids sacrificing humans, they were burned to the deities on a wooden figure called a Wicker Man (now a terrible movie). Archaeological evidence has shown mass graves that where filled with human sacrifices. Recent findings show that old school Celtic Druids may have even practiced Cannibalism. Stonehenge is also believed to have been created by Druids. Stonehenge however is shown to be older than the beginning of Druidism, many rituals have been practiced there however.
It is hard to sort out the difference between Celtic Druidism, which is generally polytheistic, and the modern form of Druidry that can be Atheistic. Most sources don't really differentiate. They are both nature-centric, but the practice of all druids can vary greatly. Modern Druidry has some Gods, or personifications of nature, that are commonly believed in. The Green man is the God of, or personification of plants. The red man is the personification of, or God of, animals. Since modern Pagans are offshoots from Celtic paganism the history is the same.
This is the best link that someone sent to us for more information on Druidry.- http://druidry.org/
Christianity and Druidism are compatible, as it can be a philosophy as opposed to a faith. Some Pagans also combine it with Wicca, Buddhism, or Hinduism. Some monotheistic Druids worship the Christian God, thankful that he made animals, plants, and the wonders of nature.
There are many myths about Druids, like they have ritual killings. Many historians believe they actually practiced human sacrifice. It seems however that a prejudiced Julius Caesar recorded these stories, so this isn't believed to be accurate, however some sources would disagree. Other people through history have recorded the Druids sacrificing humans, they were burned to the deities on a wooden figure called a Wicker Man (now a terrible movie). Archaeological evidence has shown mass graves that where filled with human sacrifices. Recent findings show that old school Celtic Druids may have even practiced Cannibalism. Stonehenge is also believed to have been created by Druids. Stonehenge however is shown to be older than the beginning of Druidism, many rituals have been practiced there however.
It is hard to sort out the difference between Celtic Druidism, which is generally polytheistic, and the modern form of Druidry that can be Atheistic. Most sources don't really differentiate. They are both nature-centric, but the practice of all druids can vary greatly. Modern Druidry has some Gods, or personifications of nature, that are commonly believed in. The Green man is the God of, or personification of plants. The red man is the personification of, or God of, animals. Since modern Pagans are offshoots from Celtic paganism the history is the same.
This is the best link that someone sent to us for more information on Druidry.- http://druidry.org/
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Something Wiccan this way comes.
I guess we are going to start on a sort of series on paganism. Since I grew up in the Baptist church I was taught that witchcraft is possible one of the worst sins you could commit, that scared me away from Wicca, and other 'magic' practicing belief structures. This is all new to me, so bear with me. Allie has more experience in this area, so hopefully she can fill me in.
I guess we will start with Wicca since it's the most common. Let me start by saying that Wiccans aren't Satanists, as if this needs to be said anymore, but just to be sure (and Satanists don't worship Satan). Wiccans honor the Earth, and everything on it, their Holy days are in-line with nature. Wiccans do, however, practice a form of magic. The creation of Wicca is fairly new, the various branches of Wicca can be traced back to Gardnerian Witchcraft which was founded in the U.K. in the 1940's. Here are some basic beliefs.
Everyone has the divine (or goddess) within.
One should develop natural gifts for divination or occult magic (often spelled 'magick' by occultists.)
Divine forces or nature spirits are invoked in rituals.
The Goddess, as either a symbol or a real entity, is the focus of worship.
Nature and the earth are sacred manifestations of the Goddess.
Everyone has his or her own spiritual path to follow.
Rituals and celebrations are linked to the seasons and moon phases.
Meditation, visualization, invocation (calling on forces or gods/goddesses), chanting, burning candles and special rituals trigger a sense of the mystical, thus reinforcing the core belief system.
These seem to be accurate, but my research was done on the Internet, so I'm sure it is flawed :). There are many forms of Wicca, some choose to believe in one God/Goddess, both, or they can be polytheistic. Wicca can also be Atheistic, as in they believe that the Gods/Goddesses are symbolic of nature. As I see it one of the most misunderstood things about Wicca is the Pentagram symbol. When I was a child I noticed that it is was also the symbol for the Eastern Star portion of Masonry (I will study this further, but I just wanted to point it out). However in that form the star is upside down. I remember my childhood friends being terrified of this symbol. At a young age I read a book my Dad had on religion and realized that it was a symbol of blessing, when I tried to convince my Christian friends that it was not evil, they got angry at me. The Pentagram or Pentacle is also a symbol of protection, and can be carried much like Christian would carry a cross or rosary.
One of the issues with Paganism as a whole, and specifically Wicca, is that it was a 'flavor of the month' religion through much of the 90's. Teenage girls did it to piss of Daddy, people thought it made them enlightened or spiritual. When asked about their religion though, they had little knowledge. Me and Allie believe this belittled the religion as a whole, and it is still recovering from the image of being a passing craze.
One of the things we can all enjoy about Wiccans is their stance on the Golden Rule. http://www.wicca.com/celtic/wicca/rede.htm here is a website for the full Wiccan Rede. It states that you should harm no one, live and let live, and give back what you take. These are great principles for anyone.
As opposed to other religons Wicca seems to be fairly innocuous, which is always a good thing. They celebrate gender equality. Some feel homosexuality is an affront to the God/Goddess, although many others disagree. They don't have a book that is like the Bible to them, they have a few instructional books, but no main doctrine. They don't have a unified view on the after life, generally they believe in an after life... reincarnation, a Heaven type plain called the Summerland. Before they can go to the Summerland however they go to a purgatory like place, where their Karmic slate is wiped clean, then they can choose to enter Heaven, or be reincarnated (the Celtic tradition of Wicca). They are generally left wing affiliated. Like most things in the Wiccan faith, Abortion is pretty up in the air. Their believes are so varied from one type to the other, that it is hard to have any definitive answers.
These are just the basics, there are many facets of this religion, and in one Blog page it would be impossible to describe them all accurately.
Here are a few links
http://paganmurmur.blogspot.com/2011/11/10-things-about-wicca-that-wiccans.html
http://www.controverscial.com/The%2013%20Principles%20of%20Wiccan%20Belief.htm
http://www.wiccanbookofshadows.50megs.com/
I guess we will start with Wicca since it's the most common. Let me start by saying that Wiccans aren't Satanists, as if this needs to be said anymore, but just to be sure (and Satanists don't worship Satan). Wiccans honor the Earth, and everything on it, their Holy days are in-line with nature. Wiccans do, however, practice a form of magic. The creation of Wicca is fairly new, the various branches of Wicca can be traced back to Gardnerian Witchcraft which was founded in the U.K. in the 1940's. Here are some basic beliefs.
Everyone has the divine (or goddess) within.
One should develop natural gifts for divination or occult magic (often spelled 'magick' by occultists.)
Divine forces or nature spirits are invoked in rituals.
The Goddess, as either a symbol or a real entity, is the focus of worship.
Nature and the earth are sacred manifestations of the Goddess.
Everyone has his or her own spiritual path to follow.
Rituals and celebrations are linked to the seasons and moon phases.
Meditation, visualization, invocation (calling on forces or gods/goddesses), chanting, burning candles and special rituals trigger a sense of the mystical, thus reinforcing the core belief system.
These seem to be accurate, but my research was done on the Internet, so I'm sure it is flawed :). There are many forms of Wicca, some choose to believe in one God/Goddess, both, or they can be polytheistic. Wicca can also be Atheistic, as in they believe that the Gods/Goddesses are symbolic of nature. As I see it one of the most misunderstood things about Wicca is the Pentagram symbol. When I was a child I noticed that it is was also the symbol for the Eastern Star portion of Masonry (I will study this further, but I just wanted to point it out). However in that form the star is upside down. I remember my childhood friends being terrified of this symbol. At a young age I read a book my Dad had on religion and realized that it was a symbol of blessing, when I tried to convince my Christian friends that it was not evil, they got angry at me. The Pentagram or Pentacle is also a symbol of protection, and can be carried much like Christian would carry a cross or rosary.
One of the issues with Paganism as a whole, and specifically Wicca, is that it was a 'flavor of the month' religion through much of the 90's. Teenage girls did it to piss of Daddy, people thought it made them enlightened or spiritual. When asked about their religion though, they had little knowledge. Me and Allie believe this belittled the religion as a whole, and it is still recovering from the image of being a passing craze.
One of the things we can all enjoy about Wiccans is their stance on the Golden Rule. http://www.wicca.com/celtic/wicca/rede.htm here is a website for the full Wiccan Rede. It states that you should harm no one, live and let live, and give back what you take. These are great principles for anyone.
As opposed to other religons Wicca seems to be fairly innocuous, which is always a good thing. They celebrate gender equality. Some feel homosexuality is an affront to the God/Goddess, although many others disagree. They don't have a book that is like the Bible to them, they have a few instructional books, but no main doctrine. They don't have a unified view on the after life, generally they believe in an after life... reincarnation, a Heaven type plain called the Summerland. Before they can go to the Summerland however they go to a purgatory like place, where their Karmic slate is wiped clean, then they can choose to enter Heaven, or be reincarnated (the Celtic tradition of Wicca). They are generally left wing affiliated. Like most things in the Wiccan faith, Abortion is pretty up in the air. Their believes are so varied from one type to the other, that it is hard to have any definitive answers.
These are just the basics, there are many facets of this religion, and in one Blog page it would be impossible to describe them all accurately.
Here are a few links
http://paganmurmur.blogspot.com/2011/11/10-things-about-wicca-that-wiccans.html
http://www.controverscial.com/The%2013%20Principles%20of%20Wiccan%20Belief.htm
http://www.wiccanbookofshadows.50megs.com/
Saturday, December 24, 2011
An all inclusive Merry Christmas
I wanted to say Merry Christmas. I include everyone in this, Muslim, Jew, Atheist, Pagan, Agnostic, Atheist. I hope everyone has an excellent day tomorrow. I know it will be hard, it's a pretty stressful day for those of us who celebrate, and for those who don't, you are probably pretty tired of hearing about it.
For my fellow Christians I hope and pray that you will find yourself renewed after this holiday, it doesn't have to be a new year to start something new. I pray that everyone who believes how I do will proclaim that Jesus meant for us to love everyone, he excluded no one. If we all start acting in love, imagine the revival that could happen. If anything this holiday should remind us that gifts come in all sorts of ways. I have nothing to give others, monetarily, but I try and give my time and support. I hope that we can all give some sort of gift this year, something not in a wrapping. It sounds silly, but the most important gift we can give is to those who don't believe as us. We can give love and acceptance. We can practice what we preach. We can also show that our lives can be joyous through Jesus. We can accept the Atheist who lives next to us, or the Muslim who assures us that they want nothing but peace. I hope we can all change our ways.
To those who don't celebrate. I know some Pagan's do, but I include you in this. I am sorry for every Christian who has ever been rude, hurtful, forceful, or just mean. I pray that everyone around you accepts you for who you are. I pray that people learn all about you before they say anything negative. I pray that people can find peace with themselves so they can stop hating people because they are different. I hope that those around you can see that they can think you are wrong, while still showing the respect that all people deserve.
I pray for my best friend who is now Muslim, that everyone accepts you, and that I continue to see that new light you have. I know we don't believe the same, but what you have done is amazing. I pray for other friends of mine who have lost touch with the religion of your childhood. I am so sorry that people made you hate something that is meant to be a beautiful gift. I know in my heart that one day whoever jaded you against Jesus will have to answer for that. I also pray for them, sometimes people think they are doing what is right, even when they are making a tragic mistake.
I know some people may not like the idea that I am praying for them, but why not, I don't think it can hurt anything. I hope that even if you don't celebrate you get to spend a nice day with your families, or with whoever you choose to celebrate with. I hope that soon people can educate themselves before condemning those who choose to do something different on December 25th. I would also like to apologize to anyone who I have offended, I hope I can fix it.
Merry Christmas, I hope that doesn't offend you. :) Sara
For my fellow Christians I hope and pray that you will find yourself renewed after this holiday, it doesn't have to be a new year to start something new. I pray that everyone who believes how I do will proclaim that Jesus meant for us to love everyone, he excluded no one. If we all start acting in love, imagine the revival that could happen. If anything this holiday should remind us that gifts come in all sorts of ways. I have nothing to give others, monetarily, but I try and give my time and support. I hope that we can all give some sort of gift this year, something not in a wrapping. It sounds silly, but the most important gift we can give is to those who don't believe as us. We can give love and acceptance. We can practice what we preach. We can also show that our lives can be joyous through Jesus. We can accept the Atheist who lives next to us, or the Muslim who assures us that they want nothing but peace. I hope we can all change our ways.
To those who don't celebrate. I know some Pagan's do, but I include you in this. I am sorry for every Christian who has ever been rude, hurtful, forceful, or just mean. I pray that everyone around you accepts you for who you are. I pray that people learn all about you before they say anything negative. I pray that people can find peace with themselves so they can stop hating people because they are different. I hope that those around you can see that they can think you are wrong, while still showing the respect that all people deserve.
I pray for my best friend who is now Muslim, that everyone accepts you, and that I continue to see that new light you have. I know we don't believe the same, but what you have done is amazing. I pray for other friends of mine who have lost touch with the religion of your childhood. I am so sorry that people made you hate something that is meant to be a beautiful gift. I know in my heart that one day whoever jaded you against Jesus will have to answer for that. I also pray for them, sometimes people think they are doing what is right, even when they are making a tragic mistake.
I know some people may not like the idea that I am praying for them, but why not, I don't think it can hurt anything. I hope that even if you don't celebrate you get to spend a nice day with your families, or with whoever you choose to celebrate with. I hope that soon people can educate themselves before condemning those who choose to do something different on December 25th. I would also like to apologize to anyone who I have offended, I hope I can fix it.
Merry Christmas, I hope that doesn't offend you. :) Sara
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Gender Roles of different Religions
The Apathist's corner
I have no real concept of gender roles, there where times in my life where my father stayed home and my mother worked. There where also times when my Dad worked and my Mom stayed home. Personally I would kind of like to stay home and have my wife work, i do not feel demeaned or emasculated by it. To be perfectly honest I truly feel like I have accomplished something when I fold 5 loads of laundry and clean the living room... Stacking a pallet of batteries in 110 degree heat doesn't give me that same feeling. My wife on the other hand feels the opposite.
No matter how you look at it, some things are clearly male, and some are clearly female. In my opinion these are things that are tied to our biology. I can't give birth, and even with modern technology I am not going to breastfeed. As far as anything else, it's completely up to personal preference.
I think the Religious rules where highly influenced by the time in which they where written. It was a very harsh and rough time, and the strenuous nature of existence back then dictated that the physically stronger sex did the outside work, leaving care of the hearth to the females.It doesn't take a lot of physical effort to do your average desk job, some women are even better at certain careers, i.e. anything that has to do with education, communication, or caregiving. I'm going to raise my daughter to do whatever she wants, from housewife, to construction worker, my real goal for her is to be happy. I'd like to add that I would prefer to not see her on the pole...
Religious Ideas on Gender Role
Judaism-In this religion women are equal but different, and women have held a position of respect since biblical times. the Talmud (Another Jewish Holy Book) also has many negative things to say about women. Some Rabbis have described women as lazy and jealous, and prone to occult activity. The rights of women in Judaism are greater than the rights of women in the west were just a century ago. They could buy, sell, own property, and sign contracts. Sex in marriage is the woman's right, not the man's. Rape is considered a great sin, and in their culture there is no such thing as the woman 'asking for it', as there is in modern American society. In the Synagogue men and women are separate during prayer, this is to keep everyone's mind on God, and to discourage any sexual pagan activity. Women's prayers do not count the same as a mans do, therefor they are not required to do the same things in synagogue
Islam-The Quran says that women are equal, but that is not reflected in most regional Muslim law. Muslims do not treat women as a commodity or property, they are people, allowed to enter into contracts, and hold jobs in the community. In Islam as in Christianity the woman is to be obedient to the man, but likewise the man must treat the woman with respect and love. Men and women are segregated in the Mosque, but in the home the family prays together. The man leads the prayers.
Being a mother is an honored position in Islam, they teach young children, and are respected for that. In different regions Muslims are seen as severely misogynistic, but this is not how the Quran intended it to be. Men are expected to be the main bread winner, but women can choose to stay home or work.
Christianity-In Christianity, like in Judaism, women are equal but different. Many sects of Christianity expect women to have their heads covered in the church, but men and women are not segregated for worship. In the bible a woman is revered for staying home and taking care of the house, while the man earns wages, and has the final say on big decisions. The modern church has mostly conformed with society, considering the current ideals on gender roles, and agreeing with them. Many sects of Christianity don't allow women to preach, but some do. In the Bible it says that men are supposed to treat their wives as God treats the church. It also adds that men should be respectful of their wives wishes and desires. Women are to submit, and the Bible says in a marriage you should want to submit out of love.
Hindu-In the texts of the Hindu religion women are considered inferior to men. The laws of Manu (A Hindu religious text) depicts women as being entirely subservient to men. Such as a girl is governed by her father, a married woman by her husband, and a widow by her sons. In some texts women are prohibited from hearing the Vedas (like the Hindu Bible), and from engaging in certain rituals, and holding positions or religious leadership. Some texts say that women of higher castes cannot be considered twice born, they must be reborn as men to make serious religious progress. Women are considered impure because the menstruate (this is a common theme in religion).
Pagan- Paganism endorses feminism, and they accept the fact that women now work and can be the bread winners of the household. They consider the sexes true equals, but understand the biologically we are different. Some groups of Paganism might limit their membership to one sex. Pagans celebrate the joyful ways in which both sexes can come together in friendship, love, and sexual union. While respecting that both sexes are equal they celebrate traditional roles, such as the strong male warrior, or the nurturing mother. Basically in Pagan society women can do anything a man can do, and this is celebrated, not condemned.
Here in an interesting link, about a very strong woman, who happened to be a pagan
http://www.unc.edu/celtic/catalogue/femdruids/boudica.html
I have no real concept of gender roles, there where times in my life where my father stayed home and my mother worked. There where also times when my Dad worked and my Mom stayed home. Personally I would kind of like to stay home and have my wife work, i do not feel demeaned or emasculated by it. To be perfectly honest I truly feel like I have accomplished something when I fold 5 loads of laundry and clean the living room... Stacking a pallet of batteries in 110 degree heat doesn't give me that same feeling. My wife on the other hand feels the opposite.
No matter how you look at it, some things are clearly male, and some are clearly female. In my opinion these are things that are tied to our biology. I can't give birth, and even with modern technology I am not going to breastfeed. As far as anything else, it's completely up to personal preference.
I think the Religious rules where highly influenced by the time in which they where written. It was a very harsh and rough time, and the strenuous nature of existence back then dictated that the physically stronger sex did the outside work, leaving care of the hearth to the females.It doesn't take a lot of physical effort to do your average desk job, some women are even better at certain careers, i.e. anything that has to do with education, communication, or caregiving. I'm going to raise my daughter to do whatever she wants, from housewife, to construction worker, my real goal for her is to be happy. I'd like to add that I would prefer to not see her on the pole...
Religious Ideas on Gender Role
Judaism-In this religion women are equal but different, and women have held a position of respect since biblical times. the Talmud (Another Jewish Holy Book) also has many negative things to say about women. Some Rabbis have described women as lazy and jealous, and prone to occult activity. The rights of women in Judaism are greater than the rights of women in the west were just a century ago. They could buy, sell, own property, and sign contracts. Sex in marriage is the woman's right, not the man's. Rape is considered a great sin, and in their culture there is no such thing as the woman 'asking for it', as there is in modern American society. In the Synagogue men and women are separate during prayer, this is to keep everyone's mind on God, and to discourage any sexual pagan activity. Women's prayers do not count the same as a mans do, therefor they are not required to do the same things in synagogue
Islam-The Quran says that women are equal, but that is not reflected in most regional Muslim law. Muslims do not treat women as a commodity or property, they are people, allowed to enter into contracts, and hold jobs in the community. In Islam as in Christianity the woman is to be obedient to the man, but likewise the man must treat the woman with respect and love. Men and women are segregated in the Mosque, but in the home the family prays together. The man leads the prayers.
Being a mother is an honored position in Islam, they teach young children, and are respected for that. In different regions Muslims are seen as severely misogynistic, but this is not how the Quran intended it to be. Men are expected to be the main bread winner, but women can choose to stay home or work.
Christianity-In Christianity, like in Judaism, women are equal but different. Many sects of Christianity expect women to have their heads covered in the church, but men and women are not segregated for worship. In the bible a woman is revered for staying home and taking care of the house, while the man earns wages, and has the final say on big decisions. The modern church has mostly conformed with society, considering the current ideals on gender roles, and agreeing with them. Many sects of Christianity don't allow women to preach, but some do. In the Bible it says that men are supposed to treat their wives as God treats the church. It also adds that men should be respectful of their wives wishes and desires. Women are to submit, and the Bible says in a marriage you should want to submit out of love.
Hindu-In the texts of the Hindu religion women are considered inferior to men. The laws of Manu (A Hindu religious text) depicts women as being entirely subservient to men. Such as a girl is governed by her father, a married woman by her husband, and a widow by her sons. In some texts women are prohibited from hearing the Vedas (like the Hindu Bible), and from engaging in certain rituals, and holding positions or religious leadership. Some texts say that women of higher castes cannot be considered twice born, they must be reborn as men to make serious religious progress. Women are considered impure because the menstruate (this is a common theme in religion).
Pagan- Paganism endorses feminism, and they accept the fact that women now work and can be the bread winners of the household. They consider the sexes true equals, but understand the biologically we are different. Some groups of Paganism might limit their membership to one sex. Pagans celebrate the joyful ways in which both sexes can come together in friendship, love, and sexual union. While respecting that both sexes are equal they celebrate traditional roles, such as the strong male warrior, or the nurturing mother. Basically in Pagan society women can do anything a man can do, and this is celebrated, not condemned.
Here in an interesting link, about a very strong woman, who happened to be a pagan
http://www.unc.edu/celtic/catalogue/femdruids/boudica.html
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