C) What is marriage? Why marry? Marriage is “the chief vehicle for the perpetuation of the oppression of women; it is through the role of wife that that subjugation of women is maintained.” — Marlene Dixon That’s a quick review of the historical concept of Woman. So how was marriage viewed? If it’s the cornerstone…
B) What is Woman? So, keeping that in mind, let’s examine the next stumbling block we find when reviewing the possible cornerstones of past civilizations: the passage of time. We’re talking here about approximately three millennia of cultural changes. Even within one particular culture there is a huge amount of change, as can be shown…
3. ‘One male-one female’ marriage is the historical cornerstone of civilization Uhm, again, no. We’re a far, far more imaginative and flexible species than this argument would imply. However, for the sake of fun discussion let’s take a look at the civilizations from which the US classically traces its inspiration. I do this for two…
2. The Bible says homosexuality is a sin Lordy, I’m tired of this one. Why religious zealots feel they can pick and choose the parts of the Bible they think best support their own secular desires — and ignore the rest — is beyond me. Add to that the raging debates still on-going as to…
List of Arguments So what are the arguments against gay marriage I’ve heard? These are the ones I’ve got so far, although if you know of others I’d be interested in hearing them as well. We’re a christian nation The Bible says homosexuality is a sin ‘One male-one female’ marriage is the historical cornerstone of…
Originally posted May 2004 Credits: Thanks to Bob, clear-sighted as always, as well as to George for kindness, and Ian for perspective. Also, if this subject interests you, I recommend my “Firestarter” titled Tolerance FAQ, take II. I’ve been watching the joy and euphoria spreading through San Francisco and parts of the Bay Area as…
by Barbara Ehrenreich & Deidre English A review of one of my textbooks: a tiny little pamphlet — less than 50 pages! – with a powerful message that’s both creepily and effectively illustrated with a few small woodcut reproductions. Operating under the premise that those who forget history are doomed to repeat it, the authors…
I’m reading a fascinating book for class. It’s titled “Women’s Rites, Women’s Mysteries” by Ruth Barrett, and the part I’m currently most enjoying is the deconstruction of several of this culture’s rituals. The issues with marriage, bridal showers, birthdays, and baby showers are not new to me; I’ve considered and mentally struggled with them for…
Enter Shiloh Sophia McCloud into the search box to see all the available books written by the instructor of this class. Amazon.com Widgets One of my classes in the Women’s Spirituality Master’s Program that I’m taking is called “Art as Sacred Practice.” It’s a curious oddity of most Western religious traditions that the creation of…
I’ve finished one of my required readings for class: Rita Gross’s fascinating Feminism & Religion. I wish I’d read this book years ago. One of the most critical points the book makes, which was a sort of “aHA!” moment for me when I read it, was that a religion which purports to welcome and offer…