“You’re just brainwashed because you believe in God” sounds a lot like, “You’re just hysterical because you’re a woman” or “You’re just lazy because you’re Mexican” to me. Despite the fact that these are different types of discrimination, they all result in discrimination, barriers, and disunity. Yes, there are people who don’t question their belief system and may aptly be described as brainwashed. I don’t advocate this, but dismissing faith (and those of us with a faith) is exclusionary.
For many religious feminists, belief in a higher power and a religious lifestyle is a choice. But it’s also part of someone; it’s the way we look at things, the way we respond to situations, the way we deal with events and people in our lives. It’s part of our psychological make-up. Feminism, as I learned it, is about respect and dignity for all people. I think that should include feminists who have faith.
Get thee hence and read.
UPDATE: Oops, sorry, it's not a "few years old"....evidently the novelty of not working on Friday has messed with my reading comprehension.
1 comment:
Yeah, I was going to say...I just read that on Feministe the other day! It's a great post, and I'm kind of disappointed that the discussion seems to have devolved into just another fight between the theists and the atheists. There has got to be a more peaceful, loving way of communicating.
Actually, that post is what has renewed my interest in seeking out an online community of Christian feminists, which is why I'm reading this blog right now!
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