When Everything Changed: 50 Years of Women's Progress

I think that evaluating a woman based not on her strengths and weaknesses, but on her political beliefs, is biased. On this blog--Cindy Sheehan, good, Sarah Palin, bad. It's OK for Cindy Sheehan to be outspoken, but Sarah Palin is a lightning rod.

"Quotas are wrong, period."

I agree. I think they were needed for awhile, to overcome centuries of "good-old-boy-ism." My current employer, a Big Bank, has a policy of going out to look for all kinds of people, on the theory that that helps us relate to all kinds of customers. But we don't have quotas that I know of.

Jane

A 1980 United Nations report states that women constitute half the world's population, perform nearly two-thirds of its work hours, yet receive one-tenth of the world's income and own less than one-hundredth of the world's property. The impact of the women's movement upon the church is being heralded as a Second Reformation. Women are now being ordained as priests, pastors and ministers, while patriarchal references to the Almighty as "Father" are replaced with the gender-neutral "Parent." Jesus Christ is designated the "Child of God." The words of scripture-perhaps, more accurately, the words of the apostle Paul-on this subject are seen today not as a divine revelation, but rather as an embarrassment from centuries past:

"Let the women keep silent in the churches, for they are not allowed to speak. Instead, they must, as the Law says, be in subordination. If they wish to learn something, let them inquire of their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church...let a woman learn quietly with complete submission. I do not allow a woman to teach, neither to domineer over a man; instead she is to keep still. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman, since she was deceived, experienced the transgression. She will, however, be kept safe through the child-bearing, if with self-control she continues in faith and love and consecration." (I Corinthians 14:34-35; I Timothy 2:11-15)

Many churches now claim these instructions were merely temporary frameworks used to build churches in the first century pagan world-they are not to be taken as universal absolutes for all eternity. If churches, scripture and Christianity can adapt and be redefined or reinterpreted in a changing world to end injustices towards women, they can certainly do the same towards animals.

The International Network for Religion and Animals (INRA) was founded in 1985 by Virginia Bouraquardez. Its educational and religious programs are meant to "bring religious principles to bear upon humanity's attitude towards the treatment of our animal kin...and, through leadership, materials, and programs, to successfully interact with clergy and laity from many religious traditions."

According to the INRA:

"Religion counsels the powerful to be merciful and kind to those weaker than themselves, and most of humankind is at least nominally religious. But there is a ghastly paradox. Far from showing mercy, humanity uses its dominion over other animal species to pen them in cruel close confinement; to trap, club, and harpoon them; to poison, mutilate, and shock them in the name of science; to kill them by the billions; and even to blind them in excruciating pain to test cosmetics.

"Some of these abuses are due to mistaken understandings of religious principles; others, to a failure to apply those principles. scriptures need to be fully researched concerning the relationship of humans to nonhuman animals, and to the entire ecological structure of Nature. Misinterpretations of scripture taken out of context, or based upon questionable theological assumptions need to be re-examined."

In the winter of 1990, INRA's Executive Director, the Reverend Dr. Marc A. Wessels wrote: "As a Christian clergyman who speaks of having compassion for other creatures and who actively declares the need for humans to develop an ethic that gives reverence for all of life, I hope that others will open their eyes, hearts and minds to the responsibility of loving care for God's creatures."

In a pamphlet entitled "The Spiritual Link Between Humans and Animals," Reverend Wessels writes: "We recognize that many animal rights activists and ecologists are highly critical of Christians because of our relative failure thus far adequately to defend animals and to preserve the natural environment. Yet there are positive signs of a growing movement of Christian activists and theologians who are committed to the process of ecological stewardship and animal liberation.

"Individual Christians and groups on a variety of levels, including denominational, ecumenical, national and international, have begun the delayed process of seriously considering and practically addressing the question of Christian responsibility for animals. Because of the debate surrounding the 'rights' of animals, some Christians are considering the tenets of their faith in search for an appropriate ethical response."

According to Reverend Wessels, "The most important teaching which Jesus shared was the need for people to love God with their whole self and to love their neighbor as they loved themselves. Jesus expanded the concept of neighbor to include those who were normally excluded, and it is therefore not too farfetched for us to consider the animals as our neighbors.

"To think about animals as our brothers and sisters is not a new or radical idea. By extending the idea of neighbor, the love of neighbor includes love of, compassion for, and advocacy of animals. There are many historical examples of Christians who thought along those lines, besides the familiar illustration of St. Francis. An abbreviated listing of some of those individuals worthy of study and emulation includes Saint Blaise, Saint Comgall, Saint Cuthbert, Saint Gerasimus, Saint Giles, and Saint Jerome, to name but a few."

Reverend Wessels notes that: "In the Bible, which we understand as the divine revelation of God, there is ample evidence of the vastness and goodness of God toward animals. The scriptures announce God as the creator of all life, the One responsible for calling life into being and placing it in an ordered fashion which reflects God's glory. Humans and animals are a part of this arrangement. Humanity has a special relationship with particular duties to God's created order, a connection to the animals by which they are morally bound by God's covenant with them.

"According to the scriptures, Christians are called to respect the life of animals and to be ethically engaged in protecting the life and liberty of all sentient creatures. As that is the case, human needs and rights do not usurp an animal's intrinsic rights, nor should they deny the basic liberty of either individual animals or specific species. If the Christian call can be understood as being a command to be righteous, then Christians must have a higher regard for the lives of animals.

"Jesus' life was one of compassion and liberation;" concludes Reverend Wessels, "his ministry was one which understood and expressed the needs of the oppressed. Especially in the past decade, Christians have been reminded that their faith requires them to take seriously the cries of the oppressed.

"Theologians such as Gutierrez, Miranda, and Hinkelammert have defined the Christian message as one which liberates lives and transforms social patterns of oppression. That concept of Christianity which sees God as the creator of the universe and the One who seeks justice is not exclusive; immunity from cruelty and injustice is not only a human desire or need-the animal kingdom also needs liberation."

A growing number of Christian theologians, clergy and activists are beginning to take a stand in favor of animal rights. In a pamphlet entitled "Christian Considerations on Laboratory Animals," Reverend Marc Wessels notes that in laboratories animals cease to be persons and become "tools of research." He cites William French of Loyala University as having made the same observation at a gathering of Christian ethicists at Duke University-a conference entitled "Good News for Animals?"

On Earth Day, 1990, Reverend Wessels observed: "It is a fact that no significant social reform has yet taken place in this country without the voice of the religious community being heard. The endeavors of the abolition of slavery; the women's suffrage movement; the emergence of the pacifist tradition during World War I; the struggles to support civil rights, labor unions, and migrant farm workers; and the anti-nuclear and peace movements have all succeeded in part because of the power and support of organized religion. Such authority and energy is required by individual Christians and the institutional church today if the liberation of animals is to become a reality."

I think that evaluating a woman based not on her strengths and weaknesses, but on her political beliefs, is biased. On this blog--Cindy Sheehan, good, Sarah Palin, bad. It's OK for Cindy Sheehan to be outspoken, but Sarah Palin is a lightning rod.

As I recall, Sheehan made the news by challenging her congressman for office.

Are you saying that evaluating any woman's strengths and weaknesses relative to her aspirations is sexist?

That is the implication regarding any beneficiaries of affirmative action, which sometimes seems to apply to liberal politicians.

I agree. My problem is that being a woman or in a minority is considered a qualification for jobs and education. Quotas are wrong, period.

When liberals decry just any criticism of a minority or woman politician as sexism/racism, that is affirmative action. Such overuse of those terms is sexism/racism.

As I recall, Sheehan made the news by challenging her congressman for office.

Are you saying that evaluating any woman's strengths and weaknesses relative to her aspirations is sexist?

That is the implication regarding any beneficiaries of affirmative action, which sometimes seems to apply to liberal politicians.

I agree. My problem is that being a woman or in a minority is considered a qualification for jobs and education. Quotas are wrong, period.

When liberals decry just any criticism of a minority or woman politician as sexism/racism, that is affirmative action. Such overuse of those terms is sexism/racism.

"Quotas are wrong, period."

I agree. I think they were needed for awhile, to overcome centuries of "good-old-boy-ism." My current employer, a Big Bank, has a policy of going out to look for all kinds of people, on the theory that that helps us relate to all kinds of customers. But we don't have quotas that I know of.

Jane

A 1980 United Nations report states that women constitute half the world's population, perform nearly two-thirds of its work hours, yet receive one-tenth of the world's income and own less than one-hundredth of the world's property. The impact of the women's movement upon the church is being heralded as a Second Reformation. Women are now being ordained as priests, pastors and ministers, while patriarchal references to the Almighty as "Father" are replaced with the gender-neutral "Parent." Jesus Christ is designated the "Child of God." The words of scripture-perhaps, more accurately, the words of the apostle Paul-on this subject are seen today not as a divine revelation, but rather as an embarrassment from centuries past:

"Let the women keep silent in the churches, for they are not allowed to speak. Instead, they must, as the Law says, be in subordination. If they wish to learn something, let them inquire of their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church...let a woman learn quietly with complete submission. I do not allow a woman to teach, neither to domineer over a man; instead she is to keep still. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman, since she was deceived, experienced the transgression. She will, however, be kept safe through the child-bearing, if with self-control she continues in faith and love and consecration." (I Corinthians 14:34-35; I Timothy 2:11-15)

Many churches now claim these instructions were merely temporary frameworks used to build churches in the first century pagan world-they are not to be taken as universal absolutes for all eternity. If churches, scripture and Christianity can adapt and be redefined or reinterpreted in a changing world to end injustices towards women, they can certainly do the same towards animals.

The International Network for Religion and Animals (INRA) was founded in 1985 by Virginia Bouraquardez. Its educational and religious programs are meant to "bring religious principles to bear upon humanity's attitude towards the treatment of our animal kin...and, through leadership, materials, and programs, to successfully interact with clergy and laity from many religious traditions."

According to the INRA:

"Religion counsels the powerful to be merciful and kind to those weaker than themselves, and most of humankind is at least nominally religious. But there is a ghastly paradox. Far from showing mercy, humanity uses its dominion over other animal species to pen them in cruel close confinement; to trap, club, and harpoon them; to poison, mutilate, and shock them in the name of science; to kill them by the billions; and even to blind them in excruciating pain to test cosmetics.

"Some of these abuses are due to mistaken understandings of religious principles; others, to a failure to apply those principles. scriptures need to be fully researched concerning the relationship of humans to nonhuman animals, and to the entire ecological structure of Nature. Misinterpretations of scripture taken out of context, or based upon questionable theological assumptions need to be re-examined."

In the winter of 1990, INRA's Executive Director, the Reverend Dr. Marc A. Wessels wrote: "As a Christian clergyman who speaks of having compassion for other creatures and who actively declares the need for humans to develop an ethic that gives reverence for all of life, I hope that others will open their eyes, hearts and minds to the responsibility of loving care for God's creatures."

In a pamphlet entitled "The Spiritual Link Between Humans and Animals," Reverend Wessels writes: "We recognize that many animal rights activists and ecologists are highly critical of Christians because of our relative failure thus far adequately to defend animals and to preserve the natural environment. Yet there are positive signs of a growing movement of Christian activists and theologians who are committed to the process of ecological stewardship and animal liberation.

"Individual Christians and groups on a variety of levels, including denominational, ecumenical, national and international, have begun the delayed process of seriously considering and practically addressing the question of Christian responsibility for animals. Because of the debate surrounding the 'rights' of animals, some Christians are considering the tenets of their faith in search for an appropriate ethical response."

According to Reverend Wessels, "The most important teaching which Jesus shared was the need for people to love God with their whole self and to love their neighbor as they loved themselves. Jesus expanded the concept of neighbor to include those who were normally excluded, and it is therefore not too farfetched for us to consider the animals as our neighbors.

"To think about animals as our brothers and sisters is not a new or radical idea. By extending the idea of neighbor, the love of neighbor includes love of, compassion for, and advocacy of animals. There are many historical examples of Christians who thought along those lines, besides the familiar illustration of St. Francis. An abbreviated listing of some of those individuals worthy of study and emulation includes Saint Blaise, Saint Comgall, Saint Cuthbert, Saint Gerasimus, Saint Giles, and Saint Jerome, to name but a few."

Reverend Wessels notes that: "In the Bible, which we understand as the divine revelation of God, there is ample evidence of the vastness and goodness of God toward animals. The scriptures announce God as the creator of all life, the One responsible for calling life into being and placing it in an ordered fashion which reflects God's glory. Humans and animals are a part of this arrangement. Humanity has a special relationship with particular duties to God's created order, a connection to the animals by which they are morally bound by God's covenant with them.

"According to the scriptures, Christians are called to respect the life of animals and to be ethically engaged in protecting the life and liberty of all sentient creatures. As that is the case, human needs and rights do not usurp an animal's intrinsic rights, nor should they deny the basic liberty of either individual animals or specific species. If the Christian call can be understood as being a command to be righteous, then Christians must have a higher regard for the lives of animals.

"Jesus' life was one of compassion and liberation;" concludes Reverend Wessels, "his ministry was one which understood and expressed the needs of the oppressed. Especially in the past decade, Christians have been reminded that their faith requires them to take seriously the cries of the oppressed.

"Theologians such as Gutierrez, Miranda, and Hinkelammert have defined the Christian message as one which liberates lives and transforms social patterns of oppression. That concept of Christianity which sees God as the creator of the universe and the One who seeks justice is not exclusive; immunity from cruelty and injustice is not only a human desire or need-the animal kingdom also needs liberation."

A growing number of Christian theologians, clergy and activists are beginning to take a stand in favor of animal rights. In a pamphlet entitled "Christian Considerations on Laboratory Animals," Reverend Marc Wessels notes that in laboratories animals cease to be persons and become "tools of research." He cites William French of Loyala University as having made the same observation at a gathering of Christian ethicists at Duke University-a conference entitled "Good News for Animals?"

On Earth Day, 1990, Reverend Wessels observed: "It is a fact that no significant social reform has yet taken place in this country without the voice of the religious community being heard. The endeavors of the abolition of slavery; the women's suffrage movement; the emergence of the pacifist tradition during World War I; the struggles to support civil rights, labor unions, and migrant farm workers; and the anti-nuclear and peace movements have all succeeded in part because of the power and support of organized religion. Such authority and energy is required by individual Christians and the institutional church today if the liberation of animals is to become a reality."

Did the changing place of women in society happen in isolation? Were there other changes? And what is the net takeaway for the wellness of humanity and the Kingdom? Do our perceptions of the place of women add fuel to the fire as to why we wage war in Afghanistan and Pakistan? Are we separating women from their husbands and babies to send them off to war to defeat the Taliban?

Has there been monumental change? Yes. Are other parts of the world undergoing 500 years of change in the same time span?

What is the foundational ground on which we stand that will produce a society of shalom and not one built on sinking sand?

Justice cannot roll down like waters unless a society responds to that contemporary prophet's exhortation to do justice, love God's compassionate hesedh, and walk humbly with our God. Justice and love are here united. This justice is restorative rather than retributive. And there can be no exploitation on the basis of gender, ethnicity, or economic position.

Did the changing place of women in society happen in isolation? Were there other changes? And what is the net takeaway for the wellness of humanity and the Kingdom? Do our perceptions of the place of women add fuel to the fire as to why we wage war in Afghanistan and Pakistan? Are we separating women from their husbands and babies to send them off to war to defeat the Taliban?

Has there been monumental change? Yes. Are other parts of the world undergoing 500 years of change in the same time span?

What is the foundational ground on which we stand that will produce a society of shalom and not one built on sinking sand?

Apparently it didn't change for pro-life women who become governors of Alaska and who don't believe what Jim Wallis believes. Women like that don't get to be equal.

Justice cannot roll down like waters unless a society responds to that contemporary prophet's exhortation to do justice, love God's compassionate hesedh, and walk humbly with our God. Justice and love are here united. This justice is restorative rather than retributive. And there can be no exploitation on the basis of gender, ethnicity, or economic position.

Though there are a progress, but it is so slow. Even today women are suffering a lot not only outside as well as inside of their house. So, its a long way to achieve the success.

Apparently it didn't change for pro-life women who become governors of Alaska and who don't believe what Jim Wallis believes. Women like that don't get to be equal.

Please read Wallis' blogs on Palin.

"Please read Wallis' blogs on Palin."

I Have read them. What is your point?

The Wallis blogs are very polite, and the comments are typically very restrained or gushing. Do you think that has anything to do with her being a woman? You will have to spell it out for me; I don't get it.

We've come a long way, baby! We can be attacked or gushed over on the issues! Do you want special kid glove handling for her because she's cute? What kind of equal treatment is that?

I'm done with this discussion. We just had a Sarah thread. One a week is more than enough.

Jane

Actually I think LaVonne Neff would state that Palin was equal . LaVonne is pretty consistent in her views, and is pro life . She defintely is ont he left side of the spectrum , but I respect her views. I think much of the Sarah Palin appeal to many people is that she appears to be one of us, she accomplished much in her career , and she values much of what conservatives and many others do in regards to parenting , life, the values of be accountable for your own actions and such . . I hope she does not run for office, she is a lightening rod and will be pummeled by the media and far left as we have already seen .

But the reasons I don't think she shoyuld not run are not because I don't think she is qualified. Only the far left believe that actually and they exhibited their main problem already is they do not relate to the vast majority of Americans . They somehow feel superior and grow ever so angry wehn so many of us don't understand why.

For instance, in a blog by Wallis: "There are a lot of evangelicals, like me (and especially younger evangelicals), who are just embarrassed by Sarah Palin.
The speech was vintage Palin-absolutely awful."

Not very polite. Kinda sexist. Would he say the same things about Cindy Sheehan?

Some of the most significant changes I have seen are the technological advances (like telecommuting) that have allowed women an opportunity to be both an entrepreneur and a homemaker. I know of highly paid professsional women who telecommute across the country. They work from home. Things certainly have improved over the years.

Yes, I was responding to your comment. I had written a response earlier that I could not get posted due to some temporary technical difficulties with disqus. In that response I said that all change creates upheaval. The Jesus vision of God's reign, if/when realized will certainly create great upheaval of the kind envisioned in Mary's Magnificat and in the turnover of values reflected in the Beatitudes. I felt that you were perhaps hinting without saying that the upheavals created by gender equality outweigh the "benefits." (BTW, I'm an elderly white male). I do not believe that equality equals justice, but I do beleive that exploitative inequality is unjust. We live in an unjust world, with unjust governments and economic systems. But I pray, "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, ON EARTH as it is in heaven." If, as you say, "We purchase equality with currency taken from those still weaker" (and that may be true in some instances) then the equality so purchased promotes another inequality and certainly not God's just shalom. Shalom to you! It would be wonderful to sit and talk with you over a cuppa coffee!

"Please read Wallis' blogs on Palin."

I Have read them. What is your point?

The Wallis blogs are very polite, and the comments are typically very restrained or gushing. Do you think that has anything to do with her being a woman? You will have to spell it out for me; I don't get it.

We've come a long way, baby! We can be attacked or gushed over on the issues! Do you want special kid glove handling for her because she's cute? What kind of equal treatment is that?

I'm done with this discussion. We just had a Sarah thread. One a week is more than enough.

Jane