Is Christianity Oppressinng Women

Is Christianity sexist against women?

In spite the claims of some today that Christianity oppresses women, the historical record shows just the opposite. Women were oppressed in almost every culture prior to the coming of Christianity. By elevating sexual morality, and by conferring upon women a much higher status, the Christian religion revolutionized the place and prestige of women.

The way Jesus treated women was in stark contrast to the surrounding culture. In Roman law a man’s wife and children were little more than slaves, often treated like animals. Women had no property rights and faced severe social restrictions. Jesus of course changed all that. The way he treated the Samaritan woman was one remarkable example. And this was not lost on the early disciples. We know from the New Testament documents that many women exercised various leadership roles in the early church. Indeed, during this period Christian women actually outnumbered Christian men.

Admittedly there were some anomalies later in the church’s history, when chauvinistic and anti-feminine views were allowed to re-enter parts of the church. But such aberrations must not detract from the truly revolutionary elevation of the status of women achieved by Christianity.

Are Amish women oppressed?

No, Amish women are not oppressed. They are living according to their Faith, and this should be something viewed with honour and not judgment. That said...

AURGH. I get sooo frustrated at all of the answers that say "the difference is that the Amish are in America, and have a choice."

I live in America, Alhamdulillah I have reverted to Islam by my own choice (no, not because I was forced or because I wanted to marry a Muslim or whatever other stereotype could be thrown at my decision), and I am hijaabi. I am most definitely NOT oppressed, and I am quite happy Alhamdulillah.

I do not see how anyone can say that the way a woman chooses to show her obedience to Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala can be considered oppression. This would be like saying prayer is oppression, or gratitude for our blessings is oppression.

Allow me to define oppression in my view. Being judged by people who do not understand Islam, who see "terrorist" when they see my hijab. Being treated badly at the airport because I refuse to remove my hijab or abaya. Having the police called on me for receiving a package from my sister in Saudi Arabia -- http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;... -- or being among sisters here who have chosen not to leave their house on the anniversary of 9/11 because of what has happened to some of us. We feel forced to stay out of sight for safety reasons for ourselves and our children. Having to visit the local elementary school in confrontation because the children were taught that "all terrorists are Muslims," and ~*not being heard*~ until I offer to call my attorney.

If I felt the need to diet within inches of death from malnutrition, just to wear a bikini, I would be oppressed. If I felt the need to wear a tight, form-fitting, sexy suit for job interviews, so that I had a better chance to get the job, I would be oppressed. If I had to constantly remind men that my eyes were on my head, and not on my chest, I would be oppressed.

Oppression takes many forms, and Alhamdulillah my hijab gives me freedom.

How were women oppressed in the 1800s?

I have a paper to write about Women's suffrage for my English class. I have to incorporate the book "The Awakening" plus use outside info (aka the internet) to show how the era and geography played a role in making women struggle.

I can't really find any sources of how they were oppressed. Can someone give me some sources? Thank you