Let me just respond. I am Jewish, and while I have discussed in the past about my weird take on mitzvot, I often tend to hang around people who are practice-wise more religious than me. However, many of the people in my communities are either committed egalitarians or if they inhabit a more traditional halachick (spelling?) space, are involved in some level of feminism through groups like the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance (JOFA).
In each of these groups they try to make women count. Traditionally, in the halacha women are mentioned in the same legal category as slaves and minors. A few of my teachers at Pardes have said that they personally feel that the legal category of women in that sense no longer exists. Civilly women can own property and provide for themselves. Women are not lorded over by husband. Yet, even if they think this, they understand that development comes slowly in practice, and careful calibrations are often necessary.
However, Carter does have a point. Too often we have used our scriptures, regardless of our faiths, to oppress women. Why does this sexism persist and exist? Again, I do not know. In many ways, I think such sexism sometimes grows stronger because of modernity. The chipping away of male power that the modern age has created leads to greater fears of women taking control and entering the sphere of men.
Yet, as Carter mentions, it is not good. Women have a lot to offer. They add their perspectives as human beings to these conversations. They are about half the population. Educated women lead to children who are better off. In so many ways they just enrich our lives if they are actually able to pursue things (this is not to say that they could not choose to stay at home, and perhaps a man like me may also consider the same).
This post is rambling, but I think what is necessary for us to see is the interpretation of texts leading to sexism, and how reinterpreting them could also lead to freedom.
As you may or may not know, I am a big fan of Mr. Carter and have actually read most of his books. I hope this does not make you hate me. At any rate, this has been a long struggle for him, ever since he became an evangelical Christian because of his sister, probably more than 50 years ago.
ReplyDeleteHe already left the more conservative Southern Baptists years ago, but always tried to have a positive dialogue about their differences by sponsoring conventions where people could talk out the issues.
He has been very frustrated by the polarizing of this nation, not just between Democrats and Republicans, but religious polarization as well. The church his father was a Deacon at and where he went to Sunday school near his farm was a Southern Baptist, and inclusive church. He has tried to help the Southern Baptists reform their views just like they did in that small town, but I also agree with you that it takes time.
However, when people are polarized and not interesting in having a real dialogue about issues, Mr. Carter tends to be rather pissed off. He loves the art of diplomacy, and when people don't want to play along, he gets really upset, see his speech at the DNC in 2004 on You Tube.