A groundbreaking cross-sectional study of the forms and extent of gender inequality in the "Big Five" religions of the world

Sexism in Major Religions: A Comparative Introduction provides clear and accessible analyses of the complex forms of androcentrism and patriarchy in five of the worlds major religionsHinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. With a unique comparative-thematic methodology, this student-friendly textbook bridges the gap between Religious Studies and courses in Gender and Sexuality Studies, Feminist Studies, Religion and Society, and more.

Following a brief introduction to each religious system covered,Sexism in Major Religions defines important terms and concepts in modern religious feminism, including sex and gender, androcentrism and patriarchy, and revolutionary and reform feminisms. Each remaining chapter focuses on one of seven themes representing the main sources and manifestations of religious discrimination against women, such as the gender of the deity, the duties of the mother, and the status of the wife within marriage. Throughout the text, author Paul Gwynne discusses the formal gender-biased teachings and practices, distinctive features, intersecting areas, and core arguments of conservative defenders and feminist critics of each religion.Provides students with deep comparative insight into the similarities and differences between major religions on issues of gender equalityOffers a fresh and original approach to exploring the forms of sexism across seven distinct themesPresents a timely and accurate account of the "landscape of sexism" in five of the world's largest religionsIncludes a dedicated chapter examining the status of intersex and transgender persons in religious systems

Designed to broaden students' understanding of religions through systematic and impartial discussion,Sexism in Major Religions: A Comparative Introductionis an ideal textbook for undergraduate courses in Religious Studies and Social Sciences programs, as well as an invaluable resource for general readers interested in understanding and reforming sexist features within religious traditions.

PAUL GWYNNE is a Teaching Fellow in Comparative Religion at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. He completed his doctoral studies in Rome and has taught Theology and Religious Studies in Indonesia and at the Melbourne College of Divinity. His books includeWorld Religions in Practice:A Comparative Introduction andBuddha, Jesus and Muhammad: A Comparative Study.

Note on Scriptural Translations and References x

Acknowledgements xi

List of Figures xii

Introduction 1

1 Religions 10

Hinduism 10

Buddhism 16

Judaism 22

Christianity 27

Islam 34

Summary 40

2 Feminisms 44

Sex and Gender 44

Androcentrism and Patriarchy 51

Conservative and Liberal Mindsets 57

Revolutionary and Reform Feminism 62

3 Deity 73

Gods and Goddesses 73

Higher Beings 79

The God of Israel 85

Allah 92

Father, Son and Spirit 97

Summary 104

4 Woman 109

Bad Karma 110

Changing Sex 114

Adam and Hava 119

Daughters of Eve 126

The First Couple 134

Summary 140

5 Founders 146

The Founder of Judaism? 147

Muhammad 153

Buddha Gautama 162

Jesus of Nazareth 170

Summary 179

6 Wife 187

Buddhist Disinterest 187

Pativrata 190

Love, Honour and Obey 198

The Chained Ones 204

A Degree over Them 209

Summary 216

7 Mother 224

The Second Eve 224

A Painful Condition 231

Niddah 236

Pumsavana 244

The Five Woes 249

Summary 254

8 Seductress 262

Witch 262

Tzniut 267

Hijab 273

Apsaras and Ghunghats 280

Maras Daughters 285

Summary 290

9 Leader 297

Broken Lineages 297

The Sacred Thread 304

From Exemption to Exclusion 309

The House of Umm Waraqa 318

Christ and the Twelve 324

Summary 333

10 (LGBQ)TI 343

The Third Nature 343

Pandakas 349

The Six Categories 354

Khuntha and Mukhannath 361

The Order of Creation 368

Summary 375

Conclusion 384

Appendix A The 100 Most Influential People in History (Michael Hart) 397

Appendix B The 32 Major Marks of a Buddha 399

Appendix C The Ninety-Nine Names of Allah 400

Appendix D The Two Genesis Stories of Creation 403

Select Bibliography 408

Index 414