A groundbreaking cross-sectional study of the forms and extent of gender inequality in the "e;Big Five"e; 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 world s major religions Hinduism, 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 equality Offers a fresh and original approach to exploring the forms of sexism across seven distinct themes Presents a timely and accurate account of the "e;landscape of sexism"e; in five of the world's largest religions Includes a dedicated chapter examining the status of intersex and transgender persons in religious systemsDesigned to broaden students' understanding of religions through systematic and impartial discussion, Sexism in Major Religions: A Comparative Introduction is 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.

A groundbreaking cross-sectional study of the forms and extent of gender inequality in the "Big Five" religions of the worldSexism in Major Religions: A Comparative Introduction provides clear and accessible analyses of the complex forms of androcentrism and patriarchy in five of the world's major religions--Hinduism, 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 equality* Offers a fresh and original approach to exploring the forms of sexism across seven distinct themes* Presents a timely and accurate account of the "landscape of sexism" in five of the world's largest religions* Includes a dedicated chapter examining the status of intersex and transgender persons in religious systemsDesigned to broaden students' understanding of religions through systematic and impartial discussion, Sexism in Major Religions: A Comparative Introduction is 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.

Note on Scriptural Translations and References xAcknowledgements xiList of Figures xiiIntroduction 11 Religions 10Hinduism 10Buddhism 16Judaism 22Christianity 27Islam 34Summary 402 Feminisms 44Sex and Gender 44Androcentrism and Patriarchy 51Conservative and Liberal Mindsets 57Revolutionary and Reform Feminism 623 Deity 73Gods and Goddesses 73Higher Beings 79The God of Israel 85Allah 92Father, Son and Spirit 97Summary 1044 Woman 109Bad Karma 110Changing Sex 114Adam and Hava 119Daughters of Eve 126The First Couple 134Summary 1405 Founders 146The Founder of Judaism? 147Muhammad 153Buddha Gautama 162Jesus of Nazareth 170Summary 1796 Wife 187Buddhist Disinterest 187Pativrata 190Love, Honour and Obey 198The Chained Ones 204A Degree over Them 209Summary 2167 Mother 224The Second Eve 224A Painful Condition 231Niddah 236Pumsavana 244The Five Woes 249Summary 2548 Seductress 262Witch 262Tzniut 267Hijab 273Apsaras and Ghunghats 280Mara's Daughters 285Summary 2909 Leader 297Broken Lineages 297The Sacred Thread 304From Exemption to Exclusion 309The House of Umm Waraqa 318Christ and the Twelve 324Summary 33310 (LGBQ)TI 343The Third Nature 343Pandakas 349The Six Categories 354Khuntha and Mukhannath 361The Order of Creation 368Summary 375Conclusion 384Appendix A "The 100 Most Influential People in History" (Michael Hart) 397Appendix B The 32 Major Marks of a Buddha 399Appendix C The Ninety-Nine Names of Allah 400Appendix D The Two Genesis Stories of Creation 403Select Bibliography 408Index 414