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Views on Women in the Bahai Faith, Sikhism, and Judaism. By Megghan Oksanen. “Women and men have been and will always be equal in the sight of God.” – Baha`u`llah “Women is the conscience of man” – Guru Hargobind. Sikhism. 20 million followers Founded over 500 years ago
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Views on Women in the Bahai Faith, Sikhism, and Judaism By Megghan Oksanen
“Women and men have been and will always be equal in the sight of God.” – Baha`u`llah • “Women is the conscience of man” – Guru Hargobind
Sikhism • 20 million followers • Founded over 500 years ago • Sikh means disciple • Disciples of God who follow the teachings of the Ten Sikh Gurus Nishan Sahib
The Bahai Faith • More than five million followers • Since the late 1800’s • Believe that there is one God, one human race, and only one evolving religion
Judaism (Orthodox) • Over 13 million followers • began1900-1200 BC • God gave Moses the whole Torah, that contains 613 commandments that are binding. • Observe halakhah, Jewish Law, while integrating into modern society. • Ultra-Orthodox Jews observe Jewish law, but do not integrate into modern society
During a time when women were treated as property, the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev, taught followers that women were equal to men. Women are encouraged to participate equally in worship, society and in war. Education is encouraged for both men and women. Guru Bobind Singh gave orders that women captured in war were to be treated fairly and given respect. Given equal religious rights No restrictions, can become a priest, lead a service, and/or prayer Sikhism’s View on Women
Sikhism is a major influence in the emancipation of Indian womanhood. • Women are not only encouraged to work, but is obligated for men and women to contribute to society. • Men and women are complements to each other, each is not complete without the other. • Believe that veils (purdah) are demeaning to women.
The Baha`I Faith • “For the world of humanity possesses two wings: man and woman. If one wing remains incapable and defective, it will restrict the power of the other, and full flight will be impossible. Therefore, the completeness and perfection of the human world is dependent upon the equal development of these two wings”
The Baha`I faith is founded on the belief that all humanity is one race. • When the women’s movement was only beginning in America, the Baha`I were teaching equality. • Women have a right to an education • Does not ignore the differences between men and women, but acknowledge the importance of motherhood, fatherhood, and family life
Women are separate and equal. Obligations and responsibilities are different, but equally important, if not more. God is not seen as either male or female. Man was created with both genders, and later separated into male and female. Some suggest that women are more closer to God’s ideal, than men. Both father and mother change order in Bible, showing equal entitlement of honor and reverence. Jewish woman wear veils in the synagogue Synagogues do not allow women to be president of a congregation, or read from the Torah during service. Judaism (Orthodox)
Rabbis consult their wives on Jewish Law concerning women. Wives of rabbis are given the name rebbetzin, which shows that they are significant. Discouraged from receiving higher education, so they can be wives and mothers. Did have the right to buy, sell, and own property when women in western countries did not have. Men do not have the right to beat or mistreat their wives The Talmud states that a pious man that marries a wicked woman, the man becomes wicked. If a wicked man marries a pious woman, the man becomes pious. Because they are needed at home, women are exempted from performing commandments.
Women’s Position in History • Miriam, one of the liberators of the Children of Israel • One of the judges, Deborah, was a woman • 7 of the 55 prophets of the Bible were women
Lilith • A character in the Talmud and folklore • A female demon • Women are turning her into a symbol of feminism. (Lilith Fair)
Similarities and Differences • Both Baha`I and Sikhism have allow women to participate in ceremonies and practices. • In Orthodox Judaism, women are prohibited from becoming president of a congregation or to read from the Torah. • Both the Baha`I faith, and Judaism acknowledge a different between men and woman, but are considered equal. • Judaism have veils, and Sikhism are against veils.
Baha`I Sikhism Judaism • How would other religious groups view these beliefs? • How would women in Eastern countries be treated differently if Sikhism had different views?
Baha`I www.bahai.org www.us.bahai.org www.knowmadz.org/meta/bahai/principl.htm http://religiousmovements.lib.virginia.edu/nrms/bahi.html Sikhism www.sikhs.org/women.htm www.allaboutsikhs.com Judaism www.jewfaq.org www.ou.org For more information…