Earth Days: Upcoming Movie Trailer

Over at The Observer (Guardian UK) Jimmy Carter has some interesting (and I think insightful) things to say about religion and women, an issue that has often weighed heavy on my mind.   In the piece Carter discusses his decision to leave the Southern Baptist Convention that he has been a part of for the past 6 decades due to the church's outdated and discriminatory view of women:

"I have been a practising Christian all my life and a deacon and Bible teacher for many years. My faith is a source of strength and comfort to me, as religious beliefs are to hundreds of millions of people around the world.

So my decision to sever my ties with the Southern Baptist Convention, after six decades, was painful and difficult. It was, however, an unavoidable decision when the convention's leaders, quoting a few carefully selected Bible verses and claiming that Eve was created second to Adam and was responsible for original sin, ordained that women must be "subservient" to their husbands and prohibited from serving as deacons, pastors or chaplains in the military service. This was in conflict with my belief - confirmed in the holy scriptures - that we are all equal in the eyes of God.

This view that women are somehow inferior to men is not restricted to one religion or belief. It is widespread. Women are prevented from playing a full and equal role in many faiths."

Carter goes on to look at various religious groups and how they have put women second throughout the years.  He ends the piece by correctly asserting that the men in charge of various religious groups have the power to encourage equality amongst the genders and that just as there are passages of scripture that claim men to be superior, there are are also passages of scripture that maintain all of God's children should be treated equally.  This is really important to consider and is something more folks should think about the next time they are at church.

I reccomend that everyone check out the entire piece HERE.

*photo from cliff1066's flickr stream (cc)