I would consider looking at this from another perspective. Men created, memorialized, and codified religion. I cannot feign shock or horror when the subjugation and oppression of women, a practice that assuredly predates religion, is found in ancient religious texts; therefore, I do not blame religion. What I think is fair to say is that the divine ordinance served to perpetuate the idea of women being second class citizens and the ill treatment that usually accompanies the assumed inferiority of others. Examples today are not hard to find.
Western liberal democratic ideas concerning the equality of women is relatively new.
1776 - Abigail Adams to John Adams at the time of the Continental Congress
Not only did Abigail not get what she was looking for, but the road to improve women's rights regarding divorce, property, employment, suffrage, etc. was long and arduous extending well into the second half of the 20th century.
Religion certainly exacerbates the problem, but is not its cause.
Western liberal democratic ideas concerning the equality of women is relatively new.
1776 - Abigail Adams to John Adams at the time of the Continental Congress
Quote: I long to hear that you have declared an independency. And, by the way, in the new code of laws which I suppose it will be necessary for you to make, I desire you would remember the ladies and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the husbands. Remember, all men would be tyrants if they could. If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies, we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice or representation.
Not only did Abigail not get what she was looking for, but the road to improve women's rights regarding divorce, property, employment, suffrage, etc. was long and arduous extending well into the second half of the 20th century.
Religion certainly exacerbates the problem, but is not its cause.
