Online Discussion: Gender Bias in Temples

®  Instructions by Teacher

All students:

Here is a topic for On-line Discussion. You have to reply this email without changing the subject line on/before 3 Feb 2016.

After reading following article, you shall:

1.  Two ideas which you like the most.

2.  Do you agree with this observation: "what is assumed to be a 'temple' is essentially a structure built around very simple natural rock formations. The structure then is the boundary that defines and delimits the sacred space around something very organic and natural. This creation of boundaries is the essence of patriarchy, for with boundaries come divisions and hierarchies, that prop up the privileged. The physical boundaries express psychological boundaries that emerged long ago, before the structures, before gods and goddesses"

3.  After reading the article and ongoing debate on gender bias in temples/mosques/churches, what is your opinion about it?

My answer of the given task:

1) The two ideas I like the most
a. There should not be any artificial structure in worshipping.
b. Hindu 'missions' in the early 20th century, where God has no gender, or sexuality, hence looks upon men and women equally.

 2) I am agreeing with the idea that
what is assumed to be a 'temple' is essentially a structure built around very simple natural rock formations. This creation of boundaries is the essence of patriarchy; the physical boundaries express psychological boundaries that emerged long ago, before the structures, before gods and goddesses. It is truth that the difference between male and female is very ancient idea which has involved in religion with rituals and structures of worshipping like temple mosque etc. As God should not have any gender as well as religion also should not prefer gender for worship. The idea of God is for all.

  3) After reading the article and ongoing debate on gender bias in temples/mosques/churches, it is clear that this is very strong as well as strange belief about women. The partiality between men and women in context of worship and entering in temple is like nonsense. How a human could decide that what God would allow or not allow? It is simply a patriarchal idea. Worship is a divine activity which gives us peace and purifies our mind with calmness. There should not be any kind of restrictions upon that on the basis of male or female. Religion and society should take any person as human first rather than man or woman, and as far as worship is concerned it is not necessary to go any temple or church.