Women are an important part of any society owing to the role they play in moral upbringing, procreation, among other primary functions. According to Schwartz (201 4, p.1926), as much as women are valued across the world, different religions portray women differently and assign them divergent roles based on rules and principles of the respective religion. Judaism and Christianity are a good example of such religions.
Differences on the Role of Women in Judaism and Christianity
Judaism and Christianity portray women differently. Additionally, role of women in Judaism and Christianity are also different. In Judaism, the sole role of a woman is that of motherhood and a wife to their husbands. The role is highly regarded in Jewish religion to the extent that women are excused from evening prayers if it interferes with their motherly duties such as taking care of a wailing child (Schwartz, 2014, p.1927). On the other hand, in Christianity women can perform other duties apart from being a wife and a mother such as going to their place of work. Christian women can attend church with their babies. Fisher and Rinehart (2014, p.324) noted that in Christianity, women are not allowed to hold office or any position in the church whereas in Judaism women are permitted to hold office and positions of authority in synagogues. According to the teachings of Paul, women should remain silent in the church (1 Timothy 2:12). However, among Jews there existed women leaders such as Miriam, Deborah, the seven prophetesses, among other prominent leaders. In most cases, Rabbis consulted their wives on matters regarding the Jewish laws such as the Kashrut ( Fisher & Rinehart, 2014, p.337 ).
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Similarities
Both Christian women and women in Judaism are to submit to their men and be dependent. Based on the teachings of Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:1-3, the hierarchical ladder of authority begins from God to Jesus Christ, to man, and last to the woman. The man is required to provide everything the woman is need of. Judaism also requires women to be submissive and exclusively perform their wifely duties ( Fisher & Rinehart, 2014, p.343) . In both Judaism and Christianity, women have the right to own property, buy, sell, and sign contracts. In Jewish history, many women owned land and were also permitted to transact using their property and wealth. Widows were allowed to own wealth inherited from their deceased husbands; Naomi inherited wealth from Elimelech (Ruth 1:1-22). In modern Christianity, women own houses, land, cars, among other properties and are supported by religion.
Both Judaism and Christianity regard women as mothers and wives. Women are bestowed with the duty and responsibility of taking good care of their homes, which is their husbands and children. Fisher and Rinehart (2014, p.346) explained that among the Jews, role of women in religion is derived from the functions performed by the woman in her own home. Christian women are also asked by the Bible to submit and respect their husbands, and take care of their children. Women in Judaism are not allowed to ask for divorce unless there exists strong reasons that may grant them a divorce. On the other hand, Christian women are also not allowed by the Bible to divorce. The Bible regards marriage as a holy covenant which should be respected and treated with utmost wisdom. Disagreements between married people should be resolved by the church leaders. In Judaism, the same applies only in a different situation: the man can divorce for any reason but not a woman.
References
Fisher, M. P. and Rinehart, R. (2014). Living Religions: An Encyclopaedia of the World's Faiths . IB Tauris.
Schwartz, H. (2014). Women in Judaism. Encyclopedia of Psychology and Religion , 1925-1929.
