1. Overview Quiz #5 Religion as an Institution –Place of oppression –Place of empowerment Spirituality Movie Clips from “Flowers for Guadalupe” and “Not For Ourselves Alone”

2. Religion as an Institution Family, Marriage, Politics, Economics, Education, etc. Like every other societal institution, it can oppress (keep status quo) or it can empower What are the roles of religion in society? Why do you think the control of women is a central component in many religions?

3. Oppression Women have been denied leadership in religion- defined as “worshippers” –Excluded from language and image of God –Reading from The Red Tent Religion is connected to the patriarchy –Upholds women’s personal and professional oppression- economics, family, sexuality –Elizabeth Cady Stanton Many religious ideas devalue women –Regulates “good behavior” and constructs “a good woman” –Controlling women’s lives and sexuality

4. Empowerment Women’s Community Social Activism –Justice, equality, liberation –Flowers for Guadalupe Reinterpretation/Reconstruction –Rediscovery of ancient religions, women centered –Reinterpreting religious texts and images of God

5. Spirituality  Unique, personal versions of beliefs and practices  Personal moral code  Connection with self, others, nature Blending- “take what fits, and leave the rest behind” “thou shalt not lessen the humanity of women” “we need help in accepting ourselves as organic creatures enmeshed in our world rather than continuing to posture as cerebral masters granted dominion over it”

6. Discussion Questions What did you learn about relationships between women and men from religion? What did you learn about being a man or woman from religion? How do you find places of empowerment in religion or spirituality as a woman, lesbian, etc.? How can religion and/or spirituality be used in social change and social justice?