On International Women's Day, I made buttons alongside everyone else. As everyone made thier buttons, I was given some sideways glances. Not everyone could appreciate the button I made. It proclaimed that, "God loves feminists". This is a difficult concept for most feminists to consider, including myself.
Faith and feminism. I cannot say which came first, for I was raised simultaneously with both. Prior to my Women's Studies education, faith and feminism melded together seamlessly. As I pursued my studies, however, it became clear to me that they were not supposed to mix. In my faith community I was constantly defending my feminism, newlly labelled as such. At school, I was constantly being told that my faith was a contradiction to my feminism. I believed it, until recently.
Although I had struggled with incorporating my faith into my feminism, I had yet to give up on my faith completely. This past semester has been challenging me to see how my faith and feminism can co-exist harmoniously.
So, when the class was talking about being a feminist, and what that included, I puposed that some of the women in my Catholic faith community were feminist as well. This was not recieved well.
It was a pivotal moment for me this year. It makes me want to reclaim my faith and prove to everyone that faith can be compatible with feminism.
I should not have to choose between my faith and my feminism. My evolving feminism now includes my faith. This means a critique of the Catholic faith system, as well as a reclaimed place within it.
So I made a "God loves feminsts" button and wear it proudly on my purse to all my Women's Studies classes where I get awkward looks. I will wear this, along with my pro-choice and challenge homophobia buttons to my youth group meeting next week where I will have to defend my politics. But my feminism is mine, and my faith is mine. They, as I have come to learn, do not have to exist in opposition to each other or in constant defiance of one another. Instead, they have learned to co-exist and even celebrate each other.
Jessica, your blog really spoke to me. It was really well written and very personal. It upsets me that people were giving you sideways glances for stating that, “God loves Feminists.” I do not think that anyone has the right to judge another individuals feminism. I am inspired by the fact that you stated that you no longer believe that your faith does not have a place within your feminism. I am still struggling to balance the two so it was really inspiring to also hear your struggles within your blog.
ReplyDeleteI too have struggled to determine if Catholicism has a place within my feminism. I was raised in a very religious family and was not introduced to feminism until my post second education. The first time that I saw that feminism and religion were not supposed to mix was in the course “Women and Religion.” The focus of this course was religion as a patriarchal institution. Looking back I think that this course could have focused a little more on all the positive aspects that religion has had for women, such as providing a space for women to come together. This course along with my newly found feminism caused me to shy away from my church.
I think often when someone first identifies as a feminist, they abandon all aspects of their lives that contradict their new found identity such as media, religion, relationships, etc. However, once you become more comfortable within feminism you realize that you can participate in contradicting institutions as long as you are critical of both of them. I am very happy that you have found a space for both religion and feminism within your life while still being critical of both.
Jessica,
ReplyDeleteAfter having a few brief discussions in classes about religion and feminism, I really wanted to respond to your blog. From what we've spoken about I'm sure you know we think differently on the subject, but I do want you to know that I do see value in your argument and the work you are doing to incorporate all of your beliefs into your life.
To me, organized religion is a patriarchal oppressive institution, and it is completely valid for me to think so. I do have a very radical perspective. You have a very different perspective on religion, but that does not mean we have to write each other off for that. As individuals we take on what we want for our own lives. I do what I feel is important for me and I'm happy to see that you keep what is important to you.
I know that not everyone is going to think the same way as me. It's just a fact! One thing that I do feel is important is having feminist voices, having strong empowered female voices, in all areas of life. There needs to be feminist in the church, just as there needs to be those strong voices in the media, or in politics, or in medicine, and every where else. If you can take your feminism into your home, your youth group, and share your perspective and bring that to others so they will also being to challenge the world around them - i think that's great.
I'm glad you have the courage and drive to defend your position. I also come up against a lot of opposition for my beliefs and I know it can be trying to always have to defend yourself. But if you believe in it, in the end it's worth it. Staying true to yourself is worth it and it's what will make you the most happy in the end.
:)
Jessica,
ReplyDeleteYou stated that “God love feminists” and I full heartedly agree that she does. I too believe that whatever force, feeling, or idea which God embodies, she would love us despite being feminists. However I pose the question “Does the Catholic God love feminists?” While you seem convinced on the matter, I am inclined to believe that the answer is not as pleasant as you make it out to be. While Catholic teachings suggest that God “loves the sinner and hates the sin,” I don’t see feminism as being compatible with Catholicism on a very basic level.
While I know that you challenge homophobia, and maintain a pro-choice position, these are issues which Catholicism has presented a clear position on. For too many Sundays I have sat though the homily where racist, sexist, homophobic remarks are made with the congregation nodding in approval. Furthermore, despite your own convictions, this faith is clear on the matter of pro-choice. The Catholic Church presents systemic sexism, racism, and enforcement of the patriarchal hierarchy. This is not feminism.
While you can very well argue for “a critique of the Catholic faith system, as well as a reclaimed place within it,” I would disagree on the effectiveness of this method. You are making attempts to reclaim a place which was never there. While you can attend youth meetings and challenge the foundations of the faith, this does not mean that the Catholic Church is changing. It is not. The Catholic faith claims to hold a monopoly on salvation with the ever-present position that “outside the Church there is no salvation.” This faith believes that only through accepting the sacraments, administered exclusively through men, can you reach purgatory where then your love ones must pray and pay for your soul to reach salvation.
Furthermore, the position of the Church on the sexual freedom of women is quiet clear in not granting any independent ability as women are to be bound to their father then husband. While it can be argued that the Church is changing in that women are given more autonomy, the position of the Church is clear in maintaining women as subordinate beings. The most celebrated women of the Catholic faith are constructed as submissive, obedient figures that adhere to the rule of men. The Church has made every effort to confirm the secondary status of women.
I do not aim to attack your faith. This is my own perspective on a religion which I have for a long time been a part of. Your faith is clearly greater than mine and I applaud the joy, happiness, or peace you receive from practicing your beliefs. You clearly have something which I have not.
My girlfriend, Julie, also made a button at International Women’s Day, it read, ‘My Boyfriend is a Feminist.” Last Sunday we went home to visit my parents and while attending mass the priest read her button, looked at me, looked back at Julie and seeing the two of us smiling, just shook his head. I don’t know what he was thinking, though, I’m inclined to believe that it wasn’t embracive.
I loved loved your post Jessica. Remember when we had this chat about faith and feminism in 410 class with Dr.Bondy. I told you that being a Muslim and feminist is a bit challenging for people to understand and appreciate as we are told and taught that feminism is godless and secular. Reclaiming our faith and feminist passion and principles is the best way of challenging all the negative stereotypes that are damaging the feminist movement. I must say now that YES GOD LOVES FEMINISTS AND FEMINISTS LOVE GOD!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm just really proud of you & the journey you have taken/are taking this year/semester.
ReplyDeleteAlso shout out goes to the lovely/spontaneous chat we had following International Women's Day exploration, ahah <3.