Why do women participate less in religious debates on Internet?

[Pancho Frijoles]

I have asked myself several times.
To start with, I must admit I have no hard data on women's participation. It is just my personal appreciation.
If my appreciation is correct, perhaps women are more interested in other ways of communication. They are very active in social media, for example... in sharing her spiritual insights about facts of the everyday life of a believer. Those insights are probably much more important than the debates we men hold in Forums like this one.

I have found women interested in debating, but very very few.

What do you think?
Do you have the same appreciation?
What do you think is the reason for that?

 

[Fred]

Perhaps many think it is a man's job.

 

[Pancho Frijoles]

Perhaps many think it is a man's job.

That's interesting.
Do you mean that they are interested and prefer to leave debates to men, or that they are not so interested ?

 

[Fred]

That's interesting.
Do you mean that they are interested and prefer to leave debates to men, or that they are not so interested ?

Not sure. I find many women difficult to understand.

 

[101G]

Addressing the OP,
Maybe ....... and this is only one's opinion. Many women don't like to argue with IGNORANT men.

101G.

 

[David Koberstein]

I have asked myself several times.
To start with, I must admit I have no hard data on women's participation. It is just my personal appreciation.
If my appreciation is correct, perhaps women are more interested in other ways of communication. They are very active in social media, for example... in sharing her spiritual insights about facts of the everyday life of a believer. Those insights are probably much more important than the debates we men hold in Forums like this one.

I have found women interested in debating, but very very few.

What do you think?
Do you have the same appreciation?
What do you think is the reason for that?

Women know their place when it comes to religious debate. If they need to know something biblical that can ask their husband or Messianic Rabbi
Shalom

 

[Anja]

Women often participate less in religious debates due to a combination of factors including societal expectations that view religious leadership as primarily male, limitations on women's roles within many religious institutions, potential fear of backlash or criticism for speaking out, and the perception that their voices might not be taken seriously in traditionally male-dominated religious spaces; this can vary depending on the specific religion and cultural context.

Key points to consider:

• Gender roles in religion:
  Many religions historically position women in more submissive roles, which can discourage them from actively engaging in theological debates or taking leadership positions within religious communities.
• Lack of female religious authority:
  In some faiths, women are not allowed to hold positions of religious authority like priests or rabbis, which can limit their ability to participate in public religious discussions.
• Social pressure and stigma:
  Women might face social pressure or even criticism from within their religious communities for expressing strong opinions or challenging traditional interpretations of religious texts.
• Cultural expectations:
  Societal norms that prioritize men's voices in public discourse can also discourage women from actively participating in religious debates.

Important considerations:

• Variations across religions:
  The extent to which women participate in religious debates varies greatly depending on the specific religion and its interpretation of gender roles.
• Emerging trends:
  There is a growing movement within many faiths to promote greater gender equality, leading to increased female participation in religious leadership and discussions.
• Individual agency:
  While structural barriers exist, individual women may still choose to actively participate in religious debates despite societal expectations.

 

[David Koberstein]

Putting a woman in as a Pastoral/Rabbi or in a high leadership role in church is like putting Mike Tyson in charge of a home for unwed mothers.
Shalom

 

[Studyman]

I have asked myself several times.
To start with, I must admit I have no hard data on women's participation. It is just my personal appreciation.
If my appreciation is correct, perhaps women are more interested in other ways of communication. They are very active in social media, for example... in sharing her spiritual insights about facts of the everyday life of a believer. Those insights are probably much more important than the debates we men hold in Forums like this one.

I have found women interested in debating, but very very few.

What do you think?
Do you have the same appreciation?
What do you think is the reason for that?

It is written that the woman is the weaker vessel, and clearly the serpent was after Adam, and got to him through the Woman /Bride/Church.

I think there is something there to study and ponder on and understand.

I think it makes a great study.

 

[Pancho Frijoles]

Thanks everyone for your opinions.
I think that the responses are a little bit more towards the discussion of a leadership role for women within a congregation, than on a role on debating in an Internet Forum.
To participate in a Forum of this kind, a lady does not need to be a leader of any congregation, am I right?

Perhpas there are certain topics or threads within the Forum in which women are more active. I don't know....

My personal impression is that women are really NOT interested in debating theological controversies. They are more interested in the spiritual application of the theology they know into service, community, family, workplace, etc

 

[Dizerner]

There are definitely women who hold very strong theological opinions and are willing to debate it, and I have met several.

I've heard many stories of marriages that were in real conflict over such things for a length of time.

However, perhaps in a public forum, they are less inclined to participate for a few reasons.

1. In general I think women prefer to avoid things that feel combative and desire to be more nurturing.
2. In general perhaps women are more geared to be a follower and would prefer to be instructed by a reliable source.
3. It may be that women tend to relate more emotionally than intellectually, and that requires direct interaction.
4. Women who are caring for a family may in general have less free time, as one can often interact online from work.
5. They may have been instructed, mistakenly in my view, that women shouldn't participate in such things.

In the end I think we can only take guesses. Interesting question though.

 

[Pancho Frijoles]

There are definitely women who hold very strong theological opinions and are willing to debate it, and I have met several.

I've heard many stories of marriages that were in real conflict over such things for a length of time.

However, perhaps in a public forum, they are less inclined to participate for a few reasons.

1. In general I think women prefer to avoid things that feel combative and desire to be more nurturing.
2. In general perhaps women are more geared to be a follower and would prefer to be instructed by a reliable source.
3. It may be that women tend to relate more emotionally than intellectually, and that requires direct interaction.
4. Women who are caring for a family may in general have less free time, as one can often interact online from work.
5. They may have been instructed, mistakenly in my view, that women shouldn't participate in such things.

In the end I think we can only take guesses. Interesting question though.

Very insightful answer, my brother.
I agree with you.

I think the tone of the debates would profit a lot from the participation of more women.

 

[David Koberstein]

Very insightful answer, my brother.
I agree with you.

I think the tone of the debates would profit a lot from the participation of more women.

Maybe and maybe not
Shalom

 

[101G]

My personal impression is that women are really NOT interested in debating theological controversies. They are more interested in the spiritual application of the theology they know into service, community, family, workplace, etc

GINOLJC, to all.
Only one thing. women have been suppressed for so long to think that their duty was only Community service, family, and workplace. but this is men dominated thinking. but those day are over. it just taking a little time, because of their Late in the game .... theology and in that knowledge... so, women are excelling, and sooner than later they will show up on these forums more and more. just give it time.

101G.

 

[Pancho Frijoles]

GINOLJC, to all.
Only one thing. women have been suppressed for so long to think that their duty was only Community service, family, and workplace. but this is men dominated thinking. but those day are over. it just taking a little time, because of their Late in the game .... theology and in that knowledge... so, women are excelling, and sooner than later they will show up on these forums more and more. just give it time.

101G.

I agree with you and I thank you for helping me to modify my position.
Let me redefine it:

• Women participation in theological debate has been affected by the male-dominant thinking in church and Theology.
• At the same time, there is an inherent set of interests that are more common to women than to men. Interest in theoretical debates is somewhat less common in women, but still present.
• The capacity for theological debate is as good in a woman as in a man. Their differentiated perspectives should enrich the debate.

I suppose all things are in interplay and I should not have said that "women are not really interested"
So I retract my statement.

 

[101G]

I agree with you and I thank you for helping me to modify my position.
Let me redefine it:

• Women participation in theological debate has been affected by the male-dominant thinking in church and Theology.
• At the same time, there is an inherent set of interests that are more common to women than to men. Interest in theoretical debates is somewhat less common in women, but still present.
• The capacity for theological debate is as good in a woman as in a man. Their differentiated perspectives should enrich the debate.

I suppose all things are in interplay and I should not have said that "women are not really interested"
So I retract my statement.

agreed, in my time in teaching that women could preach, the most resistance I received was from Women. because they was so taught by men and women/Husband and wives, that their duties were as said in the HOME. this comes from IGNORANT Teaching, and economical situations in some homes. is, a woman is a "helper". many teach that the home is the woman duty. that's a ERROR. the term Helper has been misused. a helper helps, as with the Holy Spirit. a helper does not do it for you, a helper helps you to do it. and if one is not doing anything the helper has nothing to do. as with the Holy Spirit. a helper helps, and do not take on the LOAD alone. in reality, it is the man duty to provide, and maintain the home, the wife is to .... "HELP" ... or to asst. in this endeavor.

101G.