opinion

Faith Forum: Why are women more religious than men?

Women are almost two-thirds more likely to believe in God than men, according to a British study released on January 21. Out of the men surveyed, 54% said they were atheists or agnostics, compared to 34% of the women. "Among believers, women are also much more likely to be definite than men", said the study, released by the University College London's Institute of Education.

Some other studies in the past have also shown women more likely to be religious than men.

And this devotion is despite the fact that in many religions and denominations, women still do not hold positions of power; many still insist on male-only ministry; and a majority of the prophets, founders and gurus have been men.

Why this exceptionally large gender gap in attitudes to God/religion?

We asked our panel of distinguished religious leaders of the region the following question: Why are women more religious than men? How do you explain this phenomenon?

Here is what they have to say:

INHERENT TRANSFORMATIONAL POWER

Jikai' Phil Bryan, Buddhist Priest and Meditation Guide

"Psychology Today" cites similar studies over many decades, suggesting unknown biological and other causes. My view: women seem more inherently capable of authentic transformation. In "The Grapes of Wrath," Ma Joad endures painful changes in growing resilience and compassion, contrasted with increasing resistance and anger of Pa and Tom. Ma explained women's transformational powers to her daughter Rose of Sharon. Faith, hope, love, compassion, strength, and trust characterize such transformations. Nurturing faith through effort, steady trust even in suffering, community commitment, compassionately helping others... all are qualities of true religiosity. Such qualities seem more consistently visible in women. My truest "mindfulness" teacher barely survived the Dresden fire-bombing as a young girl. She embodied transformation into pure compassion as educator and meditation guide. Her ashes were distributed worldwide by communities benefitting from her transformations. When I'm stuck, I often turn to such remarkable women for guidance through compassionate (equals religious) transformations.

GENDER DIFFERENCES

Sharla S. Hales, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Area Public Affairs Director

The answer to this question probably includes a complex combination of explanations, including some based on inherent gender differences.

Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stated: "gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose." (The Family: A Proclamation to the World.)

Generalities need to be viewed cautiously because individual characteristics are far more important in any specific situation. That said, a Gallup poll noted the following generalities for why women are more religious:

· Women talk about personal problems more openly than men do.

· Women are more relational than men. A higher percentage of women than men have a "best friend" at church.

· Women lean more toward empirical bases for faith than men do.

Interestingly, the Gallup write-up stated: "men who join congregations will not become actively involved unless they are engaged in an intentional way."

MOTHER EARTH…COINCIDENCE?

Brian E. Melendez, American Indian spirituality scholar

Women are religiously more devoted than men—there's no argument there. It's simple; people, who are oppressed pray more…making sense of their environment by deriving strength through prayer and discipline. The tragedy is that women around the world are still very oppressed and limited from exceeding their full potential.

For several generations, we have become so domesticated to fight for what is necessary; we are living without purpose or cause. Maybe it's time for women to rally? Testosterone, ego and emotionless decision-making (i.e. politics, religion, and sex) have caused more devastation to planet than humanly quantifiable.

We need great leaders, women and men of every color: that's how we correct this enormous global disparity. It is not enough for the good ol' boys to make some room at 'the Man' table for one or two women. Religious systems are inherently inequitable—beware of the equality fruit of the poisonous tree.

CREATED LAST

ElizaBeth W. Beyer, N. Tahoe Hebrew Congregation & Temple Beth Or Rabbi

Our Sages agree that women are more spiritually attuned and more receptive to faith. This is why G-d told Abraham, "Whatever Sarah your wife tells you, listen to her voice." (Genesis 21:12). Her soul was more intuitive. Why is this true? Psychology says evolution caused women to take fewer risks to ensure survival of children, so religion is a way to decrease risk and an emotional comfort. Rabbi Ahron Solovetchik says the reason women are more spiritually adept is because women were created last. G-d's creations were more superior over time (i.e. fish to mammals to man and then woman).

As a result of acknowledged differences, Jewish responsibilities are different for men and women. Men have many required mitzvot (commandments) to subdue their "innate aggression" (Maharal). Women have fewer required mitzvot because they are intrinsically connected to G-d. Regardless of gender, we all must work to be better connected to G-d.

THEY CAN SEE GOD

Stephen R. Karcher, St. Anthony Greek Orthodox Church Presiding Priest

Humility is the road on which we meet God, and important for both men and women to find. Discovering this road requires a spiritual GPS. A good spiritual GPS is a pure heart, and it works the same for both men and women, however, women are more able to actually find it. In fact, God's unique revelation to the entire world once depended on the character and faith of a teenage girl who thankfully had a good GPS. Moreover, in every generation, the most important task of raising children and bringing them to faith is given to women. And it's no accident that it was the Lord's women disciples who first witnessed the Resurrection and announced it to the others, literally becoming apostles to the Apostles. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." If certain women appear more religious, it's because they see God more clearly.

WOMEN HAVE GREATER CAPACITY

Bradley S. Corbin, Bahá'í teacher

From the Bahá'í teachings we know that from the spiritual point of view, there is no difference between women and men. "The nearer we draw to God, the nearer He comes to us" without regard to whether the person be a man or a woman. Women's capacity is equal to, or even greater than man's. With regards to the tenderness of heart and the abundance of mercy and sympathy, women are superior. The strength of women is demonstrated by Mary Magdalene who after Christ's crucifixion gave his fearful disciples comfort and reestablished their faith while Judas Iscariot had become a traitor and hypocrite. Women are the first nurturers of mankind and they must continue their effort to acquire spiritual powers and wisdom, for their enlightenment will bring about the unity of mankind. The age old question is still: why is it that men don't want to ask for directions?

INTUITION AND STUBBORNNESS

Stephen B. Bond, Senior Pastor of Summit Christian Church, Sparks

In general women are more intuitive than men. I have often experienced the uncanny insight of a woman's intuition. I believe this intuition makes women more sensitive in the spiritual realm. Some of the greatest Christian mystics have been deeply passionate and insightful women. Throughout church history, heroically sacrificial women have made invaluable contributions to the advancement of the cause of Christ.

Another reason that more women than men are Christians is because following Christ requires humbly admitting our need for God's help and forgiveness. This is especially difficult for men because, in general, men believe they are self-sufficient.

Generally speaking, men are stubborn and don't recognize their need for help like women do. Why else would men be so averse to asking for directions? I suspect that a man invented the modern GPS system just so he could find his way without asking for anyone's help!

RELIGION, GENDER AND SURVEYS

Kenneth G. Lucey, UNR Philosophy/Religion Professor

I do not believe that it has been shown that "women are more religious than men". With at least four billion women on this planet, a single British study does not establish that conclusion. The most the study shows is that, by the manner surveyed, British women self-report they are more religious than British men self-report. It might turn out Muslim men are actually more religious than Muslim women. Participation in Salah, the five times a day response to the call to prayer, might support that conclusion. Or again, might Buddhist men be shown more religious that Buddhist women? What it would take to support the general claim that "women are more religious than men" would be a very rigorous world-wide survey of humanity in general, and even then, one might question whether the self-image that people are prepared to report is an accurate portrayal of how individuals actually behave.

ECONOMIC VULNERABILITY

Muhammed A. Quddus, Northern Nevada Muslim Community Member

Women outnumbering men in their degree of religiosity remains a counterintuitive phenomenon in a world where most religions, by and large, relegate them to a lesser place in society. It is fair to speculate that this phenomenon is fundamentally a product of socio-cultural and historical practices that began with the dawn of human existence. The alienated and powerless women, realizing their helplessness in a male-dominated socio-political-economic environment, have traditionally sought comfort and solace from the divine. The real-world relative lack of economic safety and security has pushed women to spirituality with the thinking that they could perhaps secure justice from the heavenly than from the men.

This sense of insecurity by women has permeated even the most advanced, post-industrial society of ours. The belief in religion stemming from a sense of susceptibility does not speak well of our treatment of the majority of our population—the women.

MALE OR FEMALE, SLAVE OR FREE, GREEK OR JEW…IT DOESN'T MATTER

Robert W. Chorey, Roman Catholic Diocese of Reno Curia Moderator

This is a question for social scientists. I am a priest and a former geologist, so I do not think I am qualified to answer that question. Therefore I will not try to explain it.

It is though a good reminder that we need to ensure that we are reaching out to all people, no matter their gender, ethnicity, background and whether they are of another religion or no religion.

Christ came so that all may know of the Father's infinite, super-abundant love. We as baptized Christians have a mission to continue Jesus' work. We must make sure that all others can experience that divine love of the Father through our ministry as Church, as the Body of Christ.

Guest panelist

PERCEPTON OF "THE ULTIMATE" IS DIVINELY UNIQUE

Catherine L. Linesch, Unitarian Universalist Community Minister

"Religious" is related to its Latin root, "religare," meaning "to bind fast, to connect." Women are generally "social connectors," working together to raise children, solve problems, and build community. Involvement in congregations reflects this value women place on social connections.

Women may be hard-wired to perceive their connection to "God" or "The Ultimate" differently than men. Women may tend toward a more personalized relationship, while men may tend to be more concrete or literal. Women may not need to prove their beliefs; rather, they may trust in faith and practices that they find to be beneficial. Women's knowledge of their interdependence is reflected in a sense of interdependence with "The Ultimate."

Perceptions of "The Ultimate," and religious expressions, are truly unique, based on each person's spirit and socialization. It is expansive to share what we believe… there is much to be learned from one another!

Next week's topic:

How do we perceive "time"?

Faith Forum is a weekly dialogue on religion coordinated by Rajan Zed. Send questions or comments to rajanzed@gmail.com.