discrimination within religion exists. If I am understanding that end of the topic, then here is my rant. If not, please excuse my interpratation
Again the following is only my take on things and my experience on such:
I am, and was brought up a United Methodist. ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Methodist ) for those that so not know, the United methodist Church makes up the second largest group of followers (acording to several websites) next to Southern Baptists. Ok that said, I do not agree with all things in the faith, nor do I expect to ever. We allow female preachers, and do not trun away anyone that wishes to be a member of any race, gender, etc. We also ordain female ministers. In the area that I hail from, the vast majority of my peers are Baptist. The Southern baptist convention DOES NOT ordain female ministers. (there are a few female baptist female preachers, however, they have been the center of much contriversy and some have been ousted) souther baptist is only one of the many "types" of baptist, so, please dont think im labeling everyone in one lump group. There are many others that do not allow females to be "religious leaders" and they quote one scripture after another to "defend" their stance. Women in some of these very very conservitive churches are literally kicked out if they divorce (the reason doesnt matter even if the man was abusive) and if they take jobs that are traditionally "male". independance of women in the religious sense, is a long and far from ending road that has been travled since the first bible was compiled. The thing that really gets me over people in today's time quoting obscure passages defending the limitations they put on women is that so many other passages on other things that "are and arent" right are looked over in a matter of convience. I have literally had a woman say infront of me (at a church) to her friend (after I was introduced by a member of our FD as one of the most highly trained member of the dept) that I was "going to hell for that". For being an independant female in a typically male job. I have been called a homosexual (for the record Im not) because of my job and because I wear pants not dresses to every church function I can (I dont even own a dress). Oh, and I have had others tell me that I was not "welcome" at their church if I wore pants, as women are supposed to wear dresses.
Discrimination within religion is there, its real, and it sucks.
religious groups also descriminate aginst those that have divorced, had children out of wedlock, and homosexuals. These SAME groups preach peace and understanding and acceptance. Well that is until its convienant.
The early church, way before they compiled the books of the Bible, often appriched religion in a veryequal manner. That is to say, the all male viewpoints werent church wide. Most people look at religion in a very one sided manner. that their way is the "only" way. Personally I dissagree. Although I am a Methodist, I believe, and this is way out of the relm of most christians, that no one religion is perfectly right. that no one religion is the only ticket to heaven.
My Christian peers shun me for that too.....