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| James Earl Carter (Public Domain) |
In 2009, former U. S. President Jimmy Carter made a painful break from a decades-long religious affiliation.
Carter, who had been connected with the Southern Baptist Convention for 60 years, parted company with them over the issue of gender equality.
He called this an "unavoidable decision," due to their beliefs that "Eve was created second to Adam and was responsible for original sin… [and] women must be 'subservient' to their husbands and
prohibited from serving as deacons, pastors or chaplains in the military service."
Carter considers these beliefs to be based upon "a twisted interpretation of the word of God."
He points out that in some nations "if a woman is raped, she is often most severely punished as the guilty party in the crime."
Carter adds that his fellow Elders ("an independent group of eminent global leaders") are equally committed to bringing about worldwide gender equality. This group
has published a statement that condemns the justification of gender discrimination on religious grounds.
Carter concludes that the teachings of Moses, Jesus, Paul, Muhammad, and prophets of other religions have "called for proper and equitable treatment of all the children of God."
Resources
http://www.theage.com.au/federal-politics/losing-my-religion-for-equality-20090714-dk0v.html?page=-1
Copyright March 26, 2014 by Linda Van Slyke All Rights Reserved
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