Catholics, Muslims, and those of an Orthodox relıgıon... what would you say ıf your daugter..?

Question

neice, or sister dreamed of becomıng a pastor?

I am a Unıtarıan Unıversalıst and am interested in what people of these religions would say to a young female famıly member with this dream. ı would say move to a similar religion to your beliefs without thıs totally sexist and ridiculous restriction.

Answer 1

My daughter died at a very young age and I frankly would do anything for her to be with me today; I couldn't care less what she chose to pursue with her life.

I don't think it was the Patriarchy that killed her; I think it was the cancer.

Answer 2

I come from an absolutely rigid, closed, orthodox religious family background, and I would say to that person what I would say to anyone on matters of the spirit:

"Follow your conscience."

My mother, on the other hand, would say:

"Don't be ridiculous. You know women can't be (clergy). It's because they have babies - can you imagine a woman trying to nurse a baby during a sermon? And Jesus didn't have women disciples, blah blah blah..."

EDIT:  Mr. Bellavita and I were married by a female pastor, and I swear she had more inner light shining from her than all of the patriarchial w@nkers in my mother's church put together.

Answer 3

As a Catholic woman, I would explain to my daughter why women cannot become priests--and no it isn't a totally sexist and ridiculous restriction.

As God is perfect and cannot do anything imperfectly, He sent his son during a time that women would not--and could not--be accepted as priests. This is because women were never supposed to be priests, we have other jobs that we can do and should do.

And if the Church were sexist, then there wouldn't be so many devotions to Mary and we wouldn't hold her in such high esteem as the Mother of God. Women strive to be like Mary--the New Eve-- while men are to strive to be like Christ--the New Adam.

If my daughter wanted to become a priest and be part of the celibate lifestyle, then I would tell her to look into the convents with the nuns. She could become, after quite a few years, a Mother in the convent and work there doing God's work.

But no, I wouldn't tell her to go to another religion just because she wants to be a priest, I would not want her to lose the Eucharist just because she wants to be a priest.

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Well, all the women in my family are in agreement with me and we have no problem with it. We understand that men and women have separate rolls that work together.

Men are the head, but women are the heart. One cannot function without the other--we must work in tandem. As such, women are the heart of the Church and men are the Head.

I will not go into an explanation of why men can be priests and why women cannot, because that was not your question. If you do want that, then by all means, ask and I will tell you.

Answer 4

My husband and I were married by a female pastor, I have no problem with it.

Answer 5

I would say that it would be a matter of wanting something she cannot reasonably have, and being petulant about it, rather than a genuine calling to the vocation.  And that would go for several other things she might dream of being when she grows up.  Dreams of that sort are good, and they help us discover our strengths.  But at some point it is necessary to grow up and realize that just because we want something, it's not incumbent upon the world (or in this case the Church) to bend to our desires.

I would not tell her to abandon her faith and go somewhere else where she can play at being a pastor, but instead seek the will of God in prayer and discernment.

You are free to see it as "sexist" if you wish.  But it was my impression that Unitarian Universalists respected all faiths, and your comments are somewhat less than respectful.  Is there an exception to that respect when it comes to orthodoxy that I wasn't aware of?  Or is this just coming from your own feminism?  Forgive me, but I recognize it when I see it, having come of age in the midst of the feminist movement.

Your dismissive contempt for at least one person here (and now probably two) who simply answered your question, but had the audacity to take a position contrary to yours, seems to indicate that a respectful exchange wasn't your intention in the first place.  With all due respect; check your motives.

Answer 6

why not! go for it

Answer 7

She would have to leave the orthodox religion, so her parents may well have an issue with that.

Answer 8

This question is not about personal advice or opinion. It all depends on the doctrin of the specific denomination. I am Roman Catholic and women are not afforded the status and responsibility of a Priest. Never the less they are actively involved in the Church in all areas. I would have to inform my daughter that I understand her desire to serve God and his people. But her calling will need to be served in a different capacity. The many roles she could serve in are to many to list. Understanding Gods message is one thing, applying it is another. There are beliefs and laws that I have difficulty understanding, let only applying. In my faith, we are not allowed to elevate love above doctricne, otherwise what is the purpose of doctrine.