Comments on: Are Women More Religious than Men?

By: lady_atl

lady_atl — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 00:49:51 +0000

Women are more religious or more spiritually inclined than men because it's a heart condition. As we all know, women love with their whole heart (and boy do they) . . . no proof of reciprocating energy in most cases, they just fall and fall hard, and men do too . . . uhmm . . .eventually! but men first need proof of _____ (something that solidifies their committment to something e.g love, trust etc) ~ so they need to get to a place of seeing their need for God first while women we just trust that God says He loves us and so He does . . . that's my two cents and i could be wrong but overall a great discussion.

By: Bliss

Bliss — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 20:41:09 +0000

Forgot to add: As far as protestant, Christianity in America is concerned is also doesn't help that a lot of churches are geared toward few demographics either. I sometimes feel out of place as a single, young (I'm in my twenties) female. A lot of times programs are geared toward families and such, and I can see how this would make anyone, male or female, a little apprehensive sometimes.

~bliss

By: Bliss

Bliss — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 20:36:58 +0000

An "alpha" complex maybe?

I don't buy into the idea that this is because women are more emotional, identify more with an emasculated Jesus (in terms of Christianity) and such. As far as saying women are more emotional, that isn't true. Women just more often show their emotion in visible ways. In fact a guy friend of mine admitted he barely ate or slept after a break up, and was on the verge of a break down for about two weeks. I never noticed, and it was because he hid it. Basically same emotions, different manifestations for the sexes (he said men are like this in general too).

The reason I believe this is because I think true Christianity itself tells us otherwise–it is a belief for all. Does anyone really think God would send His Son to only halfway identify with His children for some random, biological reason (women more emotional)?

That just doesn't make sense.

I think the problem lies in the idea of having something/someone one above you authoritatively. As a woman myself, I am already used to the social/cultural chain of command that is men, then women and finally children (note: I'm going off of how societies by and large have operated on these levels, and yes, I studied this, lol!). Because of this, and especially in places where religion isn't exactly the most popular thing to embrace, this would mean the men aren't obligated (in their minds) to be in submission to anyone. I think this is why you can find this same issue in the workplace as well–give a guy a female or highly efficient/competent male boss, and see how he reacts. On average, even if they don't openly admit anything, many guys would admit otherwise that this sort of rubs them the wrong way.

With that said, I don't think the issue has to do with religion at all really, but rather the acknowledge of power. It's largely an authority thing.

~bliss

By: LaVonne

LaVonne — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 04:22:58 +0000

In the natural & in the spirit, women are more likely to stop and ask for directions. Many men are "religious" and lead "religious" groups, but women are more likely to seek direction from God & follow His leading. Someone who is religious does not necessarily live by the Spirit of God or seek Him.

By: the uppity negro

the uppity negro — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 18:41:21 +0000

Well, like I said, my experience is rather limited and I'm speaking from my experience as far as I see it. Don't really have an answer as to why.

But I will say this, "religious" as is the word "spiritual" is such a broad term and has so many subjective definitions. What may be religious for one may not be for another. The question is rather open ended and I don't think should suffice with just an answer of "yes" or "no."

By: ag1808

ag1808 — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 17:08:07 +0000

Great topic! My comment and experience has included many of the same issues and perspectives as shared above. One thing I didn't see mentioned specifically yet is vulnerability and trust. Most men I know who say they believe in God but still choose not to "be religious" or be obedient in this way to His word (i.e. commit to attend and serve in a church to grow in relationship with Him) have issues with privacy and trust. They don't want to open themselves up to judgment of other people and/or don't trust God to lead, cover and bless them in this community.

By: mattgwin

mattgwin — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:57:28 +0000

Some great comments and discussion. Often times churches in society today are much more geared towards a feminine audience. The style of music is soft or even the loud songs are more emotional and laid back. I know this is not true everywhere, but probably safe to say it is true in most churches. The primary message to men cannot just explain how to be "a nice person", but must tap into their deep desire to make a difference and for adventure. This is not to say that men cannot be emotional, but the way we program our services needs to be more balanced and take into account the way men think and respond. I don't believe men are less religious, but display it in a different way.

By: danielle w.

danielle w. — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:54:55 +0000

I don’t think its a matter of being more “religious” but moreso the fact that we r more emotional thus allowing us to show more vulnerability. I think its in a man’s nature to not show any type of “weakness” so when it comes to showing any type of affection or emotion, women r more prone to being more expressive.

By: kclinger

kclinger — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:34:39 +0000

Women are more emotional and therefore are more drawn to experiences that appeal to their feelings.

Also, women are weaker and would need to turn to God more for strength. I also think that with the number of women without fathers and husbands would result in us needing a father/husband figure and God would be the perfect one to fill that role.

By: klreed189

klreed189 — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:29:00 +0000

This conversation reminds me of a book called "Why Men Hate Going to Church"
I never read it but was always intrigued by it, maybe you have read it?

This is a very interesting point of conversation.
I would love to be able to sit in with your class today and join the conversation. I really have no answer or idea as to why this might be true.