Summary of Images of Women in Early Buddhism and Christian Gnosticism Essay

Summary of Images of Women in Early Buddhism and Christian Gnosticism - Essay Example 95 problem The main problem addressed by the paper is: the paper seeks to obtain reasons why these negative attitudes towards women exist while it is known that they take an active role in their religious lives. This paragraph is important since it tries to show that women also take an active role in religious activities regardless of the perceptions held by men about them. Research question Why should these negative attitudes towards women persist when we know that women actively supported and participated in the religious life of both Buddhist and Gnostic communities? This is essential since it shows that the author has a point to advance to the readers as well as to get the answers why women are treated that way. Paragraph 3, p. 95 Both scriptures show that women are capable of seducing men to engage in sexual intercourse. This paragraph seeks to support the argument raised by the author that women are evil people. Paragraph 1, p.96 thesis -Both religions assume the wrong doing of women disrupted an otherwise perfect world. This thesis statement seeks to show that the author is of the view that women are responsible for human kind’s disgrace on earth. Paragraph 2, p.96 claims -The Buddhist myth posits to the effect that men’s disgrace came after he tasted food from the earth -this mainly contributed to the fall of humanity. This paragraph is very important since it highlights the source of sin among human kind. Paragraph 3, p. 96 evidence -The Christians on the other hand also attribute this myth of women’s evilness to the issue of Adam and Eve who tasted the forbidden fruit in Eden which led to sexual intercourse. -this paragraph is also important since it tries to show the evidence to prove that women were the causes of sin on earth Paragraph 1, p. 97 (Note- starts with this sentence: Other tractates, The Book of Thomas .... Eating the forbidden fruit led to the fall of humankind as shown by the actions of Eve. This section also seeks to advance the author’s argument with regards to perceptions held by men about women. Paragraph 2, p.97 evidence continues Both religions attribute the fallout of men to the deliberate act of consuming the earthly fruits that were not allowed by God. This led to sexual desire which could be satisfied through sexual intercourse. This paragraph again supports the thesis of the paper. Paragraph 3, p. 97 The Buddhists view the body of a woman as a symbol for desire and the Christian writings which also have same views for women. This paragraph is meant to support the view being presented by the author. Paragraph 1, p. 98 (note, it begins with this sentence ‘These intemperate attacks on the impurity of women's bodies and sexual...’ Womanisers are just like dogs. This paragraph is important since it helps to show that women play a major role in seducing men. Paragraph 2 p.98 Sexual intercourse is related to child bearing it is viewed as an impediment to full participat ion in religious lives. Men are encouraged to live solitary lives as an example shown by Buddha himself. This paragraph supports the thesis. Paragraph 3 p. 98 claims Christian doctrine also has negative attitude towards sexual intercourse and child bearing. These are related to suffering and Jesus even pointed out that people should destroy the works of femaleness. -both religions share the same view against sexual intercourse which leads to child birth. This is very important in the paper since the author tries to elaborate the