Select one cultural issue that is a challenge for women in today’s society and discuss the following: gender inequality
How does this issue impact women?
What are some ways you can help a woman dealing with this issue/challenge?
Provide biblical support for either encouraging or assisting a woman with this challenge?
(Select a topic other than social media as we will discuss that later in this class.)
Please integrate concepts from your text as well as additional materials you may have read (books, articles, or previous class materials). Apply Scripture passages that may relate as well. For full credit integrate at least two sources into your thread citing them correctly, per current APA format. Include the list of references used in your thread as well.
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Title: Gender Inequality: A Challenge for Women in Today’s Society
Introduction
Gender inequality is a prevalent cultural issue that continues to impact women in various aspects of their lives. Despite significant progress in women’s rights over the years, disparities and discrimination persist in areas such as education, employment, and social norms. This essay aims to explore the ways in which gender inequality impacts women, discuss methods to support women dealing with this challenge, and provide biblical support for encouraging and assisting women in overcoming gender inequality.
Impact on Women
Education: Gender inequality affects women’s access to education, limiting their opportunities for personal growth and professional development. In many parts of the world, girls face barriers such as lack of resources, cultural norms, and early marriages, preventing them from receiving quality education.
Employment: Women continue to face discrimination in the workplace, including unequal pay, limited career advancement opportunities, and gender-based stereotypes. These challenges not only hinder their financial independence but also perpetuate the cycle of gender inequality.
Social Norms: Traditional gender roles and expectations can constrain women’s choices and limit their potential. Societal expectations often place greater emphasis on women’s caregiving roles, which can hinder their pursuit of career goals and personal ambitions.
Violence and Discrimination: Gender inequality contributes to higher rates of violence against women, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Discriminatory practices and attitudes towards women further exacerbate these issues, making it difficult for women to live safe and dignified lives.
Ways to Support Women
Advocate for Equal Opportunities: Encourage policies that promote gender equality in education and employment. Support organizations that empower and provide resources for women to pursue their educational and professional goals.
Raise Awareness: Educate others about the impact of gender inequality on women’s lives. Use platforms such as social media, community events, or personal conversations to discuss the importance of equal rights and opportunities for women.
Challenge Gender Stereotypes: Promote gender-neutral language and challenge stereotypes that limit women’s potential. Encourage girls and women to pursue their passions and interests without fear of judgment or societal expectations.
Support Victims of Gender-Based Violence: Volunteer or donate to organizations that provide support services for survivors of violence. Offer a listening ear, compassion, and resources to women who may be experiencing gender-based violence.
Biblical Support
Proverbs 31:8-9 (NIV): “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” This biblical passage encourages advocacy for those who are marginalized and oppressed, including women facing gender inequality.
Galatians 3:28 (NIV): “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This verse emphasizes the equal worth and value of all individuals in the eyes of God, regardless of gender or societal distinctions.
Conclusion
Gender inequality continues to be a significant cultural challenge for women in today’s society. Its impact can be seen in various areas of life, from education to employment and social norms. However, by advocating for equal opportunities, challenging gender stereotypes, supporting victims of gender-based violence, and drawing inspiration from biblical teachings, we can contribute to a more equitable society where women can thrive and reach their full potential.
References
Johnson, A.G., & Ruppel Shell, D. (2017). The gender knot: Unraveling our patriarchal legacy (2nd ed.). Temple University Press.
Schippers, M. (2016). Beyond the binary: Thinking about sex and gender. In Contemporary Feminist Theories (pp. 87-112). Routledge.
