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What we find as an original response to existences meaning is the belief in a
greater being or higher power, eg. God, that we serve and obey in the trade for
a fruitful, everlasting life. This can be connected to the theory of the
Earth-Mother. The female in nature was intended to represent reoccurring life.
Ancient people held the belief that they would return to the body of the womb of
mother earth and then be given a new life. This ancient belief is similar to our
own when compared.
The view of the religious world can give meaning and purpose to the lives of
the people as it gives them hope. Hope that if they live their lives as God had
intended for them, they will be granted entrance into heaven, an everlasting,
peaceful place. It gives people meaning as to what they should do with their
lives. The religious view also brings order in people’s lives. Purpose in
someone’s life is also introduced in the world view; they can go to church and
have the holy rituals which every religion practices.
This may offer people a sense of purpose in their life. Religion cannot be
contained by a certain definition because religion is, simplistically enough,
what you want it to be. No one can write a definition of religion as it is
really just personal opinion. Religion can be the way you live your life, but
for someone else it may just be another word in their vocabulary. With the
advent of the feminist movement, the role of women in all parts of society has
come under increasing scrutiny.
One area of recent controversy is the role of women in the Christian Church.
Some churches whose traditions and practices are less rigidly tied to Biblical
doctrines have begun placing women in leadership positions such as pastor or
teacher. Other churches which interpret the Bible more literally have been slow
to adopt such changes. Most Commentators agree that man and woman are both
equally a reflection of God's image; the word man here is used as a synonym for
humanity.
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