Christianity has had a long and troubled history regarding the role of women in society. Women have been viewed as the property of their husbands, as inferior creatures in need of subjugation, and as serious threats to morality and the social order (e.g., the infamous witch trials). Even the more generous Christians have tended to regard women as second-class citizens.
In the present day, many conservative Christians bristle at the notion that women deserve equal treatment. They consider feminism to be a force of evil, undermining traditional family values. In fact, some Christian extremists are quite clear what they want from women - they want women to shut up. They want to return to a time when men were able to exercise greater control over women.
This is exactly what Christian evangelist "Dr." Phil Kidd argues in his brilliantly titled "Hey Lady Shut up!" Focusing on Christian women who attend church, Kidd says, are too outspoken and dare to dress inappropriately at church. They might even talk back when scolded for their appearance. Clearly, they need to shut up.
Frankly, I'm not sure how to summarize Kidd's religiously-inspired misogyny. I'm having a very difficult time taking it seriously or even thinking that he might have taken it seriously. I will simply quote my favorite part:
11 Timothy 2:9 commands the woman to dress in modest apparel. I have personally seen that in a large percentage of churches, the long tongued, rebellious, bobbed-haired, preacher-hating, pants-wearing, liberal-minded women have determined the standard of dress for the church. The cowardly preacher is afraid to cross this group. He knows if he does, these loud-mouthed women will take their weak husbands and go to another church. Sadly, most woman pull their hair, grit their teeth, and even yell back when the preacher deals with modest dress. Some will even get mad just reading this article. I say to you, SHUT UP!To all the "long tongued, rebellious, bobbed-haired, preacher-hating, pants-wearing, liberal-minded women," you are welcome here and at countless other atheist blogs. We appreciate you and encourage you to speak your minds.
