Because we are looking at an issue that is affected by religion, the Bible is quoted as well as the Koran, as they are the books of laws in each religion. Also, an essay by Dr. Jamal Badawi was researched (some quotes from the Koran have been taken from his essay, but were cited as the Koran, as the book was also looked at for further reading). Another research material used was an Internet publishing of a statement by Pope John Paul II. There is also a reference from an unpublished in-class lecture as well as the textbook of Many Peoples, Many Faiths.

In the Christian and Islamic religions, there are many different denominations that have different viewpoints and interpretations as far as the status of women. Islam is divided into two main groups: Sunni Islam is a more traditional path of Islamic life (

Marriage is a different story. While it is documented that Islamic women can choose who they want to marry and divorce as they please, Common Law states that Christian women were at some point bought and married against their will, and divorce was heavily frowned upon by the religion. One common thing that both religions have as far as marriage is that both religions require women to stand behind the men and obey what they say.

The Islamic and Christian women have many similarities and differences, which makes the subject on their gender issues so interesting. One similarity is that both religions require the same obligations of women. However, Christian women are not segregated from the men in church like the Islamic religion requires. Another similarity is that there is a heavy significance on childbirth. This is inferred by the story of Mary being pregnant with Jesus, as well as the religious exemptions for Muslim women.

Another similarity that both religions have is that their issues are so controversial, and you see different opinions everywhere you go. The treatment is based on one’s own interpretation and whether the religion is strictly followed, or less traditional. For example, Egyptian women are allowed to hold public offices and become educated, while Afghan women were confined to their homes until recently. For the most part Christian women are more liberated, yet it is frowned upon for women to acquire some positions of authority.

Some topics in this essay:
Bible Koran, Islamic Christian, Elwood McGraw, Law Christian, Dr Badawi, Koran Adam, McGraw Muslim, Shi`a Islam, Paul II, Ellwood McGraw, christian women, elwood mcgraw, mcgraw 2002, islamic christian, muslim women, elwood mcgraw 2002, ellwood mcgraw, dr badawi, islamic christian women, jamal badawi, women allowed, pope john paul, consent marriage, pray five times, dr jamal badawi,