Kyler Smith

Prof. Fielding

Writing 103

15 November 2019

The Female Religious Revolution

In his article, “God and Her (Female) Clergy”, Nicholas Kristoff claims that it is a disgrace to

humanity that for millenniums we’ve placed a divine stamp on discrimination against women.

For years there has been stereotypes casted upon women telling them that they can’t do what

men can. Being that many females are becoming priests, rabbis, ministers, pastors, etc., it is very

inspirational and motivating that women are taking charge of their femininity and becoming the

dominant leader they have always wanted to be. According to Kristoff, “Women clergy can mine

the Bible for plenty strong women role models and for passages that suggest real equality” (par.

16). When organizing ideas, Kristoff writes in chronological order, starting with the creation of

women and the issues they face, all the way to the stories of current female religious leaders and

their confidence to be who they are in their religious practices. The ideal male audience for this

argument is likely to feel more open and subject to this change because, if one man can accept it

and tell all the reasons why, then so can others; also times are changing and men have to get out

of the habit of being controlling. Nicholas Kristoff concludes that women have always had the

power, persistency, and strength to be resilient and to keep on fighting for what they want.

Kristoff effectively convinces his audience about women progressing and being able to take jobs

as religious leaders through the use of references from past history and stereotypes on women, as

well as token stories from the bible.

First Kristoff notes that “Ever since Eve bit into an apple in the Garden of Eden, God has

been rough on women” (par. 1). These words allow the audience to look at the parallel between
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the impact men had on women back in the day and the stereotypes, hardships, and challenges

they face from men today. Next, he describes women as being “submissive” to men and he

claims that according to Saint Paul, “it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in church” (par. 3).

The word submissive shows how women were expected to act when it came to everything

pertaining to being equal to a man. Both men and women of the past could agree on women

being submissive to men because back then it was considered the social norm. Kristoff

apparently intended his audience to think about how women have moved past the era of being

seen and treated as a group lower than men, and their progression of impact on the world. Surely,

the amounts of statistics and references would flow from the ethos, logos, and pathos appeals.

Throughout his piece, Kristoff uses many sources that strengthen his credibility to appeal

to ethos, as well as build his argument. These sources include, “American Jewish World

Service”, “Reconstructionist Judaism”, “Union Theological Seminary”, “Judges 4-5”, and “Mark

7:24-30” (par. 11). Citing these sources boosts Kristoff’s credibility by showing that he has done

his research and has provided many references and statistics, as well as expert opinions to

support his claim. He also uses personal experiences of those who have gone through challenges

to support the issue. “Rabbi Emily Barton who presides over a Conservative synagogue in Des

Moines, says that her congregation hasn’t had a problem with the fact that she’s a woman and a

lesbian” (par. 15). This shows that he was dedicated in pulling information from every place he

possibly could to make the topic more understandable.

Along with strong ethos appeals, Kristoff effectively makes appeals to logos throughout the body

sections of the article. His information provided throughout these paragraphs are full of many

numbers and statistical evidence from different schools and seminaries that show the progression

of women becoming religious leaders. Kristoff notes that the “first woman president of New
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York City’s Union Theological Seminary, almost 60 percent of her students are now female”

(par. 5). The image of progression he evokes of the greatness and excitement of being a female

religious leader, effectively proves his point of women no longer being “submissive” and making

a revolution. His goal is to make the audience feel uncomfortable. Adding to this idea are phrases

such as, “dramatic shift” and “dominate” (par.5). These phrases evoke men and show how large

amounts of women are no longer being put into a box. The sources like these helps establish the

structure that helps build the article.

Kristoff uses numerous emotive terms to help his audience to empathize with women and the

hardships they have endured to get to where they are today. First, Kristoff notes that “Over the

centuries, I was fine for women to be martyred (or, at times, to be burned as witches), but they

were denied the right to become priests, rabbis or ministers” (par. 3). These words allow the

audience to see insight into the past and the stereotypes woman had to face. Next, he compares

the idea of religion being used for inspiring abolitionists. “Faith is now evolving from a rationale

for suppressing women to a means for empowering them” (par. 10). The word “evolving” shows

the progress and support of women and their empowerment for each other. Kristoff intended his

audience to think about the many obstacle’s women overcame and how they used their faith and

friendships to help build each other up and to be the best version of themselves. The emotions of

hardship, stereotypes, and perseverance would follow from the use of such an appeal.

In conclusion, Kristoff shows how the work and persistence of hardworking women have shaped

them to be who they are today; allowing them to go for any job they want. Kristoff also displays

how women can be more of use to their congregations providing them with deeper understanding

and comprehension of certain topic discussed in their pulpits. He makes sure his audience can

grasp the idea of his topic and uses each appeal to their fullest potential. Kristoff effectively
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convinces his audience about women progressing and being able to take jobs as religious leaders

through the use of references from past history and stereotypes on women, as well as token

stories from the bible developing these references through logos, ethos, and pathos appeals.
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Work Cited

Nicholas Kristoff, “The New York Times”, God and Her (Female) Clergy, Opinion Columnist,

March 31st, 2018