Conception Of Feminism

When Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the Wittenburg Church, the unique autonomous authority that was introduced by Hebrew monotheism was re-established. The Vatican's strict interpretation of the Church's authority and thereby the denial of autonomy of the individual was broken. Luther's interpretation of personal responsibility and interaction with God drove a wedge between the church's political and social power. He went directly against the authority of the church by claming that only true communion with God would take place by individual study of the Scriptures. After many years of bloody struggle, Protestantism was accepted by the populace (grudgingly by the Vatican) and in effect, gave a new freedom to women. Because of Luther's insistence on individual study of the scriptures, a new lay intelligentsia developed, helped along by the invention of the printing press. .
             With total removal of the traditional hierarchy for salvation, women were encouraged to study the scriptures for themselves. This theological education allowed women to interpret the meanings of the scriptures in a religion that fortunately, had very little true demands for female subjection. The Hebrew and Christian Bible portray women in a mostly positive, proactive light. God did not create people (men and women) to be his slaves. This is the fundamental aspect of Hebrew ideology, believing that God has bestowed on people (men and women) the ability to choose between good and evil. Women interpreted the scriptures to be proof of God's original intention for female equality. In the face of countless centuries of traditional roles of male dominance/female subordination, this new religious enlightenment formed the backbone necessary to press for equal rights. .
             This new philosophy flew in the face of traditional medieval Christian thought, where women were believed to be evil temptresses who lured men into sin.