Is it easier for women to have a deep relationship with Christ because they're female

[whatevergirl]

I like that quote “Jesus in a sense let women be and went after the men to transform them”. Very masculine.

I’ve been pondering this subject for quite a while. I’ve always wondered how men relate to Christ. I was actually just reading mulieris dignitatem before I jumped over to CAF.

Women can fall in love with Jesus pretty easily because he is the perfect Man — gave himself completely, totally, fully to his bride, never violated her, he protects her purity, provides for her, and he was courageous too. What a Man!
That authentic masculinity is very attractive to us feminine-types. Even in times of personal spiritual dryness, reflecting on those attributes can stir a woman’s heart. And of course, Christ being our Lord and King is a huge part of that.

I really like your post, sarah–I agree.

 

[NTOT]

Thank you for explaining this. I didn’t know how to do it, but you said it much better than I could. My relationship with Jesus is not purely emotional.

That is good. It shouldn’t be purely emotional. But the question in the post is “Is it easier for women…”. And the answer is “yes” because, women have more of tendency to fall into a superficial, emotion based relationship. These are more touchy, feely relationships though, rather than authentic relationships. You however have gone beyond that and have a genuine love for God. I don’t believe it is any easier for women to have a genuine love for God than it is for men. Actually I would tend to think that it is easier for men to have genuine and authentic love.

 

[GemmaRose]

That is good. It shouldn’t be purely emotional. But the question in the post is “Is it easier for women…”. And the answer is “yes” because, women have more of tendency to fall into a superficial, emotion based relationship. These are more touchy, feely relationships though, rather than authentic relationships. You however have gone beyond that and have a genuine love for God. I don’t believe it is any easier for women to have a genuine love for God than it is for men. Actually I would tend to think that it is easier for men to have genuine and authentic love.

You’re correct that it shouldn’t be purely emotional. But on the other hand, I disagree that just because a woman may have a “touchy, feely” relationship doesn’t preclude it from being an authentic relationship since women and men express themselves differently.

 

[ppeter]

IMHO, there is something to what some posters are saying about women having a certain facility with relationships and with giving themselves.
On the other hand, this very facility can also become a temptation, because we can take our gifts as meaning we are owed something. I think about the part of CSLewis’s The Four Loves (at least that’s where I think it is) where he talks about how maternal love can become prideful idolatry.
Our natural talents and dispositions are great, but at some point we have to choose to let go of them and embrace the Giver.
I am a strong believer in God’s providence being arranged in such a way that we are all very different, but in our differences we all face the same dramatic choice to live for Christ. No Christian is spared the Cross.

 

[NTOT]

You’re correct that it shouldn’t be purely emotional. But on the other hand, I disagree that just because a woman may have a “touchy, feely” relationship doesn’t preclude it from being an authentic relationship since women and men express themselves differently.

Not that women can’t have authentic relationships, but that what comes naturally is the emotion based relationship and also that which is mistaken for women having an easier time having a so called relationship with God.
On a side note I don’t believe it is difficult for anyone male or female to have a true and authentic love for God. Giving (a masculine trait) of oneself in true love is possible with both genders. Women make up for not having the ‘giving’ aspect with the emotion aspect. Emotion is a ‘receiving’ aspect and determinant of feelings within oneself.

 

[KCT]

I voted ‘no’. I know lots of priests who seem to have very deep relationships w/ Christ. (and our Lady )

 

[iaskquestions]

“iaskquestions”… yes, I understood your basic question. But I don’t understand the logic IN the question. Or perhaps, I am simply astounded to find out that there are Christian males who do NOT have as close a relationship with Our Lord Jesus… as they ought to have, or would like to have, simply because they share the same gender. I don’t understand how this could possibly hold them back?

If they hesitate ONLY because Jesus is male… well, what kind of a reason is that? He is not just a MAN. He is GOD! Please help me to understand this, gentlemen. Because I don’t. Jesus loves each and every single one of you! Why would you hesitate to make Him your very Best Friend?

God bless.

I will share my experience. I easily fell in love with God the Father. But for many years I kept ignoring Christ. I did believe in Jesus, but I did not have as deep a relationship with him as I had with the Father.

I used to like to talk about God the Father. But when I used to interact with some of my **female friends **I noticed that they used to always share their experiences about their relationship with Jesus and that’s something which really made me wonder.

I realized they were approaching Christ more freely than I did. They used to say, “Jesus is my lover, I hug him”, but to me, being a man, it used to sound very “unnatural”. A best friend? Yes! But a lover??? It took me quite a lot of time to develop a relationship with Jesus. I had easily developed a relationship with the Father and the Spirit, but it was difficult when it came to Jesus, but I’m glad that I have a deep relationship now.

 

[Augustine]

I think about the part of CSLewis’s The Four Loves (at least that’s where I think it is) where he talks about how maternal love can become prideful idolatry.

On a side note, that’s something that Our Lady could rightfully let herself into, adoring her Son, according to Scott Hahn. :bowdown2:

 

[MarieVeronica]

I will share my experience. I easily fell in love with God the Father. But for many years I kept ignoring Christ. I did believe in Jesus, but I did not have as deep a relationship with him as I had with the Father.

I used to like to talk about God the Father. But when I used to interact with some of my **female friends **I noticed that they used to always share their experiences about their relationship with Jesus and that’s something which really made me wonder.

I realized they were approaching Christ more freely than I did. They used to say, “Jesus is my lover, I hug him”, but to me, being a man, it used to sound very “unnatural”. A best friend? Yes! But a lover??? It took me quite a lot of time to develop a relationship with Jesus. I had easily developed a relationship with the Father and the Spirit, but it was difficult when it came to Jesus, but I’m glad that I have a deep relationship now.

“iaskquestions”… thank you very much. This helps me better understand… the topic of this thread. As I said, previously… I was surprised to learn that some men have difficulty developing a close relationship with Our Lord, Jesus. It also saddened me, greatly.

I’m very heartened, though… to hear that you have a deep relationship with Our Eternal Father. I hope that all men, feel the same. In this way, you also have a relationship with Our Lord, Jesus. I am reminded of the discussion between Our Lord and St. Philip:

“Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father and it is enough for us”. Jesus said to him, “Have I been so long a time with you, and you have not known Me? Philip, he who sees Me sees also the Father.” (John 14:8-9)

Sure, it’s a basic biological fact… that women, in general… (I’m no exception) DO have a greater tendency, toward emotions. But, I would greatly hesitate to label my own relationship with God… as “touchy-feely”. It rather limits the experience to what “I’m feeling”… and doesn’t seem (to me) a mutual exchange. In other words, I make an attempt to “see” it, from His perspective… to acknowledge His Love… as much as my puny human mind can.

Your female friends… talk about their relationships with Our Lord. But it doesn’t necessarily mean they have deeper relationships with Him, then a man. It only means that they are TALKING about it, more freely. Even though I am female, I would not refer to Our Lord as “my Lover”. I would certainly refer to Him as “my Love”… or “my Beloved” for that is what He is (the One we love). I know that in this day and age… the word “Lover” has certain implications… that years ago, it did not have. And that a man would feel uncomfortable using it, in speaking of Our Lord. But, I’m a woman… and I’m uncomfortable with it, too. Maybe that is where part of the confusion is playing in.

I’d like to offer a list of male saints, who were devoted to Jesus… for your consideration. Maybe it would help you guys… to develop a closer relationship with Our Lord, by praying to one of these saints. God bless all of you.

St. Joseph - (Foster father of Our Lord; Dads, this would be a great saint for you!).

ALL 12 Apostles (Sts. Peter, Andrew, Matthew, Thomas, Philip, Bartholomew, John, James, Simon, Jude, James the Less and Matthias; Just ordinary guys… called to greatness by Our Lord!).

St. Paul - (Apostle of the Gentiles; Jesus once knocked him off a horse! What a GUY thing. After that, they were friends for Eternity).

There are many more. But these men, are great examples.

 

[KingAlfred]

Is it easier for women to have a deep relationship with Christ because they’re female?

This is a bit off-topic, but I must admit, one of my fears of feminism is that if it ever infiltrates the priesthood, it will subvert our belief in God as a man. This is my primary opposition to the idea of female priests. Sorry.

 

[Kevin42]

I think men have just as deep a relationship with our Lord as women do, but it is just expressed differently. To me, men express their love of our Lord by living out John 15:13, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Jesus is my greatest friend, and I try to lay down my life for Him. For me, there does not really need to be much emotion since I trust in the Lord and place my faith in Him.

 

[iaskquestions]

This is a bit off-topic, but I must admit, one of my fears of feminism is that if it ever infiltrates the priesthood, it will subvert our belief in God as a man. This is my primary opposition to the idea of female priests. Sorry.

God was not a man before the Incarnation. He was only masculine. Since men are supposed to be masculine, it was fitting that the Incarnation be in the form of a male.

And don’t be unduly afraid of feminism. Jesus has given us a guarantee -

“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” (Matt 16:18)

 

[SarahR]

I think men have just as deep a relationship with our Lord as women do, but it is just expressed differently. To me, men express their love of our Lord by living out John 15:13, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Jesus is my greatest friend, and I try to lay down my life for Him. For me, there does not really need to be much emotion since I trust in the Lord and place my faith in Him.

I liked this post.

It made me think of Luke 10: 1-17 for the men, when Christ sends out the disciples with a task to do, to be bold in their labors.
And for the women, a little later in that same chapter, Luke 10: 38-42, when Christ says Mary has chosen the better part, sitting at his feet and listening to him.

 

[SarahR]

God was not a man before the Incarnation. He was only masculine.

God is pure spirit, he doesn’t have gender. In my understanding, male and female are reflections (individually they are fragments) of the totality of Him.

 

[littleone]

I don’t think anyone can answer that. What you will get are opinions only.

Maybe but to give a thought. I believe that since you are relating to the “spirit” NOT to the flesh then this is where the difference lies.
I would believe that since “God made man to His own likeness” and the bible states that there is much weight on men, the women so as to speak, being the weaker ones, then there must be also much spiritual gifting or guidance. Then we come to "to one God gives one talent to another two and another three---- So as you say it is a point that only God can say.
Godbless
Thistle

 

[mercygate]

Is it easier for women to have a deep relationship with Christ because they’re female?

That’s what the Carthusians claim.

 

[Augustine]

God is pure spirit, he doesn’t have gender. In my understanding, male and female are reflections (individually they are fragments) of the totality of Him.

True, but if we humans are to relate to God and to His Son it is as though they were male. Referring to these Persons of the Holy Trinity as male is the best way to describe and to relate to them in human terms. Jesus being a man is a symbol of what He is.

 

[GemmaRose]

This is a bit off-topic, but I must admit, one of my fears of feminism is that if it ever infiltrates the priesthood, it will subvert our belief in God as a man. This is my primary opposition to the idea of female priests. Sorry.

God was not a man before the Incarnation. He was only masculine. Since men are supposed to be masculine, it was fitting that the Incarnation be in the form of a male.

And don’t be unduly afraid of feminism. Jesus has given us a guarantee -

“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” (Matt 16:18)

What are both of you talking about???

• God is not a man.
• God is pure spirit - neither male nor female.
• God is both masculine and feminine, otherwise men AND women could not have been created in the image and likeness of God. (Check out the 1st Chapter of Genesis.)
• Jesus, God, Word of God, Son of God, Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, became incarnate on this earth as a male human (a man) with two natures: one fully human and one fully divine.

John 1:14 - *“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we saw his glory, the glory as it were of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

“And the Word was made flesh…” * – the word *“flesh” *is translated from the Greek word “sarx” which does not mean “man” nor “male” nor “masculine,” nor any organ of the human body, but has a meaning which cannot be fully translated by any of our English words. The word sarx means not just human but everything that makes us human: skin and bones and all the other parts, heart and soul, mind and spirit, likes and dislikes, emotions of joy and pain and everything in between… everything (except sin).

So, yes, Jesus was incarnate as a fully human man and now is risen in His glorified, male Body, But to say that God is a man?? Uhhhh, no.

Got it??

So, maybe it is true that women can have a deeper relationship with Christ because we’ve learned, like Mary who chose the better part, to sit at His feet and listen to Him, rather than stand up and make ridiculous and untrue assertions.

 

[beckycmarie]

Gemma,

Peter Kreeft says this about God’s masculinity, and I agree:

God is masculine, not male. Women as much as men represent the image of God (cf. Gn 5.1-2). But at the heart of divine revelation is the simple fact that the First Person of the Trinity has chosen to reveal himself to us as Father. This is a category which transcends human biology (male and female), and of which human fatherhood is a shadow (cf. Eph 3.14).

 

[littleone]

What are both of you talking about???

• God is not a man.
• God is pure spirit - neither male nor female.
• God is both masculine and feminine, otherwise men AND women could not have been created in the image and likeness of God. (Check out the 1st Chapter of Genesis.)

I think that the point is that only God knows and that it is GOD the giver of gifts and I think that it is the fact that it is a gift from God, least we boast of our importance.
Godbless