Gender, Sexuality and Religion: A Comparative Analysis of Major Religions.

This thesis examines the intersections of gender and sexuality within Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, and Judaism, focusing on their theological foundations, historical practices, and contemporary implications. Hinduism's nature-based cosmology, rooted in concepts like Ardhanarishwar, Hiranyagarbha, Lajja Gauri, and the Matrikas, presents gender and sexuality as fluid, complementary forces mirroring natural processes of creation and balance. In contrast, Islam, Christianity, and Judaism often rely on binary, patriarchal narratives that restrict gender roles and sexual expression, while Buddhism's asceticism marginalizes sexuality. Drawing from ancient scriptures (Rig Veda, Quran, Bible, Tripitaka, Torah), archaeological evidence, and scholarly analyses, this study argues that Hinduism's fluid, nature-aligned framework offers a progressive model for gender equality, challenging the limitations of other traditions. The comparative analysis highlights strengths and drawbacks, emphasizing the need for modern reinterpretations to address gender equality in light of contemporary social norms. This paper studies through an interdisciplinary approach combining religious studies, gender theory, and archaeology, advocating for reforms informed by Hinduism's principles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]