There is nothing of greater importance to the well-being of society at large - of man as well as woman - than the true proper position of woman.
It is not Christianity, but priestcraft that has subjected woman as we find her.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that the oppression of women is a result of the actions of religious authorities rather than the teachings of Christianity itself.
Lucretia Mott's quote emphasizes the distinction between the core teachings of Christianity and the ways in which organized religion—particularly through male-dominated priesthood—has historically oppressed women. She argues that the structures and practices imposed by religious figures have contributed more to the subjugation of women than the spiritual principles that Christianity advocates, shedding light on the need to differentiate religion from the patriarchal systems that often misinterpret and manipulate it.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a women's rights rally, this quote could be used to highlight the intersection of religion and gender equality.
More from Lucretia Mott
All quotes →It is time that Christians were judged more by their likeness to Christ than their notions of Christ. Were this sentiment generally admitted we should not see such tenacious adherence to what men deem the opinions and doctrines of Christ while at the same time in every day practise is exhibited anything but a likeness to Christ.
The world has never yet seen a truly great and virtuous nation because in the degradation of woman the very fountains of life are poisoned at their source.
Let our lives be in accordance with our convictions of right, each striving to carry out our principles.
If our principles are right, why should we be cowards?
Let our lives be in accordiance with our convictions of right, each striving to carry out our principles
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A good parson once said that where mystery begins religion ends. Cannot I say, as truly at least, of human laws, that where mystery begins justice ends?
The ruling of men is the effort to direct the individual actions of many persons toward some end. This end theoretically should be the greatest good of all, but no human group has ever reached this ideal because of ignorance and selfishness.
He who gives away shall have real gain. He who subdues himself shall be free; he shall cease to be a slave of passions. The righteous man casts off evil, and by rooting out lust, bitterness, and illusion do we reach Nirvana.
Alas, everything that men say to one another is alike; the ideas they exchange are almost always the same, in their conversation. But inside all those isolated machines, what hidden recesses, what secret compartments! It is an entire world that each one carries within him, an unknown world that is born and dies in silence! What solitudes all these human bodies are!