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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My rule is, if you want to build something that does all things for all people, it's not going to work real well.
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Today is only one day in all the days that will ever be.
This thing is but a puny imitation of a much grander system whose laws you know, and I am not able to convince you that this mere toy is without a designer or maker; yet you profess to believe that the great original from which the design is taken has come into being without either designer or maker! Now tell me by what sort of reasoning do you reach such an incongruous conclusion?
To suppress free speech is a double wrong. It violates the rights of the hearer as well as those of the speaker.
I believe that every individual is naturally entitled to do as he pleases with himself and the fruits of his labor, so far as it in no way interferes with any other men's rights.