Telling me that I’m obsessed with talking about racism in America is like telling me I’m obsessed with swimming when I’m drowning.
Hari KondaboluRead
Men of patriarchal cultures have been committing heinous acts in the name of their God ever since they created a god for themselves. It seems that the earlier, goddess-oriented, nature-centered religions were far less cruel.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote critiques the violent tendencies of patriarchal religions compared to earlier goddess-based beliefs.
Barbara G. Walker's quote suggests that patriarchal religions have historically promoted violence and cruelty, often justifying heinous acts in the name of a male deity. In contrast, she posits that earlier, nature-centered religions that honored the feminine were less associated with such brutality, implying that the nature of the deity influences the moral implications of the beliefs.
Themes
PatriarchyReligionViolenceCultureGoddessNature
In practice
Example use cases
During a panel discussion on gender and religion, this quote can illustrate the conversation about the role of women in spiritual narratives.
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