You may go over the world and you will find that every…
““You may go over the world and you will find that every form of religion which has breathed upon this earth has degraded woman... I have been traveling over the old world during the last few years and have found new food for thought. What power is it that makes the Hindoo woman burn herself upon the funeral pyre of her husband? Her religion. What holds the Turkish woman in the harem? Her religion. By what power do the Mormons perpetuate their system of polygamy? By their religion/ Man, of himself, could not do this; but when he declares, 'Thus saith the Lord,' of course he can do it. So long as ministers stand up and tell us Christ is the head of the church, so is man the head of woman, how are we to break the chains which have held women down through the ages? You Christian women look at the Hindoo, the Turkish, the Mormon women, and wonder how they can be held in such bondage... Now I ask you if our religion teaches the dignity of woman? It teaches us the abominable idea of the sixth century--Augustine's idea--that motherhood is a curse; that woman is the author of sin, and is most corrupt. Can we ever cultivate any proper sense of self-respect as long as women take such sentiments from the mouths of the priesthood?””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker argues that many religions have historically oppressed women, using examples from various cultures to illustrate how religious doctrine can justify gender inequality.
In simple terms: Religions often use doctrine to keep women subordinate.
Key Takeaway
Question and challenge religious justifications for gender inequality.
Themes
gender equality
religion
oppression
history
women's rights
Mood
critical
inspirational
Type
advocacy
historical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- activism
- education
- policy reform
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
feminist theory
theology
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- What role does interpretation play in religious gender roles?
- How can societies reform religious practices to empower women?
A Different Perspective
Religious texts can be interpreted in ways that support equality.