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Woman, thou shouldst ever be clothed in rags and in…

“Woman, thou shouldst ever be clothed in rags and in mourning, appearing only as a penitent, drowned in tears, and expiating thus the sin of having caused the fall of the human race. Woman thou art the gate of the devil. It is thou who hast corrupted those whom Satan dare not attack face to face.” quote by Tertullian
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“Woman, thou shouldst ever be clothed in rags and in mourning, appearing only as a penitent, drowned in tears, and expiating thus the sin of having caused the fall of the human race. Woman thou art the gate of the devil. It is thou who hast corrupted those whom Satan dare not attack face to face.”

Tertullian

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The author condemns women as sources of sin, urging them to live in perpetual mourning and penitence, reflecting misogynistic theology.

In simple terms: Women are blamed for humanity’s downfall and must be punished.

Key Takeaway

Question gendered blame in religious texts.

Themes

religion gender morality blame misogyny

Mood

critical analytical

Type

theological social

When to use this quote

  • church teachings
  • counseling
  • gender studies
  • literary analysis

Key Concepts

theology patriarchal doctrine social control

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does this perspective affect women's roles?
  • Can reinterpretation alter its impact?
A Different Perspective

Such views ignore women's agency and contributions.

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