Asks Quote by Nawal El Saadawi
“Thus, after a period of about two thousand years the greatest crime became to worship a god other than the God of Moses, whereas injustice became a minor sin. I began to ask myself how this change had come about. Was it linked to a new order in which the female goddesses had been replaced by one male god?”
About This Quote
Source Book: Women at Point Zero, Nawal El Saadawi, 1975
The author reflects on a historical shift where worshipping any deity other than the God of Moses became the gravest sin, while injustice was downgraded, questioning if this stemmed from replacing female deities with a male god.
In simple terms: Worship of non‑Mosaic gods labeled the worst sin, injustice less so, possibly due to male‑dominated religion.
Key Takeaway
Consider how religious narratives shape moral hierarchies.
Themes
religion
gender
morality
history
power
Mood
reflective
critical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- interfaith dialogue
- ethical education
- cultural analysis
- policy making
Key Concepts
theology
patriarchy
social change
Questions to Reflect On
- How do gendered deities affect societal values?
- Can moral priorities change without altering belief systems?
A Different Perspective
Religious shifts can be influenced by political power, not just theology.
