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When God Was a Woman summary
Merlin Stone
Brief summary
When God Was a Woman by Merlin Stone explores the history of goddess worship and the shift to male-dominated religions. It delves into the archaeological and historical evidence of a time when women held central roles in society and religious practice.
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When God Was a Woman
Summary of key ideas
The Ancient Goddess and the Shift to Patriarchy
In When God Was a Woman, Merlin Stone takes us on a journey back to the Neolithic period, where she argues that societies were matriarchal, and the female deity was the central figure in religious worship. She examines archaeological evidence, such as artifacts and temple structures, to support the existence of these ancient goddess-centered cultures.
Stone then moves into the historical period, focusing on the Middle East, where she claims that the shift from matriarchy to patriarchy took place. She attributes this shift to the rise of nomadic, warrior societies that began to invade and conquer the earlier peaceful, agrarian societies. These warrior societies, Stone argues, were patriarchal in nature, and they sought to subjugate women and replace the goddess with male gods.
The Suppression of the Feminine Divine
In the second part of When God Was a Woman, Stone explores the systematic suppression of the feminine divine. She describes how the once revered goddesses were demonized and their worship was banned. The author argues that the tales of the Great Flood, the Garden of Eden, and the Tower of Babel are all myths that were rewritten to justify the overthrow of the goddess-centered societies.
Stone also discusses the role of organized religion, particularly Judaism and Christianity, in this suppression. She contends that these religions, with their male-dominated hierarchies, sought to eliminate all traces of the earlier goddess-worshipping cultures, and they succeeded in doing so by rewriting history and altering religious traditions.
Reclaiming the Feminine Divine
Despite the grim picture painted in the earlier parts of the book, When God Was a Woman ends on a hopeful note. Stone argues that there have been persistent efforts throughout history to keep the memory of the goddess alive, even in the face of extreme persecution. She highlights various examples of goddess worship that have survived, often in the form of folk traditions and customs.
Stone then turns her attention to the present day, where she observes a renewed interest in the feminine divine. She discusses the rise of feminist spirituality and the reclaiming of goddess worship by modern women. She also explores the psychological and social implications of this shift, arguing that a return to a more balanced, inclusive spiritual paradigm could have profound effects on gender relations and society as a whole.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, When God Was a Woman presents a provocative and controversial thesis about the historical role of the feminine divine. Stone's work challenges traditional narratives about the evolution of religious belief and the place of women in ancient societies. Whether or not one agrees with all of her arguments, her book serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the forgotten history of the goddess and her worship, and the implications of her suppression.
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What is When God Was a Woman about?
When God Was a Woman by Merlin Stone explores the history of goddess worship and the shift to male-dominated religious beliefs. Stone delves into ancient myths, archaeological evidence, and cultural practices to uncover the forgotten era when women held significant power and authority. This thought-provoking book challenges traditional narratives about the divine and offers a compelling reexamination of our spiritual past.
When God Was a Woman Review
When God Was a Woman (1976) explores the forgotten history of the divine feminine and challenges traditional religious narratives. Here's why this book is compelling:
- Unveiling historical evidence of goddess worship across civilizations, it reshapes perceptions of ancient beliefs and the role of women in spirituality.
- By examining archaeological findings and cultural practices, the book sheds light on the suppression of goddess-centered societies and the impact on gender dynamics.
- Its provocative perspective sparks thought on the intertwined nature of religion, power structures, and gender equality, ensuring a thought-provoking and enlightening read.
Who should read When God Was a Woman?
Individuals curious about the history of religion and the role of women in ancient societies
Readers who want to explore alternative perspectives on spirituality and divine representation
Those interested in feminist literature and the impact of patriarchy on human civilization
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When God Was a Woman FAQs
What is the main message of When God Was a Woman?
The main message of When God Was a Woman is the historical presence of female deities and the importance of reclaiming their stories.
How long does it take to read When God Was a Woman?
The estimated reading time for When God Was a Woman is a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just a few minutes.
Is When God Was a Woman a good book? Is it worth reading?
The book When God Was a Woman is worth reading for its insightful exploration of ancient female-centric religions.
Who is the author of When God Was a Woman?
The author of When God Was a Woman is Merlin Stone.
What to read after When God Was a Woman?
If you're wondering what to read next after When God Was a Woman, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- God Is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens
- The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
- The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama
- On Being by Peter Atkins
- The Biology of Belief by Bruce H. Lipton
- Buddha’s Brain by Rick Hanson
- Choose Yourself by James Altucher
- Going Clear by Lawrence Wright
- The Power of No by James Altucher & Claudia Azula Altucher
- The Demon-Haunted World by Carl Sagan