When God Was a Woman

Merlin Stone begins her investigation by questioning how men acquired the extensive control they currently exercise over society. This inquiry led her to examine the foundational religious narratives that have shaped attitudes toward women for millennia.

Stone argues that societies influenced by Christianity, Judaism, and Islam have been profoundly shaped by the creation story featuring Adam and Eve. This narrative teaches children that a male deity fashioned the universe, created man in his divine image, and subsequently formed woman as man’s helper. The story portrays Eve as the catalyst for humanity’s downfall through her consumption of the forbidden fruit and her subsequent temptation of Adam, resulting in their expulsion from paradise and God’s decree that women must submit to male authority.

According to Stone, this biblical account continues to impact contemporary women’s status despite occurring thousands of years ago. She contends that understanding this creation legend and its historical context provides crucial insight into how religious institutions have perpetuated female oppression throughout history.

Stone’s research reveals that before the emergence of male-dominated religions, ancient societies worshipped female deities. Archaeological and historical evidence demonstrates that Goddess worship flourished from approximately 7000 BC during the Neolithic period until around 500 AD, when the final Goddess temples closed.