Carol P. Christ

Because religion has such a compelling hold on the deep psyches of so many people, feminists cannot afford to leave it in the hands of the fathers.

The women's movement will present a growing threat to patriarchal religion less by attacking it than by simply leaving it behind.

After much diligent research, aided by other women, I gradually came to understand that beneath the familiar Goddesses of the patriarchy, there is a much more ancient Goddess.

At first the ancient images of the Goddess did not interest me.

Beliefs and values that have held sway for thousands of years will be questioned as never before.

The mother must socialize her daughter to become subordinate to men, and if her daughter challenges patriarchal norms, the mother is likely to defend the patriarchal structures against her own daughters.