Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #46069 in Books
• Published on: 1978-05
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

Synopsis
Documents the ancient worship of the great creator Mother Goddess under a diversity of names and details the rewriting of myths, the recasting of rituals and religious doctrines, and the transformation of the Goddess into a wanton, depraved figure by invading patriarchal tribes.

Customer Reviews

There was history before the Bible?
In light of the recent decision by the board of education in Kansas, I now know that we truly live in a society of ignorance. The historical evidence presented in this book is well-researched and I don't feel as though any is taken out of context. I can see why Christians and Jews would take offense to this book because it threatens their supposed one true god. Stone goes point by point taking apart the origin of their religion through the destruction of what had existed as a belief system for eons. Could something had existed before Adam & Eve? Perish the thought! I feel closer to the Goddess now and how things used to be thousands of years ago than I ever did in 10 years of Luthern Sunday School and confirmation class. As for the state of Kansas, I pity the students for they will make ignorant adults when evolution ceases to be taught. Its just another example of "accidental or intentional censorship" of ideas outside of Christian thought. I am truly disgusted with those who are in positions of power nowadays. It is so reminiscent of those long ago patriarchal invaders who propagate their own opinions by making people think its how "its always been."

A Rib is not a Woman, It's Just a Bone!
For those who have ears to hear and eyes to see and a mind that is open, imagine the world through the feminine soul, of woman born we are; not man! When one begins to read the bible, it becomes obvious rather quickly, the Agenda of the male hagiographer: The knowledge of the fruit of the tree[of the Goddess] of Good and Evil is Overpowering. This knowledge is the power of sexuality and abundance. We cannot have the women running rampant with their desires. We must control sexuality by controlling women and their children. We have been living with these belief systems for over 2000 years! Throughout the old testament, the authors routinely condemn and curse women. There must be a reason for this, unless you are purely a misogynistic fundatmentalist and believe in the rib myth. The reason the authors in the bible write about women in such a derogatory manner is their attempt to eliminate completely any allegiance to the so-called fertility 'cults'i.e. Goddess Worship. Many women even after the time of Christ were still practicing some of the old ways of Diana. The bible authors wanted to retell the story of creation so as to firmly implant in the minds of the people that women were to be restricted and controlled or else they would corrupt nations! Why this great repression of the feminine? Just as any conqueror rewrites his/herstory, the bible authors[men]needed to insure their victory. This is political propaganda at its best. When you tell someone long and loud enough that they are unworthy of ruling,they are unclean, and they are only here to serve their masters[MEN]over time they will believe it. The Goddess embraces all sexuality and abundance. Many women had children as part of offering their sexuality to the Goddess in the temple[Esphesus]. Paternity was not an issue. All children were nurtured and reared by the community. The children took their mother's name. And these same children succeeded their mother to the throne. It is important to note that males were not oppressed or dominated by females in the Goddess Rites. Only under partriarchy, does the notion of domination take place"rule of the fathers." The overthrow of the Goddess Religion was an economic and political victory for the followers of Yahweh. It was important to have the father rule the family, the city, and the nation. And paternity was vital to maintaining that power. If you dare to explore these truths you will need to let go of what you thought was truth! Without courage, we cannot grow. Without growth, we die. Be a Warrior and conquer ignorance and oppression. Do not hide your light under a bushel,go tell it on a mountain and everywhere. Eat of the fruit!

Ancient Conspiracy to Suppress Female Role in Religion
I found this book enlightening and educational. Ms. Stone has done extensive research to reveal the conspiracy by the ancient Hebrews and Christians to eradicate the once primary role of women in religion and society. The middle of the book is slow going at times, since it is so dense with scholarly facts, but the last third is fascinating as it builds to its conclusion. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about women's role in religion and society in pre-Biblical times, the ancient practice of Goddess worship, or modern religions in a historical context.