When God Was a Woman by Merlin Stone
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Book Reviews of When God Was a Woman
Book Review: I owe so MUCH to Ms. Stone!
Summary: 5 Stars
I owe so much to Merlin Stone for writing this courageous book! A few years ago, I was sitting in the choir loft of my church, singing hymns to Father God, saying the Lord's Prayer to "Our Father.." and then, when it was time to recite the Apostle's Creed... "I believe in God the father, almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord...." I suddenly could NOT DO IT. I choked. I suddenly felt VERY ANGRY at the fact that NO WHERE in anything we said, sang about, or talked about, was ANY representation of the Feminine Spirit. Surely, I thought, there was SOME representation of the female spirit in the Holy? Oh, I had heard about Goddess worship before. But it had never hit home with me before just how alone and bereaved I felt at having NO Feminine face to think about in the Holy Giver of Life. And I thought about just how ridiculous that actually was. I had a crisis that day. I made an appointment later that week with a counselor to help me find my way spiritually. She listened to me, then gave me a list of books. This book was on the list. I have read it at least 3 times since then, and it truly changed my life. Not only did it explain a LOT about why Christianity today is so bereft of feminine spirit, but it made me realize that Goddess worship is valid, that it was the path for many people for thousands of years.. and it is what was missing in my life and the lives of almost everyone. Kudos to Ms. Stone... I will forever be indebted to you. Oh, and I quit the choir and I will never recite that creed again. Another book that I would suggest is Elaine Pagel's Gnostic Gospels...Book Review: Journey to Reality--The Importance of Knowing History
Summary: 5 Stars
As a Christian woman I felt a void in my soul that couldn't be answered through the Biblical scriptures. Why were the teachings so vile and violent towards women? Why was society demeaning and oppressive to the mothers of humanity? How did our culture develope into such a divided state that men were dominate and women submissive? Why weren't women revered for their life giving nature and soul healing abilities? The first book I read that brought some understanding was G. James Stewart's Immorality of Christianity. This opened the door for me to challenge social and theological beliefs that have devalued women (and men)as well as Western civilization as a whole. I read Jean M. Auel's Earth Children series (Clan of the Cave Bear)and was given a glimpse of pre-historical beliefs and customs. This caused me to ask the question: When did it all change? When did the Mother Goddess get replaced by the Judeo-Christian God? This book by Merlin Stone lept off the shelf with her all encompassing title. From page one to the end she develops a sound scientific histography of the age before God worship and the powerful infulence of women in a culture which honored fertility, prosperity, and peace for thousands of years. My identity as a women has found peace and comfort in the knowing that womanhood was once revered--and can be again, as the source of life. My beliefs have changed dramatically and never will I see the patriarchial Judeo-Christian dogma as anything but usurpation of woman as divine...Book Review: There was history before the Bible?
Summary: 5 Stars
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."Book Review: "And The Truth Shall Set You Free"
Summary: 5 Stars
If only I had found this book during my Christian indoctrination period, how different my experience of life would have been! Merlin Stone's research is appropos to this day. She provides the historical information that explains the delusions we have been laboring under for 2000 years: That a woman is responsible for the sufferings of humanity and that because of it, women are rightfully subjugated and dominated by wiser men. This book also helps us understand that Judeo-Christian philosophies and practices are merely a glitch in the tens of thousands of years-long progress of humanity. Although many people view religion as at worst a plague on humanity and at best a very bad joke, we all still suffer from effects of the progenitors of the Adam and Eve myth. This book will give you perspective, help you to spot the stinking-thinking when it affects you, change the wrongness when you are able, and to more cheerfully endure the horror when you can't.Book Review: Daring to take an Honest Look
Summary: 5 Stars
Fascinating look at the religious history of the human species. Stone dares to research thoroughly and to examine that evidence honestly, knowing that the truth is nothing to be feared. Stone presents the evidence, and suggests, allowing the reader to use intelligence and draw conclusions for her/himself. If some of the middle chapters seem slow going, it is only the calm before the storm as the evidence gathers to its conclusions. Stone is NOT alone in these researches or in her conclusions; respected scholars such as Joseph Campbell and M. Gimbutas and a host of others have also trod this path. Hers is simply a superbly researched presentation which is respectful of the reader. It is very difficult for many, even scholars, to have the courage and honesty to examine deeply-held prejudices and preconceptions; those who are willing to do so will find this book thrilling.