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Here, archaeologically documented,is the story of the religion of the Goddess. Under her, women’s roles were far more prominent than in patriarchal Judeo-Christian cultures. Stone describes this ancient system and, with its disintegration, the decline in women’s status. Index; maps and illustrations.
An account, archaeologically documented, of the religion of the Goddess and its decline.
Anonymous
Posted December 27, 2007
I really loved reading this book, it was empowering, insightful and very revealing. I am grateful that Merlin did what she did.
5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted March 10, 2005
This book changed some of my opinions, and started a flame that I have not been able to put out. I have always doubted the exact truths that have been told to us through generations, but now through science and archaeological discoveries the truth is finally coming out, and because of this book I have begun an extensive research on various religions as a whole. I would like to thank the auth. for all her time and perspiration that was put into her book.
5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 30, 2003
This was an excellent book pointing out connections between different religions. Exposing attributes of patriarhcal Western religions this book gives the reader a new perspective on history. Much is speculative, but I must say that I haven't found much solid research elsewhere that has been done on much of the topic covered. It is good to read this with a critical eye for speculation, but this book changed how I viewed religion, society and the world at large.
5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted October 2, 2001
For about two weeks after reading this book I would just have to stop and shake my head, realizing how our 'secular' society is still shaped by the religious myths from thousands of years ago. Anyone who reads it with an open mind will never view religion in the same way. The chapter on the story of Adam and Eve is my favorite! This would be a great book for a discussion group.
5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I still need to do more research to make sure all of the information in this book is correct but it is a great book for women to read. My whole life I have been told the men have always ruled and have always been considered as being greater then women. I have also always heard that biologically women desire to have children and to nest. These views have never set well with me, but the insights of this book raise questions about what and why we believe the things we do and how that effects us all in our development.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted July 11, 2005
I'm a feminist and I don't need to read a book like this to know how I feel about some or most men. I don't hate men because I am married to one and I do empathize with women, like myself, who do not believe in patriarchy as a ruling entity in our society. Women have suffered throughout the centuries largely due to patriarchal attitudes, mainstream religion being largely responsible.
4 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted March 5, 2001
Could not put it down and when I did could not stop thinking about it. Makes you take a good hard look at everything you ever beleived to be true. A bit technical, but gave you the option of researching the material yourself.
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 12, 2008
Merlin Stone's work is unreferenced and illogically derivative. Her assertions fail to cite knowledge from her bibliography, (also incomplete) e.g., she fails to recognize the iconology and mythos regarding serpents, the Sumerian origins of The Fall. The latter is remarkable since this work was originally focused on the Adam and Eve myth and titled THE PARADISE PAPERS.
3 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 17, 2001
This is my favorite book ever! It is extremely eye-opening and has truly influenced my life and my awareness as a woman. I recommend it to any woman as it is an extremely empowering book. And to any man who wants to know how different society could be were it not for certain organized religions and their patriarchal attitudes.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Posted February 18, 2000
This book will change the way you look at history and, perhaps, the way you perceive organized religions. Readers will learn about the bloody battles of biblical times and the effect on the standing of women both then and now. This book will appeal to students of history, religion, and feminism alike. It is easy to read and very thought-provoking. The author allows you to draw your own conclusions and does not write with a heavy hand.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 1, 2003
I read this book years ago and it continues to influence my ponderings of life. It ranks second only to Joseph Campbell's Power of Myth on my list of required reading.
1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 24, 2013
God was never real to begin with
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Barbara-Lima
Posted April 24, 2012
I bought this book on April 15th. I didn't expect it until May 15th to 28th. Got it today, April 24!! Way before than expected! The book is in perfect condition, looks like absolutely new!!! Going to read it right now!
Thanks a lot!
Bárbara.
Lima- Perú.
It started out a little slow, but quickly became interesting after the first section. An especially good read for anyone struggling with the gender inequities in most of the major religions (particularly the "Big Three" - Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.)
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 28, 2005
Yeah. When i read this book. I found amusing that a feminist can hate the male species so much they'd try to prove a female's superority...
0 out of 10 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 22, 2002
this was an interesting book. y would god be a girl; men rule. they should rule the world. Lol. it was very interesting.
0 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
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Posted February 24, 2010
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted November 13, 2009
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted September 19, 2010
No text was provided for this review.
Overview
Here, archaeologically documented,is the story of the religion of the Goddess. Under her, women’s roles were far more prominent than in patriarchal Judeo-Christian cultures. Stone describes this ancient system and, with its disintegration, the decline in women’s status. Index; maps and illustrations.
An account, archaeologically documented, of the religion of the Goddess and its decline.