The great unmentionable evil at the center of our culture is monotheism. From a barbaric Bronze Age text known as the Old Testament, three anti-human religions have evolved - Judaism, Christianity, Islam. These are sky-god religions. They are, literally, patriarchal - God is the Omnipotent Father - hence the loathing of women for 2,000 years in those countries afflicted by the sky-god and his earthly male delegates. The sky-god is a jealous god, of course. He requires total obedience from everyone on earth, as he is in place not for just one tribe but for all creation. Those who would reject him must be converted or killed for their own good. Ultimately, totalitarianism is the only sort of politics that can truly serve the sky-god's purpose.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Vidal argues that monotheistic religions are inherently patriarchal and totalitarian, leading to the oppression of women and forced conversion.
- In plain terms
- He believes one-god religions cause harm and control by demanding total obedience.
- What can you take from it?
- Religious dogma can justify political oppression and gender inequality.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does religion shape political systems?
- Is all monotheism inherently authoritarian?
Another view
This view overlooks the diversity within these religions and their non-coercive adherents.
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