Various factors have played a role in causing the subordination of women in contemporary society. This paper will focus on the role that has been played by traditional religious organizations. Throughout history, religion has served as an institution in support of patriarchal structures. Religion has contributed to the suppression of women by emphasizing the importance of male deities. In addition, religious scriptures have traditionally been interpreted as justifying the subjugation of women. Furthermore, women have been challenged in the effort to assume positions of leadership within the world's major religions. Another problem is found in the religiously based suggestion that women's sexuality is threatening to men as well as to the social order. This view has provided further support to the effort to control women and limit their opportunities in society.
According to the archeological evidence, there was a time before written history when women held power in religion as well as in other areas of life. Based on the evidence, it has been argued that "early societies primarily worshipped female deities and that the religions of this period were at least in part created by women" (Foley 216). Goddess worship was probably based on the ability of women to bear children. The ability to bring forth life must have been seen as a mysterious power in prehistoric times. This argument is supported by the large number of female figurines that have been discovered in archaeological sites in Europe and the Middle East. In the words of Marilyn French, "most figurines found in these villages were objects of religious supplication, probably made and used by women" (45). The relationship between the figurines and the mystery of childbirth can be seen in how the body parts associated with fertility (such as breasts and hips) were generally exaggerated in size.
The role of women in religion had changed by the third millennium BCE...