This-essay is a7708141.htm which is available at the web-site www.essayz.com. See more notes at the bottom. Previous-Essay <== This-Essay ==> Following-Essay By-Months By-Years By-Words Webs of Like-&-Un-Like ESSAYS <==> Like-&-UN-Like This-One ========================================================== %MALE GOD 770814 Maintaining a male god is the ultimate concern of a male dominated exclusive society. In such a culture the priesthood is reserved for males, whether in religious affairs or in secular affairs. As signs of knowledge, wisdom, authority, power, initiation, creation, etc.; the priests must be like the source of all such Godly traits ---and God must be like the priests. The doctrine that man was created in the likeness of God becomes an exclusive doctrine, one that excludes women who were presumably made of a piece of a man. Exclusive men interpret the doctrine as if it said that God was created in the image of men. In a dichotomized society this creates a God who sides with the men of the culture, and emphasizes whatever personality traits have been assigned to males---while de-emphasizing whatever personality traits have been assigned to females. Ultimate concern is thus directed to inappropriate objects and idolatry develops. Those who direct such ultimate concern do so with ulterior motives, for they stand much to lose if such concerns are not maintained. It is thus apparent that theology is a political activity to the extent that it directs the ultimate concerns of the members of a culture. The theology of a male god tends to dominate a culture with male characteristics and supports male domination of the power structure of the society. The image of a male god will effect significant consequences in the allocation of power. So long as the theology is not questioned it is ultimately risky to question the denial of power to females. To seriously question the denial of power to females is to implicitly question the theology of a male god, and to stimulate fear in those who are not ready to question the theology of a male god. God can not be exclusive and be God of all. An exclusive god is by definition a provincial god. A male god is thus a provincial god, and it is strange that churches dedicated to a male god are often heavily populated by females. Perhaps males find little in a male god to attract them, a mal god not being a very attractive focus of life to males. A female god would have likewise lack attraction to females. To be God, God must transcend human dichotomies---including the dichotomy between males and females. (c) 2005 by Paul A. Smith in www.essayz.com Search for Integrity and Honesty (On Being Yourself, Whole and Healthy) ==========================================================
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