The Chalice and the Blade: Our History, Our Future (Updated With a New Epilogue)

by Riane Eisler

We have been taught that the Judeo-Christian tradition is the greatest moral advance of our species. The Bible is indeed primarily concerned with what is right and wrong. But what is right and wrong in a dominator society is not the same as what is right and wrong in a partnership society. There are, as already noted, many teachings in both Judaism and Christianity suitable for a partnership system of human relations. But to the extent that it reflects a dominator society, biblical morality is at best stunted. At worst, it is a pseudomorality in which the will of God is a device for covering up cruelty and barbarity.

“Christianity became an officially approved religion in the fourth century, Christian bishops, previously victimized by the police, now commanded them.”