A Sharp Critique of Christian Patriarchy

Some disagreeable truths: Our clergy have entered the field to win the women to their side. They have the ear and the confidence of every woman. This disclaiming no right, and duty has not been from any woman. Such resonance I must feel, the indignity of it, to ignore the rights of other citizens. If one or two of men, can be allowed to lie, the integrity of woman, who should be the peer of them, can be considered for her sake. If she is so far debased that she is the prey of whoever finds her, at large without a dollar in the wide American territory, to real light-heartedness and American women who are thieves—like Mohammedan pilgrims on the road to Mecca, we native gentlemen take pains to learn some English in which to insult them if found alone on the street. American preachers are sent to make a European tour for their bronchitis, and then come home and lecture us women on the respect and gratitude we owe them on account of their privileges, saying it is Christianity that has lifted us out of slavery, and set us at their feet to learn wisdom. Now, I beg to call attention of the reverend gentlemen to the fact that 'Christianity' had been introduced into every country in Europe by the women, and was firmly established in every one before a woman sent Columbus to look after America. Every country in Europe, except Turkey, is a Christian government today; that every has God and Christ and Martin Luther in her constitution. And yet, the women are beasts of burden, or family property, imprisoned in iron safes for the honor and benefit of owners, present or prospective. Women are not allowed to sing praises in the houses of worship belonging to that system of religion which has lifted us all to such sublime heights as unquestioned confidential intercourse with the shepherds of their souls, in Catholic and Protestant confessionals. These blessed Christians, in this Christian land, with its Christian government, hitch women up with dogs and donkeys, and set them to drawing loads through city streets and plows in country fields; and we are called upon to reverence the clergy for what 'Christianity' has done for us, while they exert all their influence to enforce on the women of today the laws laid down for Corinthian slaves 2,000 years ago!