the architects of the West?

One of the reasons why the mainstream Churchmen and theologians hated sex so much is because they had so separated the mind/spirit from the body/physical (following Greek philosophy's lead) that they saw the body/sex as an obstacle to the attainment of God. The body became that which separated God from men. If they were "slaves to the body" they couldn't concentrate on God and prayer. But they were men after all, so because they did have "stirrings in the loins," women became the constant reminder that they were "weak" and open to temptation and therefore unable to attain their "true" calling, which was unity with God. Women then, became the evil tempters (and the myth of Eve didn't help) who kept men from God. Women and sex became that which must be controlled. Christianity, especially the Catholic Church still tries to control and determine peoples' sexuality and sex lives. One Father of the Church, and early theologian, Origen of Alexandria (2nd-3rd century), was actually so determined not to allow anything to separate him from God, and saw sex as such an obstacle that he castrated himself. Sick bastard.

The following is just an example of the kinds of things that important theologians have said about women:

As in all the churches of the saints, women should be silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be subordinate, as the law also says.  St. Paul

"You (women) are the Devil's Gateway. You are the unsealer of that forbidden tree. You are she who persuaded him whom the Devil was not valiant enough to attack. You destroyed so easily God's image, man...therefore cover your head and figure with sackcloth and ashes.      Tertullian (2nd century)

Why must a woman cover her head? Because, as I explained before, the woman does not possess the image of God in herself.    Augustine, On the Trinity

As the philosopher (Aristotle) says, "Woman is a misbegotten male. Yet it is necessary that woman was made in the first production of things as a helpmate. Not indeed as a helpmate in any other works tham procreation, for in all other works man can be more efficiently helped by another man than by a woman, but as a helper in the work of generation...The woman is in a state of subjugation in the original order of things."

                 Thomas Aquinas 13th century, (the man who should have known better)

When a woman thinks alone she thinks evil, for the woman was made from the crooked rib which is bent in the contrary direction from the man...she is insatiable lust by nature. Because of this lust she consorts even with Devils."

                          Malleus Maleficarum (15th century Inquisition manual used during the persecution of women as witches)

Eve originally was more equally a partner with Adam, but because of sin the present woman is a far inferior creature. Because she is responsible for the Fall, woman is in a state of subjugation. The man rules the home and the world, wages war and tills the soil. The woman is like a nail driven into the wall, she sits at home.    Martin Luther

And these were the constructors of Christianity, the architects of the West. Can you see why I am so dedicated and determined to de-construct and re-construct this legacy? Some of the young women in my courses have told me that for so long they didn't really know why they felt so lousy about themselves, or why they never feel that they are quite "enough." They have told me that I give them the language to understand. And once they understand, they can begin to change it all.

I go on and on and on. I can't help it. This is what I do.