Conspiracy of Silence: Religious and Patriarchal Roots of Violence Towards Women (Paperback) by Spencer Alexander Murray, Erica Parks Murray

The narratives that we live by are highly informed by religious indoctrination. When that indoctrination is patriarchal in nature, the likelihood for conflict arises as patriarchy and matriarchy are perceived as two opposing extremes. That conflict is further exacerbated when those who do not fit the image of a God defined by patriarchal men, are seen as others, outside the auspices of God's original creation. Oppression, that gives way to violence, is often the consequence as patriarchy endeavors to maintain its claim of supremacy. All too often, the maintenance of power, by the use of male imagery and language for the divine, calls for the denial and suppression of feminine imagery and agency. The quest to maintain patriarchal power in the church manifests itself in every sector of society as women are subjected to all manners of violence so that men can continue to make God in their image.

A radical reimaging of the Divine, that proceeds from an inclusive consciousness, is the first place to start in creating a society where patriarchy ceases to eclipse humanity.