The women's movement will present a growing threat to patriarchal religion less by attacking it than by simply leaving it behind.

In this quote, Carol P. Christ suggests that the true power of the women's movement lies not in direct confrontation with patriarchal religion, but in its ability to outgrow and leave behind traditional religious structures. Christ, a scholar and theologian, is emphasizing that the most significant challenge to patriarchal religions (those that are male-dominated and often subordinate women) will come from women no longer feeling the need to participate in these systems. By stepping away from them, women will undermine the authority and influence of religious institutions that have historically been used to enforce gender inequality.

Christ’s statement reflects her broader critique of religion and patriarchy. She argues that many traditional religions are structured to uphold male dominance and female subordination, and that simply trying to reform these institutions from within is not as effective as creating new systems of belief that empower women. The women's movement, by moving away from these patriarchal systems, effectively diminishes their power without having to engage in direct conflict. This represents a shift in power: women asserting their autonomy not through confrontation, but by rejecting the systems that have oppressed them.

The origin of this quote is rooted in Christ’s involvement with the feminist theology movement, which seeks to reclaim religious practice and reinterpret spiritual beliefs in ways that promote gender equality. As a theologian, Christ was critical of how many mainstream religions, particularly Christianity, have been used to justify gendered oppression. By advocating for women to move beyond patriarchal religious structures, Christ is calling for a radical reimagining of spirituality—one that prioritizes equality, inclusivity, and empowerment.

The quote also underscores the idea that the women's movement is not simply about protest or reform but is about transformation. Christ sees the movement as creating a new cultural and spiritual space where women are no longer confined by outdated systems of religious or social control. This perspective invites women to reclaim their spiritual autonomy and to create new paths that better reflect their values, needs, and vision for a more just and equitable society.