There isn't a religion on earth that isn't damaging to the human race because every one of them is patriarchal and every one eliminates more than half of the human race - women. They are all oppressors of women.

In this quote, Susan Powter expresses a critical stance on the impact of religion on the treatment of women. She argues that every religion—regardless of its specific teachings—has been fundamentally patriarchal, meaning that it has been structured in a way that privileges men over women. Powter suggests that such a structure leads to the oppression of women, as they are often excluded from roles of power, leadership, and full participation in religious and social life. According to her view, religion perpetuates a system that marginalizes and limits women, denying them equal status and agency.

Powter's critique is rooted in the historical and cultural patterns seen in most of the world’s major religions, where religious leadership, interpretation of sacred texts, and authority have traditionally been in the hands of men. She highlights that by eliminating women from the higher ranks of religious authority and influencing societal norms, religions contribute to the oppression and subordination of women. This view aligns with feminist critiques of religion that argue that religious structures have often been used to justify gender inequality and patriarchal social orders.

The origin of this quote can be traced to Powter's feminist views and her outspoken advocacy for women's rights and empowerment. Powter is known for her work as a motivational speaker and author, often discussing topics like health, self-empowerment, and gender equality. Her statement challenges the widely accepted notion of religion as a purely spiritual or positive force, instead focusing on the ways in which religious systems have historically restricted the freedom and rights of women.

Ultimately, Powter’s quote calls for a reevaluation of how religion shapes societal views on gender. She urges people to consider the oppressive effects that patriarchal religious structures have had on women and how these dynamics continue to affect their roles in society today. By challenging the patriarchal nature of religion, Powter advocates for a more inclusive, equal, and empowering approach to spirituality and social structures.