Sir, – In "Net effect of all religions has been to control women" (Second Opinion, Health + Family, February 2nd), Dr Jacky Jones writes on religion and misogyny that "the first religion (Hinduism) appeared 3,000 years ago. Judaism followed in 2000 BC". This is chronologically impossible. How can a 3,000-year-old religion precede a 4,000-year-old one?
She is also mistaken in positing that Hinduism was the first religion that “appeared”. Most anthropologists believe that the first evidence of religion is the Neanderthal burial of the dead, well over 100,000 years ago. This rite suggested belief in human sacredness and a possible journey to an afterlife.
Organised religions evolved with the first city-states of Neolithic humans about 10,000 BC.
To suggest that religion was “invented” in the recent past is historical gibberish.
It undermines the credibility of her proceeding societal observations – not least her unjustified (and unjust) suggestion that “parents could insist that misogyny is not taught in schools through the religious education curriculum”. – Yours, etc,
SIMON KELLIHER,
Crookstown, Co Cork.
Sir, – In an otherwise excellent “Second Opinion” article, Jacky Jones writes that, “Whatever the intention, the net effect of all religions has been, and is now, to control women and interfere with their human rights, including in Ireland”.
The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Ireland, formed in 1654, has always treated men and women as equals, and for more than 300 years positions of responsibility have been undertaken by either at all levels. Needless to say, this works extremely well. – Yours, etc,
PHILIP JACOB,
Glenageary,
Co Dublin.