The image of Eve that has been presented is that of the seductress, a dangerous being pf disobedience, while the traditional image of Mary is the holy mother of Jesus, a being obedient to God. These opposing images have long been used in Christianity as the polarised archetypes of good and bad women. Men appear to need women who are obedient, pure, accepting, tolerant, honest, virginal, diligent, submissive, and unselfish in order to maintain their vested authority without any resistance or rebellion - relating to the image of Mary in Christianity.

I've often thought of a female Christ. Mostly the world can't take it. Because of people's fellinh about the delicacy of women and also because of what a meaningless display female suffering simply is. Female suffering must be hidden, or nothing can work. It's a man's world and a girl on a cross would be like seeing a dead animal in a trap. We like to eat them, or see them stuffed, we even like to wear them, but watch them sufder? Hear them wail?

Eileen Myles, Cool for You - 2000