I think blaming ALL the problems of our life and times on any male-oriented entity is an over-generalization. While I agree with you that men have dominated most cultures for centuries. and that large organizational structures (relgion, as well as any other large organization) serve to perpetuate oppression through a system, I still have to place blame on the individual. Yes, it often seems like we are caught in a all-encompassing web from which cannot break free, but ultimately we all need to face what we as individuals are doing to break the bonds of oppressions for all people, living things and our earth.

When I grapple with those questions, I'm left with the conclusion that I need to work on my own attitudes and on de-empowering those structures (including organizations) which serve to oppress life in all the many forms it takes.

As for ridiculing people for their belief systems, I think that you only alienate others when you do this. I've been searching most of my life for others who share the same beliefs as me and have finally given up. We are so different! Why do we all have to think alike if we all belive in the basic tenet of "live and let live"?That deceptively simple maxim seems to sum it all up.