A thesis submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate College of Western Michigan University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts, Department of Comparative Religion.

Abstract: Erich Fromm offers several theories, derived from his analysis of society, which have the potential to greatly contribute to the field of comparative religion. After offering several new definitions geared for the academic study of religion, this treatise will examine the application of Fromm's social-psychological theory concerning the guerrilla warfare between the sexes reflected in religion. I maintain that in order to fully comprehend any religious structure, this conflict needs to be identified and understood. Failure to do so will only offer a partial explanation, generate even more ideology, and not produce any lasting results. The purpose of this thesis is threefold: (1) to explore Fromm's understanding of Mother Right; (2) to see how Fromm applies Mother Right to the religious inter-action between the sexes; and (3) to lay some groundwork for my dissertation on Fromm's 'critical theory of religion,' a theory that has not been fully explored yet. I am convinced that one of the key substructures of Fromm's 'critical theory of religion' is his understanding and application of Mother Right, an element that appears to be present throughout all of his work.

CHAPTERS
    Introduction - Why study religion?.............001-117
 1. Christian dogma................................018-024
 2. Bachofen's life................................025-030
 3. Bachofen's minor works and mother right........031-048
 4. Bachofen's theory of religion..................049-053
 5. Fromm's understanding of Briffault.............054-060
 6. The male creation..............................061-073
 7. Mother right and social psychology.............074-096
 8. Bachofen's discovery...........................097-110
 9. Embracing mother right.........................111-119
10. Conclusion.....................................120
    Bibliography...................................122

Copyright 2003 Walter A. Jensen
Copyright Office Record: TXu 1-120-279
ISBN:
WMU Waldo Library: BL 9999.J46x
Not available in any electronic or digital format on the World Wide Web.

First posted ??/??/2003
Last Updated 10/06/2014