Originally Posted by kerry edwards

One other item the author failed to consider in the section on the uneven distribution of religion between the sexes. Many of the predominant Gods are male and very powerful. The increased participation of females in these alpha male cults could be accounted for by the role of sex in religion. More woman than men are involved in religion because the Gods are more sexually attractive to women than they are to men.

Related to this is the fact that deities begin as tribal deities. Once God is no longer the leader of the tribe, but leaders are democratically elected, the authority of the tribal deity (or it's higher evolution, the monotheistic God) is almost certainly doomed. Perhaps, reinforcing the basic point the author is making. Gods and the religion associated with them are part of strong patriarchal family systems. When either the family or the patriarchy breaks down, religion as we know it is going to be in deep trouble.