Tor Arne Jørgensen on Women in Religious History

Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen

Publication (Outlet/Website): The Good Men Project

Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2024/08/30

Tor Arne Jørgensen, 50, hails from Fevik, a small settlement near Grimstad in southern Norway. He is a dedicated teacher at the local secondary school, a devoted husband, and a proud father of two boys. From an early age, Tor Arne was driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, immersing himself in fact-based literature to explore the mysteries of existence. The question “What is Man’s reason for being?” became the guiding force behind his intellectual pursuits. This deep curiosity about the unknown and the universe eventually led him to the international high intelligence community in 2015—a place he describes as warm and welcoming, akin to finding his true tribe. Tor Arne’s contributions to this community have been widely recognized. In 2019, he was honored as the Genius of the Year – Europe by The World Genius Directory. His participation in international high intelligence competitions has yielded impressive results, including multiple high scores and setting the Norwegian high IQ score record twice.

Scott Douglas Jacobsen: Today, we will focus on religion, history, and a new budding authorship. What were the first formulations of religion?

Tor Arne Jorgensen: From the earliest records we know, which date back to what is increasingly accepted today as around 50,000 to 10,000 years before our own era. This somewhat contradicts what, for example, the Bible and its creation story tell us. According to traditional scriptures, we are then talking about a time span of around 5,000 to 6,000 years. Oral transmissions were the beginning, followed by carvings, where they recorded important events, including various types of rites related to the worship of earthly gods and the universe, ancestors, etc. In line with the development of primitive societies, religious practices followed. The development was often hand in hand. Religion, especially in pre-Christian times, has constantly shifted with whoever had dominion over their area at any given time. But in recent times, this has changed somewhat, as what has been localized has persisted up to our own time. The relationship between polytheistic religions versus monotheistic religions shows a certain balance, with less rigid differences.

Jacobsen: Where were the first definitions of gods in religion?

Jorgensen:  In the earliest religions, examples include Anu, the sky god, and Inanna, the goddess of love; these were just two of the gods worshiped by the Sumerians. In the Egyptian religious culture, the most well-known gods are Ra, the sun god, Osiris, the god of the afterlife, and Isis, the goddess of magic and motherhood. This continues in most early and present-day religions.

Jacobsen: What were the first ideas of faith and practices around faith in religion?

Jorgensen: The various religions before written records were focused on earthly elements and the universe. For example, in Animism, where this was practiced. Just look at the Vikings with their offerings, “blots.” Here, their rites involved sacrificing animal blood to the gods to maintain balance in the world. If we look at Shamanism, which was widely used among different tribal societies around the world in somewhat different forms, but still with many similarities, we see communication with the spirit world to gain insights and guidance for warfare, crops, healing, and more. The common denominator for most early religions was the sacrifice of either humans or animals to the gods to gain their favor. 

They worshipped the earthly elements and the universe. I would like to add that the only change we see today is that the sacrifice of life has been replaced with gold and goods. And the ultimate sacrifice, for example within Christianity, was made by a human who then became a divine being due to that single act. It’s just a little sad that earlier religions are now just seen as nonsense by ignorant souls. It makes one wonder what people living 1000-2000 years from now will think about our practices today and the religions we currently surround ourselves with…

Jacobsen: What were women’s early roles in religion?

Jorgensen: Women’s roles dating back to the earliest recorded times were varied and diverse, though these roles have become more restricted in recent times. To mention a few roles that women had from the beginning: they served in shamanism, as priestesses, and as oracles. 

These roles appeared in different forms across various religions throughout history, from Africa, Europe, and Asia. Women were also venerated, such as the goddess Isis in ancient Egypt, among many others.

Jacobsen: What was the trend of evolution of religion from its roots, insofar as we know them, to modern manifestations of them?

Jorgensen: The religious development, as mentioned, starts from the worship of the surrounding elements as seen in animism. From there, it moves towards a more concrete form of worship, which can still be observed in ritual reenactments, for example, in Native American societies and within our own Scandinavian context with the practice of blot. The development further progressed towards the veneration of ancestors and the offering of humans or animals to the gods to appease them, with the hope of securing good harvests, health, and success in warfare. Around antiquity, religion became more diverse and state-oriented, with its foundations becoming increasingly solid and purposeful. 

This was evident in Christianity, and later in Islam. Both of these religions gained significant momentum and developed much more sophisticated doctrines that are very well established today. In the 1500s, the Reformation challenged the Church, leading to a more diverse Christian community. I have chosen not to delve deeply into the individual religions and their development but rather to provide a broad overview of common trends. In summary, the development of religions follows the societal development of humankind. These two aspects go hand in hand. Religions follow human progress, albeit reluctantly.

Jacobsen: How have women’s roles and identities evolved in the context of religion over time? 

Jorgensen: Women’s roles have varied throughout history, and if one refers to written records, it appears that women’s roles have been progressively evolving. However, it should also be noted that the development curve is not a steadily increasing one, but rather a curve that moves up and down depending on the religion and time period being discussed.

In the early ancient period, particularly in Egypt, the status of women was significantly more prominent, and the roles of men and women could often be seen as equal. This is evident in the worship of goddesses and the reign of the last Pharaoh, Queen Cleopatra. Moving forward to the period between antiquity and the Middle Ages, women’s roles were significantly deprioritized. They increasingly became the subordinate party, viewed as being on earth to serve men in most respects. This was not only true for Christianity but also for Islam and other religions.

Looking cautiously at Christianity’s view of women, during the Middle Ages and up until the 19th century, witch burning was one of the persecution methods celebrated by the male-dominated religious authorities. Although there were women whose names were etched into the annals of religious history, they were few and far between compared to the number of male figures.

If one takes a broad look at the roles of women across different religions, it becomes clear that generally speaking, men have been the leading figures while women have followed. Most religions, from ancient times onward, have been almost exclusively led by men. The gods who rule these religions often highlight men as their primary spokespersons on earth, not women.

As an aside, it is curious why men are seen as the chosen ones of the gods and not women. Furthermore, it is men who have historically governed the earth, not women; men are seen as the strong ones, and women as the weak. Men dominate, not women. One can think what they want about this, and it is important to respect those who follow their faith as their guiding companion; it is their personal choice.

Jacobsen: How do these identities get baked into religious texts and ceremonies and language if at all?

Jorgensen: The methodology for indoctrinating a new religion is that it should reflect or establish the values that the founders of the religion wish to promote. This is achieved by creating stories through myths and narratives. This was true for the Bible, with its grand narrative of how the world was created and the values that should exist within that world. The ethical guidelines that existed at the time of its creation allowed it to gain a foothold, as it dictated what was already considered inherent societal ideology. Thus, religion and morality form the basis for societal development. Only in recent times has this development stagnated, and this stagnation is becoming increasingly apparent. One can also consider rituals and various types of ceremonies. Holidays that we enjoy today face growing opposition, and as seen in our own country, many of these religious rites may lose their grip and be removed due to their increasingly misaligned relevance in today’s society.

Jacobsen: Religion speaks to most people. Apart from truth claims, what has been its main individual and collective emotional value to people?

Jorgensen: The emotional values derived from religions help create frameworks for those who have none, either never had or have misplaced for various reasons. Humanity has always sought a reason for existence, questioning the meaning of life. Are we placed on this earth only to die? If we were to live only for the days that come and go, many of us would have fallen long before our time had come. With that introduction, I will discuss religion and the human emotional connection to faith. Religion gives many people a reason to live; it provides us with purpose, hope, and comfort. 

It strengthens our sense of self. It gives us identity and an understanding of who we can become if we choose to believe in something greater than ourselves. It protects us from ourselves, from our darkness. It charts an ethical direction for believers to follow. 

Religion creates emotional collectives. Yes, there is much that religion can offer; it can awaken the good in us, but also the dark. What I want to conclude with is that, for me, religion can be seen as a necessary evil. We are not equipped to function without it, even though we have every reason to.

Jacobsen: What about the roles of minorities of women over time into the present in the context of religion, e.g., LBTI+ women?

Jorgensen: The traditional roles that have prevailed since the beginning have been almost without exception patriarchal, where women have not only occasionally fallen outside or been downgraded compared to men. Fortunately, this has changed in line with societal development in general. 

It should be noted that although progress has been made, it comes with a significant caveat. One might ask whether it is the church’s own will to reform or if it is due to external pressure, that is, from society itself. It almost goes without saying that when the church constantly has to reinterpret ancient texts to try to adapt them to today’s society, they have lost much of their credibility. When it comes to accepting homosexual or bisexual individuals, for example as priests, there is still much work to be done. If you ask a believer what they think about homosexuals getting married or just living as they wish, it is often met with disgust. I had a small conversation with some colleagues at work about this very topic, specifically about what they thought about same-sex couples getting married or just being together, man with man and woman with woman. 

The response from the believers was unanimous: it was something disgusting and should be banned. I am not homosexual myself, nor am I Christian, but the thought of refusing or thinking something nasty about these people who live in partnerships is something I would never do. They are as good as anyone else, and in many cases even better, for their prejudices are almost non-existent. They accept all people; why can’t the believers do the same when they are supposed to promote the idea of love for one’s neighbor regardless of gender or sexual orientation? Something to consider! The development indicates that religion is moving in the right direction concerning the issues surrounding LBTI+ women, but much work remains. Will we eventually reach a point where everyone accepts everyone, living in hope for us all?

Jacobsen: On a larger point, women are rapidly, and have been for a few decades, outstripping men’s attainment in key areas of education in a knowledge economy where education is a better livelihood. What is evolving role of women in society, and when religion is changing, diminishing, and evolving secular counterparts now in the richer societies?

Jorgensen: The role women play today is reflected in a developing society—economically, independently, and with the right to self-determination, which also impacts the religious sphere. As mentioned earlier, societal development necessitates that the religious majority continually redefine their texts to accommodate these changes. 

Today’s women demand their rights despite what ancient texts may dictate, which is reflected in increased secularization and interreligious contexts. The equality movement is breaking down barriers erected by ancient religious dogmas. 

Roles are being redefined and will thus shape a future society where everyone is equally valued, even though the church may not necessarily share this view. In my opinion, it is fantastic that we are moving towards equality and compassion despite differences. This is the way forward!

Jacobsen: You are getting into writing books more. What inspired this?

Jorgensen: The joy one gets from constantly challenging oneself. Through this type of development, one gains, based on their own observations and experiences, a better understanding of what they can and cannot do. In other words, one learns to know oneself better. This is what gives me joy in trying new things all the time. I would also like to add that when one challenges oneself in this way, as I do, the tree constantly grows, and new branches sprout. But what specifically made me want to start writing was linked to my verbal skills in reference to logic tests. This is where my strength lies. So why not see if my creativity could also bear fruit in my favorite subject, linguistics? From this, I have now written two books, divided as follows:

The first book I wrote as an independent author, without a publisher, allowed me to give myself free rein to shape the book without any input from a publisher. The book is called “74” and contains 74 poems. It is divided into three parts: the first with 39 poems, then 5 poems, and finally 30 poems. The reason for this division is that each part’s sum should match the Leonardo number value of 39, the value 5, and the Vinci value of 30. A total of 74, which also corresponds to the year I was born. The book is about Leonardo Da Vinci’s life and work from my own perspective, i.e., how I envision him. My own life is also reflected there. I have divided the book into each part with a short text that addresses the human journey through life, i.e., the three stages – young, adult, old. So the book brings a parallel story of myself and Leonardo. This book is written in English, which is my choice and gift to the high IQ community that I have derived so much joy from. The book is my thanks for the kindness I was met with. My first book addresses the brain’s division, and the idea was that the first should be dedicated to the brain’s logical left side and again connected to Leonardo’s left-handed writing, which is the link to the high IQ community.

My next book is written in Norwegian. It addresses the right hemisphere of the brain, its creative part. The book was called “Forstandens Fjolleri” (The Folly of Reason) and deals with all the madness inside me. The battle between good and evil, inner conflicts. Here is a small excerpt from the table of contents: A lyrical work filled with logic, creativity, emotions, and unvarnished truth. Through hidden hints and themes, the reader is invited to solve puzzles along the way. It creates a unique reading experience. The author’s hope is to add a fresh breath of originality that unfolds over the book’s religious-historical imprint. As the book progresses, hidden hints and puzzles are included, as the content describes. This gives hints about what the book conceals and its true intention. The book moves within the religious-historical context. Furthermore, I wanted the language to really come into its own, as I am known for having an extensive vocabulary, which is reflected in the book. The book also addresses my own journey. These two books can only exist as one, as they are a reflection of our own brains. Two halves together.

Jacobsen: What are areas of your expertise and interest?

Jorgensen: What is closest to my heart is history, religion, sports and anything intelligence. Not to forget that I work as a teacher. And now to add, aspiring author. 

Jacobsen: What are your pro-tips in writing in the Norwegian book market to people?

Jorgensen: Here are five tips I personally follow to succeed not only in the Norwegian market but also internationally:

1. Focus on the Message: Make it clear and easy for the reader to follow. It should engage and evoke the right emotions within the genre you choose to write in.
2. Create a Book Trailer: A book trailer will help you attract the right audience. By finding your target audience, you will more easily sell the book you publish, thereby establishing a steadily growing readership.
3. Host Book Launches: Invite selected individuals who can help generate buzz around your book, provide valuable feedback, and help you make connections within the literary world.
4. Be Like MacGyver: Implement creativity in ways you never thought you could. Allow yourself to take a deep dive into your inner self; you will be surprised at what you find when you dig deep enough.
5. Learn from the Successful: Read about how those who have achieved great success made their breakthroughs, listen to their advice, and keep pushing forward. Even if you don’t feel particularly skilled, you will develop over time. The key is to never give up. Remember, you are the master of your own destiny.

Jacobsen: When can people expect your books to be released?

Jorgensen: Both books have been released, the first last spring and my second one this summer, on June 7th. Both are in the poetry genre. The one I’m working on now is taking a different direction and will most likely be in the crime/thriller genre.

Jacobsen: What is your process for writing, editing, brainstorming, and researching?

Jorgensen: Hmm, it’s not easy to put down on paper, but to simplify it a bit, the process goes something like this: Before I start a book, I like to read books by well-known authors in the genre I want to write in. For example, now I am about to write a thriller/crime novel, so I have read works by authors like Dan Brown, Jo Nesbø, and Stephen King to see what they have done to captivate their readers. I look at their twists, story progression, characters, and the plot in general. Some people like to spend a lot of time building almost everything before they dive into the actual writing, so they just need to tie the threads together. Others just start writing, and the path becomes clear as they go. My approach is somewhere in between, but reading the works of great authors is crucial for further development from there. 

I like to create something new that hasn’t been done before; it’s not easy but so much more exciting to work on. Innovative writing suits me, so I just follow that path.

I also enjoy listening to music; it lets my thoughts flow more freely. I feel that music gives access to emotions I didn’t know I had, and everything falls into place, like right now as I write this. When it comes to editing my own writing, I have a lot to improve. By this, I mean I need to structure myself much more. I see that I am too meticulous about how each word and sentence looks. My last publication went through about 70-80 rewrites because I didn’t like how the flow felt. I need to cut this down to no more than 4-5 rewrites before sending it to the publisher. This is probably the most important tip one can give: don’t work yourself to death over the text. Don’t let the perfectionist in you take over completely; manage it to save your own joy of writing.

Jacobsen: Credit to Dr. Sandra Schlick for the rest of these last two questions formulated from her insight. How have inequalities-equalities, power, gender, heterosexism, and diversity played a significant and not-significant part in women’s presence and place in religion?

Jørgensen: Society and religion often go hand in hand. Personally, I like to think of religion as a stubborn mule that resists change and often has to be dragged, reluctantly, out of sheer necessity to avoid falling too far out of step with what normative moral evolution dictates. It’s important to remember that society was once almost entirely governed by patriarchal leaders. These leaders not only permeated all societal structures to fulfill their self-serving agendas, but this influence was also evident in religious circles with their extreme, tradition-based dogmas. 

Men have always reigned supreme over everything humanity has undertaken, while women were relegated to a previously brutal and oppressive role, expected not only to accept it but also to love it. Things are somewhat better today, but there is still a long way to go. Just think about how, 100 years ago, advocating for equality was almost synonymous in many countries with risking everything for the women who fought for what we now consider a basic right. Women have been oppressed for thousands of years! How can you love a religion that still relegates women to second-class citizens, where men still dominate in many conservative circles? 

Today, the church is increasingly being forced to change direction, giving women more influence and, after much resistance, acknowledging that LGBTQ+ people do, in fact, exist and have rights that you and I take for granted. I’m so glad that all people are seen and loved for exactly who they are and who they recognize themselves to be. All people have the same rights; no one is above or below; we all have equal value, women and men, regardless of what religious texts might say.”

Jacobsen: How have religious communities been discriminative towards each other and to women, and to each other’s women?

Jorgensen: Religious intolerance has been widespread throughout history, such as Christians against Jews, Christians against Muslims, and Muslims against Christians, as seen in the case of the Crusades. Christians against pagans, particularly in the context of Norse mythology. Olav the Holy came from the Crusades and slaughtered anyone who did not submit to the new religion of Christianity. “Believe or die” is still alive today, though now in a more reduced form, only in words. Lack of belief casts you into hell.

Discrimination against women from other religious communities:

• Violence Against Women: In times of religious conflict, women from opposing religious communities have often been subjected to sexual violence, used as a weapon of war to humiliate the enemy. This was evident during the Partition of India, where women from different religious communities were raped and killed.
• Forced Conversion Through Marriage: In some cases, women from religious minority groups have been forced into marriage with men from the majority religion, leading to forced conversion. This practice has been reported in various regions, including the forced conversions of Hindu women in Pakistan to Islam.
• Pressure for Cultural Assimilation: Women who marry outside their religion may face pressure to convert and conform to the religious and cultural norms of their husband’s religion. This can involve adopting new religious practices, changing their dress, and abandoning their previous religious identity.

Discrimination within and between religious communities is often rooted in a combination of doctrinal beliefs, cultural norms, and power dynamics. Women have particularly borne the burden of this discrimination, experiencing exclusion, marginalization, and violence both within their own religious communities and from others. The intersection of religion and gender can perpetuate deeply ingrained inequalities, making the fight for women’s rights and inter-religious harmony a complex and ongoing challenge.

Jacobsen: Thank you for the opportunity and your time, Tor. 

Jorgensen: Thank you so much for your kindness and professionalism; it has been a pleasure for me to be interviewed by you. I hope that in the future we will find time again to share some thoughts!

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