Because of Eve is a thorough examination of how the Church and Christian men sought to define women and the roles women must play within the church, home, and society for more than two thousand years. The book examines the works of theologians, decrees of councils, canon law, statements of faith, and a myriad of other pronouncements that affected their generation--and the following generation's--beliefs concerning women. Each chapter considers the era in which these beliefs were voiced, as much of what was accepted as orthodoxy was reflected in or based on cultural beliefs.