Data from a cross-societal sample (N= 312) were used to test for the existence of a systematic relationship between monotheistic religious beliefs and overall gender inequality. Two hypotheses were tested:(1) gender status patterns are a primary causal factor in determining a society's religious beliefs and (2) gender status patterns are a consequence of a society's religious beliefs. Results of the multiple classification analysis suggest that each of the hypotheses postulates too simplistic a view of the relationship. An alternative causal sequence suggesting mutual interaction between religious beliefs and gender inequality is suggested.