Some thoughts on feminism

  • Michelle Botha
  • Oct 18, 2009
  • Series: The Informer

Some thoughts on Feminism…

A few weeks ago, on Senior Youth camp, a number of the youth chose to attend an elective on Feminism and Christianity. When asked what comes to mind when they hear the words “Feminist/Feminism” the answers included, “radical, burning bras, women’s equality, women’s rights, lesbian, man-hating, hairy legs”. When asked what comes to mind when they hear the words “Christian women” some answers were, “submissive, weak, passive, mother, housewife”. In a sense they hit the nail on the head because this is very much how the world views Feminists in sharp contrast with Christian women. It is assumed that while Feminists are actively engaged in the fight for women’s rights, Christian women are passively allowing their rights to be undermined by the ruthless dominance of Christian men, not to mention God himself. In a world that preaches the “self-made woman” who has to “have it all”, in a world that condones same sex relationships, through which many Feminists feel they are able to make men obsolete, and abortion, through which they feel they are able to assert control over their bodies, it is so easy for us as Christians to become discouraged and doubtful. How then can we, both women and men, continue to stand firm for Jesus?

 

We need to be aware of the lies of Feminism in contrast to the truths of God. Feminism tells us that as women we need to break free from male dominance. God tells us that in his perfect design there is no such thing as male dominance. Read the first few chapters of Genesis to see how God creates men and women as equal rulers of the earth. God gives men the role of “loving leader” and women the role of “serving helper”, they are a perfect fit. God created men to lovingly lead and women to lovingly serve. There is no sign of ruthless dominance here. The “helper” role of women is certainly not weak, read some of the women in the Bible, Sarah, Ruth and Mary to see the strength of these Godly women. Feminism promises women freedom and control of their own bodies and lives. God promises us that because he is our loving creator He is in control and working for our good. As Christian people we have the freedom of salvation which Feminism can certainly not offer us. Finally, Feminism tells us that as non-Feminists we can not be serious about gender equality and women’s rights. God takes gender seriously and so should we as Christian men and women. Not being Feminists does not mean we can not be deeply concerned about women abuse, HIV/AIDS or child pornography and work to do something about these issues.

 

Some furhter reading:

Does Christianity Squash Women – Rebecca Jones

Radical Womanhood: Feminine Faith in a Feminist World – Carolyn McCulley