Merriam-Webster defines feminism as “the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes.” The word itself implies that women are the instigators behind the movement. It reveals that to many women, equality is not equal in gender but rather sought for by women rather than men.
In the Bible, beginning very early in history, we find that males and females were created equal, but that after the fall a man’s tendency to women was to rule over them (Genesis 2:16). This is where equality between women and men was cursed and women became secondary politically, economically, and socially. God’s intent is for males and females to be equal, but sin had far reaching consequences. The tendency of unregenerate hearts is still to dominate and abuse women.
Recently a Christian counselor said that, “Secular society is convinced that the church denies that domestic violence is a significant issue, especially within its own environment. When “godly” church-attending men abuse women, their wives seldom go to the church for help, because the church most often blames them for being the problem.” I was saddened to hear this. Are we as a church subject to an un-Biblical view of the roles of women and men? I believe we are.
Early Roman law allowed a man to beat, divorce or kill his wife for offenses committed by her. The Catholic church, in the 1500’s made a rule that a man was to stand as judge for his wife and should beat his wife with a stick upon her commission of an offense. In the 1700’s English Common Law stated that a man had the right to beat his wife with a whip no bigger than his thumb because he was answerable for her offenses and should be able to discipline his wife like his children or apprentices. (This is where we get our expression “rule of thumb”).
In 1871, in Fulgham vs. the State of Alabama, the court ruled that, “The privilege, ancient though it may be, to beat her with a stick, to pull her hair, choke her, spit in her face or kick her about the floor or to inflict upon her other like indignities, is not now acknowledged by our law.” This is when the first law against domestic violence in the United States was passed.
First wave feminism in the 19th century and early 20th century focused on women having equal contract rights and property rights and opposed chattel marriages and ownership of women by their husbands. It included the suffrage, or the right to vote. Feminism in the 1960’s to 1980’s focused more on social and cultural inequalities and morphed into what is known as feminism today, third-wave feminism.
There seems to be much fear in modern times, especially in Christian society, that feminism is a threat to femininity. Femininity is, according to Merriam-Webster, the quality or nature of the female sex. Christians really need to read their Bibles with an open mind that is untainted by political propaganda. The Bible has a little to say about equality and femininity.
“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, ‘Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him (Acts 10:34-35 KJV).’”
“For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” This clearly shows that God does not recognize inequality in his children. In Ephesians 5, when God is telling us how to walk as his followers, He gives us all the same instructions. First, He tells us to walk in love (Ephesians 5:2). I Corinthians 13 describes what love is and what love does.
For the many Christians who use Ephesians 5:21 to point out that wives are to have a subordinate position under men, notice that Ephesians 5:21 says to submit to one another in the fear of the Lord. Rebellion of both women and men is a wickedness compared to idolatry in the Bible. The relationship that God calls us to is that of humility and walking in love and following Christ. The word “submit” is a Greek military term meaning “to arrange [troop divisions] in a military fashion under the command of a leader”. In non-military use, it was “a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden (Strong’s Concordance).” It does not mean slavery or even indentureship or servitude. It was also required that a woman be in this position to her husband, rather than any other man. A husband is the protector of his family.
Christ has a unique role that he is commended for by his own Father. In Philippians 2, we read about this role. The New International Version explains it best. “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross (Philippians 2:6-9)!” If husbands were commanded to love their wives this way, it seems that the greater burden was on a man, if anything, because it is a position of great vulnerability to stand between a loved wife and death.
Wives, interestingly enough, are not commanded to love. Emotional vulnerability is often easier for women than for men. Secular society honors the emotionally vulnerable man. Hollywood thrives on romantic forays into the softening of a man’s heart toward his woman, making mega bucks off romantic movies. From Song of Solomon to Shakespeare, the love of men for women and women for men is revered in literature.
As men and women come to know Christ, Christ draws us into intimate relationship, and equal relationship. Unregenerate men and women will always struggle with power struggles and inequality, but only through healthy relationship with Christ will men and women have equality, powerful intimacy and respect for each other.
In Christian liberty, a woman is free to buy, own and inherit land (Proverbs 31:16). She is free to be a business woman (Proverbs 31:24). She is cherished by her husband and children (Proverbs 31:28, Ephesians 4:32). She is a daughter of the King, and a joint heir with Christ. She has freedom to speak up and be believed when she is injured by a fellow human being (Matthew 18:15-17). She is a woman who can host a church in her home (I Corinthians 16:19). She can teach others (Acts 18:26, Proverbs 31:26, Titus 2:3-5).
Apart from Christ, many men will abuse women and children, women and men will fight for dominance, and Satan will have a heydey accusing and abusing them all. The fact that a feminism movement even exists is a sad and shameful testimony to the lack of sacred dignity that women have been afforded so far.
When women are seen as honored human beings, there is no danger of bringing unwanted children into the world. A baby in her womb will be hoped for, cherished and very safe. In Christ and around Christian men, a woman should be safe and protected and free to be at liberty because she is protected and valued by the husband she chooses and who has chosen her and honored by the family of her father God and the family she is blessed to mother, if she is privileged to do so.
“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come (Proverbs 31:25.”
Thyme On My Path 