One of the most popular topics going around in the world over the past few decades has been feminism. And the way it is portrayed isn’t always so pretty!
From the frontlines in media you often see one of two extremes; the freedom-loving liberal feminist with the fiery temper or the equally opinionated bossy traditionalist who bulldozes everyone. And I think that this is such a shame that it has to go to such extremes!
This is a long, complex topic and in all honesty, I don’t believe in the stereotypes of either of the two extremes. From years of media exposure (because after all, I’m your typical ‘Google > Encyclopedias’ kind of millennial) and personal research, it has been SUPER clear that the truth can only ever be found in God’s Word. This is because I believe that any other opinion is completely subjective to an individual’s feelings and personality.
The world is progressing. It continues to move with the times. But the one thing that has always remained constant, is God’s word. So looking to scripture and evaluating it against a modern-day view of feminism, is feminism biblical? Well, let’s find out friend!
In a topic as controversial as this one, it is going to be H.A.R.D to try and talk about it as tactfully and respectfully as I can, but like all controversial things in life, there will be no pleasing everyone. SO! Let us turn to His word together and see whether feminism has a place in Christianity.
The Definition of Feminism
However, before we get into the topic of feminism and what it means in Christianity, let’s take a look at what the definition of ‘feminism’ in the dictionary means…
Dictionary.com: “the doctrine advocating social, political, and all other rights of women equal to those of men”
Cambridge Dictionary: “the belief that women should be allowed the same rights, power, and opportunities as men and be treated in the same way or the set of activities intended to achieve this state.”
But then here is another view of what feminism really means…
Liberal feminist focus on helping individual women overcome the limits and constraints of their socialization patterns. Liberal feminist argue that women deserve equality because they have the same capabilities as men.
(Corey, 2005)
WOW. It sure can be super confusing with all these different defintions of what feminism really means. So let’s really get down to it! Does the Bible actually support the idea of feminism?
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What Does Scripture Say about Female Roles?
#1 Equal but Not the Same
In a world that celebrates equality, we often forget that equal doesn’t always mean the same.
Let’s be real. We don’t have all the exact same capabilities as men. But we certainly are equally as important as men. However, our natural gifts lie a little different from them. That is something to be celebrated and not be ashamed of! There are plenty of things women are naturally more gifted in than men are and vice versa.
On the flip side, there are definitely men and women out there who think of females as being ‘lesser’ beings. And to that I say, ‘Nahhhhhh’ 🙂 Equality means celebrating the fact that both men and women are very special in their own right. One is not more important the other, and one should not be considered inferior to the other. However, they are not the same. So, those that firmly believe that men and women can behave, act and do the exact same things in ABSOLUTELY EVERY SINGLE area of life are fighting for the wrong kind of equality.
#2 There Are Different Roles
Women and men are different.
AND THANK GOODNESS FOR THAT!
We have different characteristics and different capabilities that we are naturally gifted at. That isn’t to say that only men can showcase the personality trait; leadership, but the way that men and women show this personality trait in the physical world will be quite different. And it isn’t to say that only women can showcase the personality trait; empathy, but the way that men and women show this personality trait in the physical world can be very different too! As a result, men and women will be called to carry out different roles in the world.
However, I will admit that there have been many extremes in terms of the opinions of what the roles of males and females are in the Christian sphere. And so many people hold vastly different views. While I am not here to discuss in full length what my opinions are on this matter, or place judgment over what the opinions of various people are, I think that asking the following question is highly important…
When you encounter a passage in the Bible that seems to contradict your views of what feminism is, are you trying to fit those passages into your worldview?
If so, I think that it is very important that we live in a way where we do not try and force the Biblical meaning of a passage to fit into our own perspectives, but rather, live with the uncomfortable tension that there may be different interpretations. BUT it is also very important to pray for discernment and be able to weed out the lies from the truth. Because the Bible was never intended to be a one-size-fits-all kind of book.
Now, this equal importance of men and women isn’t just limited to the old testament. If we go to the new testament and read this passage written by Paul (gotta love him!), we can once again see the reinforcement of the idea that men and women are equally important in His eyes…
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So is Feminism ‘Biblical’?
Depending on what view you take on feminism, I think it will vary as to whether or not it is considered ‘biblical’. If you believe that feminism means that women are valued as much as men, but that they are naturally different from their male counterparts, then the concept of feminism is very much promoted in the Bible. But if your definition of feminism is that men and women are EXACTLY the same, then finding this concept within the pages would be super hard!
Feminism and Christianity: God’s View on Men and Women
Even in the very first book of the Bible, we can see that God valued both male and female. He created both men and women in His likeness, and image (Genesis 1:26-27). So, if both the man and the woman were created by the same God and they both bear His image and likeness, then they are both of equal importance. How awesome is that?
Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman.For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God.
1 Corinthians 11:11-12
Feminism and Jesus Christ
There is nobody that embodies God on earth better than Jesus Christ. So to look at exactly the way God viewed and valued women, there is no one better to turn to than Jesus. Jesus never once took the position that women were lesser than men. He believed that they were capable of understanding and witnessing spiritual and theological truth! Now that’s a win for all the ladies here!
One of the first people Jesus revealed himself as the Messiah to was the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4). This showed that not only did he not believe that men were worthy of knowing him, but women were too! He also praised Mary about how she knew the priority of learning spiritual truth, even over ‘female’ duties like serving guests at home (Luke 10). With this, it showed that Jesus never viewed women to be lesser beings. For they too were precious in God’s eyes and worthy of hearing the bread of life! Not to mention, the very first people Jesus revealed himself to after his resurrection on the cross was to two women (John 20:11-18). If God did not value women as much as He did with men, then why would He have revealed such a valuable moment to them? Beats me!
So is the Bible Feminism-Friendly?
Now, I can’t ever claim to know absolutely everything (and thank goodness I don’t!) but, from everything I’ve personally witnessed in the Bible, men and women stand as equals before the Lord as they both bear the image of our Heavenly Creator Himself! But, the powerful and amazing thing is that without making one inferior to the other, God has created distinction; he calls upon both males and females to fulfill the roles designed specifically for them!
It is not easy living this way where there are distinct roles and responsibilities for men and women to follow. After all, we are a society and a species that loves and values our freedom. I know I sure do! Having to conform to these roles and responsibilities doesn’t always sit right with our naturally defiant natures.
But, there is something quite beautiful and wonderful about following God’s plan. If He is perfect, and He knows all things, even if it isn’t something that we fully understand, we rest. We can rest knowing that He knows what is best and that He only ever wants the best for us. And what can be more beautiful and wonderful than that? 🙂
Hey friend! What do you think Biblical femininity is? Drop a comment below and let’s start a discussion!
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Just your 27 year old dental surgeon, writer and creator of Truthfully, Michelle & Girls After Truth. I love creating printables to help encourage, uplift and propel women to take charge of their faith. I hope you leave this space feeling more joy than when you first came in today Xx
I am a dental surgeon, small printables business owner, former graphic design freelancer and a budding pilates enthusiast.
I love creating printables that help encourage, uplift and propel women who want to take control of their faith and live a set-apart life for the Maker who knows their heart.
I adore tea, all shades of pastel and watching the sunset. I hope that you will relish in the beauty of every moment and find joy in the smallest of things. I pray that you will be able to find true satisfaction in Christ alone and that you will be able to rejoice in the goodness of the Lord whatever season of life you are in.
MEET THE BLOGGER
Before you get any further... Hey! I'm Michelle!
I'M SO GLAD YOU'RE HERE.
Thank you for taking the time to check out my site! I am so excited to share more with you about this passion that the Lord has placed upon my heart and get to know a little more about who the Lord lovingly made you to be!
Cinnamon spiced lattes, puppies with bows and watercolour paintings are just some of my favourite things. However, above all, I’m just a lover of Jesus and people. So let’s live with joy that set-apart life that God has created us purposefully for together. For He is the One who calls you by name and has loved you from the beginning of time! ❤️
hey girl!
Hey,
I'm MichellE.
I am a dental surgeon, small printables business owner, former graphic design freelancer and a budding pilates enthusiast.
I love creating printables that help encourage, uplift and propel women who want to take control of their faith and live a set-apart life for the Maker who knows their heart.
I adore tea, all shades of pastel and watching the sunset. I hope that you will relish in the beauty of every moment and find joy in the smallest of things. I pray that you will be able to find true satisfaction in Christ alone and that you will be able to rejoice in the goodness of the Lord whatever season of life you are in.
Friend. Dental Surgeon. Small Printables Business Owner.
Encouraging the modern twenty-something girl to boldly spark His beacon of light in this oft-dark world and inspiring them to A. seek biblical truth through scripture and B. stand for biblical truth in the midst of a culture-driven world.
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Statement of Faith.
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MY FAVOURITE: AREN'T THESE WHITE FLOWERS SO LOVELY?!
We believe in one God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit
We believe that we are all sinners and all sins need to be paid
We believe that Jesus died to pay for our sins
We believe that it is only by grace through faith that we're saved
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