Was the Proverbs 31 woman described in the bible a Feminist? Some Christian leaders today would say, “Yes.”
If you ask me, as Lisa Miller did of the Washington Post, I would say the two words “Christian” and “Feminist” don’t go together. A Feminist demands respect and equality. A Christian does just the opposite. She gains value and respect from who she is in Christ. In addition, the goal of a female Christian leader is to serve not demand her rights of any kind.
Surprisingly, this new term has been coined to describe female Christian leaders in our world today. Among the examples that are being labeled “Christian Feminist” are Sarah Palin and Minnesota Congresswoman, Michelle Bachmann.
I don’t really get the connection. Sure, these two female leaders have risen to the top and rub elbows with male leaders at the top of the ladder as well. But these women also believe in pro-life and submission to their husbands. Isn’t this belief a huge issue with the Feminist?
Speaking of equality, I believe in Gal 3:28 that states, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” I also believe in submission to my husband. I do not believe that the bible teaches husbands to lord over their wives but love them as Christ loved the church by giving himself up on her behalf. Nor do I believe that a woman has a right to choose her body over the life of her baby. Doing so puts her above God’s law.
Christ elevated women during His earthly ministry. In fact, there are many female leaders in the bible. Anna prophesied. Mary Magdalene was a disciple of Christ, and Deborah was a judge of both men and women.
I’ve always felt that Feminist have misunderstood these biblical truths. It was the church leaders (Pharisees) that devalued women, not Christ.
The bottom line is this. God has a plan and purpose for both men and women. Following that plan unmasks the falsehood behind Feminist and teaches us all how to live together in harmony.
I would love to glean from your thoughts on the subject. Can a woman be a Christian and a Feminist?
Thank you for addressing this. Our culture seems to merge bibilical and nonbiblical so easily…making it all non biblical. Nancy Leigh Demoss has done a great job as well to help define Biblical Womanhood.
Hi Micca,
Excellent subject. I loved reading your post!
I don’t know much about Feminism, but I agree with you when you said feminists demand respect and equality and a christian gains value and respect from who she is in Christ!
Thank you for bringing this topic to us.
Micca, I’m in need of your prayers.
Blessings,
Michele Caséca
Hmmm. Interesting topic. If feminism means demanding respect and equality, then, to me, it’s in opposition to the Bible. Besides, can anyone really “demand” respect? I don’t think so.
I have to say that I disagree with the statement that feminism “demands” equality and respect. It seeks it through legal means to protect the rights of women on many levels. I agree with your statement, “a christian gains value and respect from who she is in Christ!”, though. A feminist may take feminism to an extreme as can happen with regard to any movement that addresses the fight for ones rights. As a woman, I am thankful for women who press against the world in which two people of different sexes (or races or creeds for that matter) are paid differently or afforded different opportunities based on those things rather than the responsibilities or experience required.
I really enjoyed reading this post. What intriques me is that I would never claim to be a feminist and would be quick to answer the question with a resounding “NO” to “can a Christian be a feminist”, however, I am humbly reminded of the times I demand my rights on a semi regular basis. Not in an overt, stand up and demand that women be paid as much as men or that I should have the right to choose to end or continue the life inside of me, but in the subtle daily attitudes….how I respond when the store or the person doesn’t meet my expectations. My response to the quality of service I feel I deserve and so on. I am a Christ follower but I am ashamed to say that too many times I am a promoter of my self. If anyone ever called me a feminist I would be so offended and yet this post makes me wonder if I possess more qualities of a feminist than I actually realize. Something about getting the beam out of my own eye comes to mind right now. GeeWiz, I came for a laugh and got hit up the side of the head. Ha, I’m kidding, Micca. I’m really glad I read this tonight.
Interesting post. I feel women can be Christian and identify with some feminist principles. I think someone above stated there are always those who are extremists in their views. To be a Christian and value serving others doesn’t have to be at odds with what the simplest message of feminism that is…to value women. I appreciate the rights and choices we as women have gained by the women who came before us (ability to choose work when needed, voting rights, education) even if I don’t agree with ALL of someones ideas/methods. The beautiful thing in this world is that we can always find common ground with people/ideas different from our own if we are open and see them as people. I’m sure most of the early suffragists were Christian women 🙂