1: the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes
2: organized activity on behalf of women's rights and interests
I think we can all agree that women have been generally oppressed in the past. Of course, not every individual civilization or person was that way, but I think it's safe to say that, in general, women have not been treated fairly. The feminist movement was a direct result of that "oppression".
So, any arguments for or against feminism?
Mine would be that there is some biblical support for feminism, at least in the areas of social, economic, and political rights. "Religious" and physical equality are different beasts that bring the design of God into play, we're not really supposed to contest God on that one, which is where I believe modern feminism has overstepped it's progress. It's one thing to empower women to be women and acknowledge their basic human rights. It's another thing to try to turn a woman into a man, which implies that there is something wrong with women in the first place.
POLITICALLY
Deborah was a judge and prophetess of Israel. Miriam was also a prophetess and leader of Israel. There are biblical examples of women in leadership positions, at least in a secular government sense(no examples of female priests/elders).
ECONOMICALLY
Numbers 27
The daughters of Zelo'phehad speak right: thou shalt surely give them a possession of an inheritance among their father's brethren; and thou shalt cause the inheritance of their father to pass unto them.
In the absence of male children, God gave preference to daughters over the male members of their father's extended family. That's one small step for the ladies.
The bible(Prov. 31) also talks about women creating goods to sell, buying and selling for profit, buying property, etc. as a good thing when done responsibly and virtuously(same as with the guys).
SOCIALLY
Numbers 36
This is the thing which the LORD doth command concerning the daughters of Zelo'phehad, saying, Let them marry to whom they think best; only to the family of the tribe of their father shall they marry.
This is a pretty large step for the ladies, as it gives them rights to marriage preference and choice. It is echoed in the stories of Rebecca and Ruth. Rebecca was asked if she would marry Isaac instead of just being transferred, and Ruth was free to pursue her choice in marriage. Women are also allowed to divorce their husbands if the need arises.
And of course, all of this is in the context of a culture where men literally had to lead, protect, and provide for their women under often violent conditions, where society now has built a more peaceful(kind of) and free environment, where it's much easier to survive on your own. I understand that culture isn't the best argument though, as "civilized" people can disappear at any moment. I would say that the biblical examples were the best for that time, and probably would be the best for this time as well, the need is just not as pronounced. Fathers and husbands don't need to watch over their wives and daughters constantly, because women are more capable now, self-defense is no longer completely based on physical prowess, and there are other people that are paid to protect everyone, but I think if society fell apart, we would be right back to the biblical examples for the most part.
Here are a few more verses that point to the value God places on women, and the relationship He has with them.
Ephesians 5:22-33 has two very salient points for me on this subject. Wives submit to and respect your husbands. Husbands love your wives as Christ loves the Church. Sadly, if men of God had being doing this, the feminist movement wouldn't have had such strong traction and purpose.
But irrespective of this, like the Bible the feminist movement needs to be seen in context. Lets consider its destination. The Bible is God's message of love to reconcile us to Himself through death and resurrection of his son Jesus. Feminism has been a significant part of the breakdown of the family and a major aspect of the sexual destruction (some may call it revolution) and abortion.
A question that needs to be addressed to look at this from a Christian perspective is the Ephesians 5:22-33. Men love your wives. Wives submit to and respect your husbands. Are these specific for men and woman? It seems that woman desire love more and men desire respect more.
Can we respect someone and not love them? It seems we can, I respect their integrity but do not love them... Similarly I love them but I do not respect their integrity... But for a Christian are we walking in God's will if we are not loving someone? I believe that we cannot. Can we love someone without respecting them? It would seem for us who believe, at least in the context of marriage - no. We are to show proper respect to everyone, and everyone is created in the image of God. Also consider the the slave who is respect their earthly master that they may not like.
In regards to submission let us examine Mark 10:35-45.
35And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, �Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.� 36And he said to them, �What do you want me to do for you?� 37And they said to him, �Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.� 38Jesus said to them, �You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?� 39And they said to him, �We are able.� And Jesus said to them, �The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized, 40but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.� 41And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. 42And Jesus called them to him and said to them, �You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,d 44and whoever would be first among you must be slavee of all. 45For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.�
This passage amazes me. Abbreviated -
-35-37 Jesus we want to be top dogs.
-38-39 Ok, are prepared to pay the price; yes we are.
-40-42 Glory and honour is not what you think it is.
-43-45 To be first in the world is the last in the Kingdom of God. To be first in the Kingdom of God is to love others, serve them, give yourself for them completely; to be last in the eyes of the world. This is what I have come to do.
So in regards to submissions of wives though, consider this passage. Also there were female Christian leaders in the early Church. Yet the final verse of the passage regarding marriage tells us "33However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband." Also Col 3: "18Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord"
So the question that I am considering is this. Is the Men love your wives/Wives submit to and respect your husbands aspect of Ephesians 5:22-33 mutual. Submission, respect and love are. With all three, we must remember to see them from God's view not the world's.
God says women are equal with men. We should not need to wear any label but Christian. A woman who trusts God to take care of her will willingly submit to her husband.
Feminist say a woman who stays at home with her kids is a parasite.
Feminist say a woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle.
Feminist do no submit to husbands. They are equal in the home.
I do not get a Christian woman who is a feminist. This goes against the word of God. Being a child of God IS enough.
I just don't think we should let culture influence what something means. That's like letting culture influence the definition of marriage. If some people think it's wrong, or some people divert from the original purpose, does it really make it wrong? Feminism was good in it's original purpose, and it has biblical support. What it has turned into now does not reflect the original intention.
The mother of one of our pastors was in the early feminist movement, and then later left because "it was turning into a bunch of angry women that wanted to be men".
