Is it possible to be a Christian and Feminist at the same time?
Is it possible to be a Christian and Feminist at the same time?
The question was casually posed by a friend of mine at the dinner table. I was too young then to be able to articulate my stance eloquently, so I just replied tersely with a ‘it’s possible, but it’s complicated’, which basically translates to can we please talk about something else.
Only occasionally have I found my faith embraced by my staunchly feminist, non-believer friends. Embodying Christian feminism in conversations with friends about gender issues was seemingly indicative of my lack of commitment to either side. The underlying assumption amongst many, is that God condones and even endorses injustice against women, and that the Bible is unapologetically sexist and outdated. The fact that it features a male God, a male saviour and 12 male disciples doesn’t help either.
As my faith deepened however, I began to realise that being a Christian and feminist simultaneously, is completely feasible. If there is anything that my dual identity has allowed me, it’s perspective and the ability to appreciate that rather than it being a dichotomy, these two schools of thought can in fact, coexist harmoniously.
The God of the Bible and His plans for humanity are not sexist. The people influenced by sin, are.
‘God created humanity in God’s own image, in the divine image that God created them, male and female God created them’ (Genesis 1:27). Both men and women are fearfully and wonderfully made in God’s image, and both genders are of equal worth and value, despite differences in their roles in various settings. In fact, this scriptural statement of gender equality is arguably unparalleled in ancient history. It was only after Adam and Eve both partook in eating the forbidden fruit did gender inequality emerge, as exemplified in Genesis 3:16 - God tells the woman, ‘Your desire will be for your husband. He will rule over you’. Sexism is not part of God’s original design of authority in the home and church’ rather, it originated from the corruptness of human sin, which God explicitly warned Adam and Eve against in the early parts of Genesis.
It would be problematic to dismiss the countless examples of gender inequality featured in the Bible, all of which happened after ‘the Fall’ - when sin was first committed by Adam and Eve. Whilst I recognise that women and men have equally significant yet unique roles to play in the home and church, I do feel that certain things women were subject to back in the day, were not entirely just. To name just a few, most women were not trusted to inherit property, make vows and vote. Many of them were barred from receiving higher education and participating in church ministry and leadership. Daughters were considered their father’s property. There are also some genuinely traumatising accounts of rape and violence against women in the Bible. However, it is important to take note of two things.
First, the Bible is based on events and cultural norms established 2000 years ago. It was speaking to a specific context in a specific culture 2000 years ago, so it would be ignorant on our part to expect that every single biblical tradition can and should apply to us 2000 years later. I don’t think any reasonably minded pastor in the modern era would openly preach for daughters to still be treated as their father’s property, and that women should still be banned from voting and attending university. God has blessed us all with the gift of discernment - the ability to differentiate between right and wrong, and when studying scripture, we must keep in mind how times have changed, and exercise discernment wisely.
Secondly, the God of the Bible and his plans for humanity are not inherently sexist. The people, influenced by sin, are. We need to recognise that we are all sinners and are equally susceptible to being sexist. It’s only by recognising this can we strive to champion gender equality together as Christians.
2. Jesus was a radical feminist
It’s not all doom and gloom for feminists studying scripture as there are some truly inspiring stories of female empowerment and resilience featured in the Bible. Many women played an instrumental role in missionary work and development of the early church e.g. Priscilla in Acts, and some were courageous enough to defy their husbands’ abusive rule such as Abigail in Samuel 1:25.
But the most celebrated (and rightly so) feminist in the Bible was none other than Jesus Christ himself. Jesus was extraordinarily counter-cultural in his treatment of and attitudes towards women.
He embraced female discipleship, and was fully receptive to women being a key part of his ministry and church.
His close friends included the three Marys. Jesus risked public disrepute by unashamedly demonstrating their friendship in public.
In addition to this, Jesus openly challenged anyone who sexually objectified women or treated them as though they were war trophies, and dismantled many prejudices concerning female sexuality, as demonstrated in Matthew 5:28: ‘ But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.’
He empathised deeply with the plight of women around him, and sought to heal any woman who has had to endure misfortune and abuse. He understood fully the struggles of being a woman in those times.
He entrusted a woman, Mary Magdalene, with the responsibility of proclaiming the Good News to the disciples.
Jesus respected women. Whether that be affirming a woman’s courage to seek His healing in public, despite the stigma surrounding menstruation (Luke 8:43-48), or encouraging Martha to follow what her sister, Mary is doing, which is to listen to His teachings rather than doing housework (Luke 10:38-42), Jesus treated women with dignity.
Most importantly, he was never selective in who he chose to love, protect and forgive. We are all so generously and constantly loved by Him, fearfully and wonderfully made in His divine image. We are all extravagantly blessed with salvation, forgiveness and gifts from the one and only Him. His throne of grace is readily accessible to all of us. He bled and died on the cross for each and every one of our sins. We are all saved by grace, through faith.
As Christians, I believe it is our calling to live and lead a Christ-like life, a life characterised by loving, respecting and accepting everyone irrespective of gender, a life which best glorifies the kingdom of God. It is also our calling to embody God’s vision for the world, a world where everyone is considered equally worthy of dignity and love. ‘Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgive one another, as God in Christ forgave you’ (Ephesians 4:32). Spread generosity, respect and sharpen each other, look out for your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, and praise the Lord for his overflowing grace and radical compassion always.
“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith,” wrote Paul, “for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” - Galatians 3:28