Reclaiming Your Life – Let's Talk Feminism
May 26th, 2009
When you read the above quote, what comes to your mind or fills your heart? Do you feel angry, sad, happy? Think about it for a minute.
Is there a part of you, whether large or small that says, “wait a minute, what about my pursuits and dreams? Am I supposed to only follow his visions? What if he doesn’t have any, or have any worth supporting?! What about me?”
Let me propose this: if even a smidgen of you thinks or feels slightly shafted by the content of the quote, there is more than likely a root of *feminism in you. Hear me out…
I know something about feminism.
I was raised by a feminist, and then made the decision in college that I too was a feminist – just not a radical one. I reasoned that one could be a feminist and still hold firmly to a Christian mindset. I was fooled. The fact is, feminism is all about striving for equality. God has a different pursuit worth striving towards: becoming like Jesus Christ, the ultimate servant.
Friends, I have a feminist root, and it keeps pushing through new laid soil. Perhaps if I cover it up enough with truth or good intentions and righteous ambitions it will die. Let me tell you, a feminist root does not die easily. It must be dug up and completely removed. If we do not rid it at the source, it will continue to snake its way up through the good soil, producing what looks like a flower, but is actually just a weed that will eventually take over and destroy the beauty.
Please join me tomorrow as we look into how to reclaim our lives without holding onto the weeds.
*Feminism – Belief in the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes.
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Have I told you lately how much I love your blog??
Thank you for this candid post!! So much truth here!
As you said, we are to strive to be like Jesus and HE WAS THE GREATEST SERVANT OF ALL!! The Bible even states this about Jesus, “who being in very nature God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped.” (Phil. 2:6)
If Jesus didn’t seek equality, why do we?!
Have I told you lately how much I love your blog??
Thank you for this candid post!! So much truth here!
As you said, we are to strive to be like Jesus and HE WAS THE GREATEST SERVANT OF ALL!! The Bible even states this about Jesus, “who being in very nature God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped.” (Phil. 2:6)
If Jesus didn’t seek equality, why do we?!
I think Feminism appeals to our selfish natures because it glorifies one of our favorite people in life- ourselves! Biblical views of manhood and womanhood require sacrifice- the husband lays down his life for his wife and the wife submits to her husband. Feminism seems freeing on the surface, but at its core it is more binding to follow any mentality that goes against Scripture. True freedom is found in submitting to God’s design.
I think Feminism appeals to our selfish natures because it glorifies one of our favorite people in life- ourselves! Biblical views of manhood and womanhood require sacrifice- the husband lays down his life for his wife and the wife submits to her husband. Feminism seems freeing on the surface, but at its core it is more binding to follow any mentality that goes against Scripture. True freedom is found in submitting to God’s design.
I think you summed this up very well. Feminism DOES have strong and very very deep roots, and the pervasiveness of it into the church today does not make it any easier for a Believer to get away from it and be free from its clutches.
Many of the versions of the Bible today also reflect a feminist view, which means that much of what is taught and studied is subtly reinforcing “our rights”.
God, being a God of order and a God who is the same yesterday, today and forever, has ways we do not understand. Applying the world’s ways and those of society and our own understandings may make us feel warm and fuzzy about our rebellion, but it does nothing for the truth of God’s Word, and does nothing for us in “Training the younger women to love their husbands and children… so that the Word of God is not brought into disgrace,” as is told to older women in Titus chapter 2.
May God strengthen you, my friend. May he deliver you and give you HIS Words and HIS meanings so that you may overcome what is contrary to his perfect will for woman.
Amanda got me Jennie and Stacey’s book for Mother’s Day, and I am looking forward to getting through it. I also love Jennie’s site, http://ladiesagainstfeminism.com
Blessings and Shalom, and you keep seeking him and he will keep leading you…
I think you summed this up very well. Feminism DOES have strong and very very deep roots, and the pervasiveness of it into the church today does not make it any easier for a Believer to get away from it and be free from its clutches.
Many of the versions of the Bible today also reflect a feminist view, which means that much of what is taught and studied is subtly reinforcing “our rights”.
God, being a God of order and a God who is the same yesterday, today and forever, has ways we do not understand. Applying the world’s ways and those of society and our own understandings may make us feel warm and fuzzy about our rebellion, but it does nothing for the truth of God’s Word, and does nothing for us in “Training the younger women to love their husbands and children… so that the Word of God is not brought into disgrace,” as is told to older women in Titus chapter 2.
May God strengthen you, my friend. May he deliver you and give you HIS Words and HIS meanings so that you may overcome what is contrary to his perfect will for woman.
Amanda got me Jennie and Stacey’s book for Mother’s Day, and I am looking forward to getting through it. I also love Jennie’s site, http://ladiesagainstfeminism.com
Blessings and Shalom, and you keep seeking him and he will keep leading you…
i think fighting modern feminism is bigger than we normally think. it is such a huge part of the way women are raised and we don’t even realize it.
i think the concepts of biblical submission {and really any other biblical standard} can appear to be a burden or confining and restrictive. well it is… our flesh wants to fight to do it our own way. but there is such FREEDOM when we do things God’s way. there is security and hope and satisfaction and fulfillment and so much more.
can’t wait to read more of what you have to say!
i think fighting modern feminism is bigger than we normally think. it is such a huge part of the way women are raised and we don’t even realize it.
i think the concepts of biblical submission {and really any other biblical standard} can appear to be a burden or confining and restrictive. well it is… our flesh wants to fight to do it our own way. but there is such FREEDOM when we do things God’s way. there is security and hope and satisfaction and fulfillment and so much more.
can’t wait to read more of what you have to say!
This is going to be an interesting series! I wouldn’t characterize my family as feminists, but I do come from a long line of strong willed women. The idea of submitting to any man, for any reason, repulses me. To be honest, reading the beginning quote made my blood start to boil. Yet I am a Christian, and I know the verses that speak of submission, so clearly I am in the wrong. I look forward to what you have to say about this topic that is so difficult for me.
This is going to be an interesting series! I wouldn’t characterize my family as feminists, but I do come from a long line of strong willed women. The idea of submitting to any man, for any reason, repulses me. To be honest, reading the beginning quote made my blood start to boil. Yet I am a Christian, and I know the verses that speak of submission, so clearly I am in the wrong. I look forward to what you have to say about this topic that is so difficult for me.
Excellent post Sarah Mae! I do believe I have a streak of feminism myself and I struggle with submission. But the Lord helps me to keep improving! I am loving that book myself and I look forward to more on this subject!
Excellent post Sarah Mae! I do believe I have a streak of feminism myself and I struggle with submission. But the Lord helps me to keep improving! I am loving that book myself and I look forward to more on this subject!
Anonymous- I don’t suppose all women are destined to be married, or they would be. The should promote the vision of God. If they submit to God’s authority, He will lead them.
Robin- Yes! Of course you are right – we ALL tend towards feminism because of Eve and the curse – to desire (want to control) our husbands!
Chrs- I have no idea what the heck you said.
Anne- I cannot wait for the discussion and I am so honored to be a part of it!
Sandee – I just love that you love God and are pursuing Him!
Heather – you have been hurt, and I can relate. Don’t give up!
Thank you ALL for the thoughtful comments! I look forward to more discussion!
Anonymous- I don’t suppose all women are destined to be married, or they would be. The should promote the vision of God. If they submit to God’s authority, He will lead them.
Robin- Yes! Of course you are right – we ALL tend towards feminism because of Eve and the curse – to desire (want to control) our husbands!
Chrs- I have no idea what the heck you said.
Anne- I cannot wait for the discussion and I am so honored to be a part of it!
Sandee – I just love that you love God and are pursuing Him!
Heather – you have been hurt, and I can relate. Don’t give up!
Thank you ALL for the thoughtful comments! I look forward to more discussion!
Provocative thoughts. First of all, I am a working mom and love it. In fact, I work full time and my husband is a FT stay at home dad. It works for us better than when we both worked and much better than when I stayed home. I was miserable! Our decision has raised a few eyebrows and is admittedly somewhat progressive. It has also been commented that it must make me a Christian feminist. I disagree.
By definition feminism is a striving toward equality with men. As a Christian I understand that my husband and I are unequal and dissimilar by design. This unequalness is what keeps the nature of our married relationship in delicate balance. I understand that even though I bring home the check I still live in submission to the authority of God and my husband. Hardly feminist at all. Now, as a disclaimer I will admit that this works so well because my husband is a Godly man who does not abuse his role and lives in service to God and me.
Finally I think that there have historically been some practical, legal reasons for feminist organization. I want equal rights and opportunity under the law. But legal precedent has become the least on the list of feminist priorities and that is when I part ways with the “movement”. I am very happy with my position in Christ and in our marriage and wouldn’t want it any other way.
Plus I would never, ever, under any circumstances burn my bra. Those babies are expensive!
Provocative thoughts. First of all, I am a working mom and love it. In fact, I work full time and my husband is a FT stay at home dad. It works for us better than when we both worked and much better than when I stayed home. I was miserable! Our decision has raised a few eyebrows and is admittedly somewhat progressive. It has also been commented that it must make me a Christian feminist. I disagree.
By definition feminism is a striving toward equality with men. As a Christian I understand that my husband and I are unequal and dissimilar by design. This unequalness is what keeps the nature of our married relationship in delicate balance. I understand that even though I bring home the check I still live in submission to the authority of God and my husband. Hardly feminist at all. Now, as a disclaimer I will admit that this works so well because my husband is a Godly man who does not abuse his role and lives in service to God and me.
Finally I think that there have historically been some practical, legal reasons for feminist organization. I want equal rights and opportunity under the law. But legal precedent has become the least on the list of feminist priorities and that is when I part ways with the “movement”. I am very happy with my position in Christ and in our marriage and wouldn’t want it any other way.
Plus I would never, ever, under any circumstances burn my bra. Those babies are expensive!
Ooooo, I’m looking forward to this! I WAS a hardcore feminist, raised by an extremely liberal family…and I am always interested in exploring the very subject you are addressing, now that God has opened my eyes!
Ooooo, I’m looking forward to this! I WAS a hardcore feminist, raised by an extremely liberal family…and I am always interested in exploring the very subject you are addressing, now that God has opened my eyes!
Sarah Mae, I thought I was the only one who couldn’t understand Chrs’s comment! I kept re-reading it because I thought maybe it was spam! LOL
Sarah Mae, I thought I was the only one who couldn’t understand Chrs’s comment! I kept re-reading it because I thought maybe it was spam! LOL
I always say that my heart is to be my husband’s help meet, to submit to his authority. But I find more often than not that that little “what about what I want?” voice is right there in my head. Of course, that is probably more selfishness and the flesh more than feminism. Looking forward to reading how you address this, anyway!
I always say that my heart is to be my husband’s help meet, to submit to his authority. But I find more often than not that that little “what about what I want?” voice is right there in my head. Of course, that is probably more selfishness and the flesh more than feminism. Looking forward to reading how you address this, anyway!
At very least, it wasn’t meant to be spam! I notice on rereading that my comment has a couple of editing errors–in the thesis sentence, no less.
My proposition was that the philosophy, the core ideas, of a cause may exist entirely separated from the attitudes that people tend to attach to them. Does that help?
At very least, it wasn’t meant to be spam! I notice on rereading that my comment has a couple of editing errors–in the thesis sentence, no less.
My proposition was that the philosophy, the core ideas, of a cause may exist entirely separated from the attitudes that people tend to attach to them. Does that help?
I had to think about this for a couple of days. I’m not sure that I understand exactly what feminism is(or white washed feminism either).
I don’t want to throw out feminism all together, because I am glad of certain things that it has accomplished– like giving women the right to vote– but I think that it has gone to a dangerous extreme now.
I have attended church since I was a baby, and the only times I have heard talk of submission is to say that the wives should submit to the husbands. I have never heard any application of what that might possibly mean. I don’t know if people are just scared to talk about it, or if I just don’t listen very well. :)
I think that I see it as allowing my husband to lead and being supportive of the choices he makes. This doesn’t mean that I have no input into things, but I am not trying to take control. Now that I have been married for 12 years, I have a better idea what it means. I just wish that I would have known more of these things before I was married! I had so much advice on what my wedding should be like and almost none on what my marriage should be like.
Part of what I have realized lately is that I need to have more of a servant’s heart. Not just in my marriage, although that is one aspect of it. I have the part of doing things for other people down easily, but I have realized that I also expect something in return. That’s missing the point.
Just the random thoughts that have been running through my head. Thanks for taking on such a thought provoking topic. :)
I had to think about this for a couple of days. I’m not sure that I understand exactly what feminism is(or white washed feminism either).
I don’t want to throw out feminism all together, because I am glad of certain things that it has accomplished– like giving women the right to vote– but I think that it has gone to a dangerous extreme now.
I have attended church since I was a baby, and the only times I have heard talk of submission is to say that the wives should submit to the husbands. I have never heard any application of what that might possibly mean. I don’t know if people are just scared to talk about it, or if I just don’t listen very well. :)
I think that I see it as allowing my husband to lead and being supportive of the choices he makes. This doesn’t mean that I have no input into things, but I am not trying to take control. Now that I have been married for 12 years, I have a better idea what it means. I just wish that I would have known more of these things before I was married! I had so much advice on what my wedding should be like and almost none on what my marriage should be like.
Part of what I have realized lately is that I need to have more of a servant’s heart. Not just in my marriage, although that is one aspect of it. I have the part of doing things for other people down easily, but I have realized that I also expect something in return. That’s missing the point.
Just the random thoughts that have been running through my head. Thanks for taking on such a thought provoking topic. :)
SarahMae-
You are SO SO SO SO SO on-track and Rock (biblically) – Solid!
http://visionarydaughters.com/
http://www.beautyfromtheheart.org/index.html
http://www.solofemininity.blogs.com/
http://deuteronomy6five-nine.blogspot.com/
http://girltalk.blogs.com/
These are some incredibly encouraging sites (blogs) for women to get some like-minded, Biblical womenhood encouragement! they are written for God’s glory. (a truly refreshment)
gratefully,
HveHope (Jackie)
SarahMae-
You are SO SO SO SO SO on-track and Rock (biblically) – Solid!
http://visionarydaughters.com/
http://www.beautyfromtheheart.org/index.html
http://www.solofemininity.blogs.com/
http://deuteronomy6five-nine.blogspot.com/
http://girltalk.blogs.com/
These are some incredibly encouraging sites (blogs) for women to get some like-minded, Biblical womenhood encouragement! they are written for God’s glory. (a truly refreshment)
gratefully,
HveHope (Jackie)
When I read posts like yours, I feel sad because it is clear that many Christian women do not understand what TRUE feminism is. If they did, they would never reject the concept. The reality is that the first true feminist was none other than Jesus Christ. And I am of the opinion that people who reject that reality are deceived.
I invite you to read:
http://www.hopefulspirit.com/2008/06/01/feminism/ and http://www.hopefulspirit.com/2007/10/16/gentleness-not-just-for-women/
There is nothing wrong with holding up your life partner in the manner described in the quote. The problem develops when it is a one-way street. Jesus never intended that for women . . . he valued them as no one ever had before his personification of the Divine Creator here on earth.
Blessings to you,
Hopeful Spirit
On the Horizon
hopeful spirit – you offer an interesting twist to this discussion and i quite like it. :) i read the article you linked to and thought it very appropriate.
the real key to this discussion is how we define feminism. i might be for or against the idea of feminism depending on the definition in context of the ones i'm having conversation with.
if feminism is women taking control of the world with no thought of others – i'm against it.
if feminism is being completely comfortable in my skin as a woman, secure in the love of my Father, and thankful for the rights and equality we all share, purposing to bless and love those around me with my unique womanhood, then i'm for it.