How Feminism Redefined Femininity
If you read last week’s article, “Christian Imposter Syndrome,” I briefly discussed women’s roles in God’s eyes, society, and as wives and homemakers, and I had to leave you hanging. You don’t have to wait any longer because I will talk about it today.
If I recall, last week I left off with, “For many, it’s unconventional for a Christian woman to be outspoken or to have an opinion separate from her husband; it’s not godly or feminine for a Christian woman to do anything outside of caring for her children and her household. But that’s not true.”
Of course, not all Christians believe this about women. Most know that although women were primarily created to be mothers, caregivers, and helpmates to their husbands, they were also designed to minister to other women and the youth. Many were never meant to bear children but to bear witness instead. Their purpose and role are no less important and vital in advancing God’s kingdom than any man’s.
Some women were purposed with the task of being one of the first to spread the news of the Messiah, a Samaritan woman who, through Jesus’ interaction, broke down ethnic and gender barriers, and her testimony led many Samaritans to believe in Jesus (John 4:28-30, 39-42). The first person to witness and announce the resurrection of Jesus Christ after His crucifixion was a woman—or women, depending on which Gospel account you’re reading (The Gospels). The first European convert to Christianity was a woman (Lydia – Acts 16:14-15). One woman who bled for twelve years and was healed after touching the cloak of Jesus is one of the Bible’s most powerful demonstrations of faith (Matthew 9:20-22, Mark 5:25-34, and Luke 8:43-48). One woman exemplified unwavering faithfulness and loyalty that mirrors the type of steadfast commitment that God desires from His followers. She was portrayed as upright and virtuous, and her actions consistently demonstrated kindness, humility, and respect, which is essential for those who seek to advance God’s kingdom (the Book of Ruth). And then, of course, there was this one woman, a virgin at that, who gave birth to the Son of God. I’m sure you’ve heard of her (Luke 2).
I think it’s safe to say that women’s roles in the eyes of God are just as important as the roles of men.
Now, I would never presume to be as important as any of those amazing women whose stories and testimonies stood the test of time, but then again…why not? Why can’t my purpose or your purpose or your mother’s, grandmother’s, sister’s, daughter’s, or friend’s purpose be as crucial as any other godly woman’s in history? And who’s to say they aren’t? Because God’s love and value for individuals are not determined by specific roles or historical contexts but by the inherent worth bestowed upon all creation. Of course, none of us will ever carry the Son of God in our womb, so Mary’s role, I’d say, was far more important than mine will ever be, but I think you get my point.
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