Legalism, Law and Grace

Romans 3:28 “For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.”

In this post, I want to discuss legalism and how it affects Christian community including the churches, the home etc since it is what millions Christians have and now still dealing with in everyday life.  First I want to define what exactly is legalism?  Basically, legalism is a long list of man-made religious laws and rules that Christians are expected to follow in order to earn Jesus Christ’s love and blessings sometimes based on false or misguided teachings. If a Christian doesn’t follow all the rules, then their written off as not true believers by their fellow Christians, unable to be welcomed into the Lord’s grace and will be condemned.  The mentality for these Christians is to turn the bible into a long to-do and don’t list what we should or shouldn’t do and if anyone falls short, they should be judged.  A lot of the times, bible scriptures get taking out of context, distorted and misinterpreted to justify these so-called rules.  What these legalistic laws are will differ in many churches and other Christian organizations. 

Some churches ban members from any alcohol use, tobacco use, tattoos, women wearing make-up and jewelry, pants or their hairs short and men from wearing their hairs long, or anyone going to clubs, dances, swimming places and swimming in mixed groups.  Many others are constantly analyzing or worrying themselves or many aspects of their life, whether they should get tattoos, is it okay to smoke, drink any alcohol beverages, wear makeup, its it okay to love fashion, what to watch on TV or at movie theatres, how to dress, can they cut their hairs, what type of music should they listen to, what books to read, etc. They fact remains, is that many individuals and churches feel the need become the moral police con-stantly delegating on what other Christians should do based on their own interpretations on how a godly person lives. 

This may seem well-intentional at first since we all need some order in our lives but it can also have major negative affects.  For one thing, many interpret the bible in their own way, and when others don’t follow by their code of standards and rules, they feel compelled to harshly judge, criticize or/and condemn.  I recall many accounts I read on the internet of Christians complaining how they were ostracized, sneered at for a variety of reasons, because they allow their children to watch Disney, they don’t homeschool their children, mothers working outside the home, etc..  I also read many comments from fellow Christians who condemn others for watching soap operas, women wearing make-up, jewelry and high heels etc.  Once and a while, I will stumble on a article from a Christian feeling the need to tell others what they should or shouldn’t do whether it was to turn away from the fashion industry, celebrating Halloween, turn away from movies and books that involve horror, supernatural, witches and wizards.  These types of mentality winds up embracing an attitude of self-righteousness, arrogance, overly judgementalness, and condescension which isn’t what a Christ-like attitude is all about. These attitudes tend to come taking out of context scriptures that warns us against embracing worldly passions.  

There is 1 John 2:15-17 “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.”   Colossians 3:2 “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”  Titus 2:11-12 “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we would live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world”.  Many interpret these verses to mean that we as Christians should have nothing to do with anything of this world. That partaking in anything of this world be it hobbies, interests, that is god-related in general is sinful.  By that reasoning, that means that Christians should give up all their personal hobbies, be it fishing, camping, going to sporting events, or playing sports, movies, TV, not read any books that aren’t Christian books, or listening to secular music.  In other words, don’t have anything to do with anything secular in general.  However, I don’t believe that what the scriptures are actually saying and I found such ideas unrealistic and too restrictive. Besides what about secular things that are positive such as charity organizations, humanitarianism or those who care about the environmental?  Would it be sinful to get involved in these events because they are not god-related?  

One could argue, they’re purpose to get involved in these events is to please the lord be involved in a calling, but that is besides the point.  I don’t believe the purpose is to abandon all things in the world, but that our hearts foremost should be with God rather than desires things of this world that are sinful.  Also, we shouldn’t be so consumed of desiring things of this world that causing us our hearts to be filled with greed, lust, selfish cravings, too much materialism, making us turn away from god or prioritize these things over honoring the Lord.  God, should be foremost the center of our lives in which we can still enjoy our passions and pursuits that doesn’t cause us to go against God’s will or turn away from him altogether.  We should be careful to what is sinful or not.  I mean that Christians shouldn’t be so consumed with sin that we look for sin in any fun pursuit be it going dancing, swimming in mixed groups, watching soap operas, having an occasional alcohol drink or read romance novels or adding things that are not in the bible.  Over analyzing such behaviors where Christians are constantly looking for sin and judging and criticizing others leads to an legalistic mentality that is negative destroys the spirit of Christ, rather than uplift it.  

People can become miserable, anxious or constantly second-guessing themselves as they feel they never measure up to being a follower of Christ. Others we become holier-than-thou always feeling morally superior to others, feeling the right to nit-pick people’s choices or mistakes. This is not what following Christ is about.  If we give ourselves to God and Jesus Christ than we don’t need to be too self-conscious as we trust our hearts to know that nothing can cause us to stray from the lord.  Of course, we should avoid things that are sinful or tempt us to sin like not get drunk or look at porn but not too the point where we are obsessed with sin that is discouraging to us.  Another problem is that many Christians tend to forget is that we are no longer under law but under grace. Paul stated this in Romans 6:14 “For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.”  Paul was referring to the old covenant of Moses, which we are no longer obligated since the old laws were made for Israelites to follow in order to receive God's blessings and could only condemns those to death who don't follow them.  However, the Israelites failed to live up to all laws or god's standard of perfection as it was too impossible.

Even today, some churches teach that Christians have to follow a long list of rules in order to earn God's love, blessings and favor and perform certain tasks to earn his forgiveness and many Christians believe this.  The fact remains, is that we are all sinners, and will never be free from sin since as human beings we are all imperfect.  This is confirmed in 1 John 1:8 “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”  Jesus Christ was the only perfect person who was free from sin and he died for all our sins when he was crucified on the cross.  In the aftermath, Paul was now declaring a new covenant in which Christians are now under grace rather than the old law.  This means God blesses all of us with undeserved favor, love, mercy and forgiveness when we sin.  This however, isn’t a free pass to do as we please no matter how sinful.  Paul confirmed this too in Romans 6:15 “What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!”  For example, we shouldn't feel free to break the ten commandments, commit adultery, steal, etc.  Christians should strive to follow Christ's teachings and God's laws including the ten commandments.  However, we don’t do these things to earn the Lord’s love or favor since we already have that, but because of our faith in Christ.  Embracing God in our lives and receiving his grace will enable us to strive to do better and be better as we grow more in our spiritual path.  Of course we will sometimes stumble and stray from him but we when we repent he forgives our sins and we are no longer condemned.  

We shouldn’t have to worry about being perfect and not make mistakes which is impossible to fulfill but when he embrace the Lord and Jesus Christ in our lives and our hearts, we will desire to want try to do right and grow more holy in order to honor him.  To me that it’s what all that matters.  As for legalism, I personally don’t believe in being too judgemental by playing the moral police based on a long list of  man-made rules of what Christians should or shouldn’t do in their daily lives.  Instead, I believe in focusing on following Christ, and sometimes reading the bible for guidance and analyzing what they mean in the context the verses are written so as not to take them into context.  

Most importantly I strive to have a clear sense of right and wrong as I try figure it all out.  I don’t claim to always get it right, I don’t believe any Christian will but take one step at time as we struggle to grow everyday in Christ.

Gender Stereotypes About Men in the Christian Faith Part 2

1 Corinthians 16:13 “ Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.”








I made a previous post about how gender stereotypes affect women in the Christian community, now I want to take the time to discuss how it affects men.  Just like women, men too have been subjected to stereotypes on how a man is suppose to be and act among the Christian faith.  Men are expected to be strong, touch, macho, aggressive, courageous, more logical and rational than women and are natural born leaders.  There are other many ideas on what makes a real man.  Real men hunt, enjoy sports, like outdoor activities, are hard drinkers, eat red meat, know how to fight, can take a punch, aren’t soft, too sensitive, don’t show their emotions don’t have any interest in anything that isn’t considered manly.  In fact, if men show a lot of sensitivity or any interest in non-traditional masculine hobbies, he often ridiculed as being weak, gay, a sissy or not real man.  

One example I like to make, is few years back while stumbling upon a British Christian women’s website. A female commentor posted to complain about her husband because he always asked for her opinions when making decisions, offer to wash the dishes, shed a tear when watching a touching film, and did cross stitching(since his mother taught him) and she even implied she was worried that he might be gay because of his hobby, although she declared he wasn’t.  She claimed she didn’t want a man who fluffed her pillows but one who told her what to do and would forbid her from going out with her friends at night.  I felt the description of her husband sounded normal and wondered if she had a skewed view of what a man should be like which was touch, macho and dominant and even considered she was an unhealthy view relationships with men as she basically admitted to wanting to be dominated by her husband.  More surprising, an older female who was member of the website, gave her advice on how to persuade her husband to turn away from cross-stitching and washing the dishes, just in case his actions are the result of the devil.  

Since the end of the 20^th century, in the secular society there has been an new phenomenon called the menaissance movement which is meant to combat what is considered the feminized male, the effeminate male, the emasculated male, the wimpy male or the man-child, in which men embrace some traditional male ideals, such as being decisive, assertive, protectors, gentlemen and celebrating the differences between the sexes.  Even in the churches, there is a new masculinity movement to attract more men and combat what they perceive to the church of becoming too feminized with women outnumbering men in attending church.  There was the popular Promise Keepers which started in the 1990s.  Christian comedian Brad Stine started a ministry called GodMen in which men are allowed to display traditional manly traits such as being raw and express themselves in typical male ways and watch videos of karate fights, car chases and listen to a song called “Grow A Pair”.  Even Pastor Mark Driscoll once described Jesus, Paul and John the Baptist as heterosexual, win-a-fight, punch-you-in-the-nose dudes who are also aggressive, assertive and nonverbal.  I even saw a painting on the internet of Jesus Christ having muscles, wearing a T-shirt and Jeans and showing off a tattoo on his biceps. It seems in this movement, is the desire to redefine Jesus Christ to fit into the mold of masculinity built on the traditional cultural ideas of manhood.  

This concept isn’t very original.   In fact, early as turn-off-the 20^th century,  former baseball player and Evangelist preacher Billy Sunday founded what was know as Muscular Christianity which was to remasculize the church.  During the Ancient Roman Empire, Christians were being persecuted and accused of being too effeminate, including 3^rd century Emperor Diocletian who blamed Christianity for making the Roman Empire weak.  Of course during the 1960s and 1970s, in middle of the popular famous “Jesus Movement” Jesus transformed into a peace-loving, kumbaya-type, namby-pamby hippie.  I don’t follow either of these ideals of Jesus Christ and find some flaws in them.  I view Jesus, our savior as a strong, wise, kind and courageous man who taught about love, peace, patience, humility, forgiveness, to love your enemies and turn the other cheek, who at times was firm and showed anger when justified and other times showed mercy, healed the sick and in the end endured pain and suffering as he was crucified on the cross and died for all our sins.  Jesus also wept in John 11:35, when he was moved by the mourning of the death of Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha of whom he and his disciples stayed with.

Regarding Manhood itself, although I understand and even agree with some of the need for the menaissance movement, I'm often conflicted on what I regard as two extremes.  On one side, there is need to bring back the retrosexual male who carry all the traits and characteristics of the old model of manhood based on very rigid gender stereotypes and from a nostalgic era and have little tolerance of anything that is seen as too soft or sissified.  Than on another side, there is a need to take the gender-neutral approach too extreme to the point of wiping out gender distinctions, since gender is considered a social construct.  Men were expected to get in touch with their feminine sides, be more like women, express their emotions like women, some typical masculine traits like aggressiveness, and rough and tumble play among boys is seen as negative. These ideals are based on society cultural expectations placed on males, dating back in the by gone era where boys were taught that “boys don’t cry” , be tough, don’t be too soft, play sports, learn how to fight, dolls are for girls, housework is women’s work.  If a boy took an interest an anything that wasn’t typically boy hobbies they were considered a sissy. 

In today’s post-feministic society, the pendulum swung the other way, where boys are encouraged to play with dolls, and typical boy traits, like playing with toy guns, rough and tumble play are considered too aggressive and some believe even encourage violent behavior when they become men despite experts claiming otherwise.  Even in schools, boys are often penalized for engaging in these types of behavior which led to complaints on how now boys and not girls are more disadvantaged in schools.  In the media or  TV and films, sometimes males are portrayed as the clueless idiot, wimpy guy or the immature man-child which makes one understand even more why the call for the menaissance.  As I stated before in my previous post, I’m aware that men and women do have some differences not just biological but also psychological with their own unique strength and weaknesses.  I also support some traditional manly traits, such as the men being the providers, protectors, defenders, strong, courageous, decisiveness, gentlemen behavior as good core values for men. Yet, I also balance these out with being sensitive, tender, caring, gentle, compassionate, empathetic, nurturing, not afraid to show emotions and express his feelings, allowed to be vulnerable and to cry.  I also believe men should be men, but not the classic 1950s, John Wayne-type of manhood.  Instead, they should embrace their masculinity in their own individual ways.

Since the 1960s and 1970s, when feminism was on the rise, just as women were breaking down barriers, so were men.  Men realized that they also could also go beyond restrictive gender stereotypes and pursue any goals they desire and not just what was considered typical male interests.  They learned it was okay for men to become nurses, ballet dancers, models, fashion designers, learn sewing, knitting, cross-stitching, cooking, poets, stay-at-home dads etc.  Even in the home, men started contributing more in the household chores and childcare as women leaving the home to pursue their own careers or education.  Now men realize that they don’t need to be the only breadwinner, make all the decisions, be macho, throw a punch, avoid any housework or childcare and write them off as women’s work or hold in their emotions and feelings to validate their manhood.  They can be strong, protective, even tough and still be sensitive, gentle, caring, vulnerable, show emotions even cry at the same time.  There are some biblical figures that can be used as examples including in the book of Samuel,  David and his friendship with Jonathan, the son of  King Saul who hugged each other and cried when, David was forced to flee since King Saul was trying to kill him.  In today’s society, more men are just like women, are free from the burdens and constraints of the past cultural expectations placed upon them and can be freely who they are embracing their own individual god-giving skills, gifts and talents and interests/ without judgment or condemnation on what a real man is.  

Most importantly, men should strive to be strong godly men, husbands and fathers who worked alongside women as heirs in god’s kingdom to glorify god and follow Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Gender Stereotypes in Christianity, About Women Part 1

1 Peter 3:3-4 “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.  Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”

I want to discuss in this post about gender stereotypes that go around in the Christian communities.  Stereotypes have been going around for centuries be it racial, gender, nationality or other religious faiths.  However, among Christians there is a mentality to hold on to rigid gender stereotypes leftover from patriarchal attitudes that affect both the sexes.  Many of the stereotypes are directly towards women, how we should be, act, what are roles should be in life or in the home.  I was astounded when I read very outdated arguments on what women should be allowed to do, whether they should be doctors, political leaders, play sports, join the military, be tough, strong, brave or aggressive etc.  On one Christian women’s blog, there was a debate about women doctors where one commenter even argued that women shouldn’t be put in position where she will be required to be aggressive.  Another argument on another site, was whether women should be politicians, some believing that men make the better leaders, and one female commenter reasoned that women need protection.  I was confused about what type of protection she thought women needed that would be compromised by becoming a political figure.  

On a very conservative Christian blog called “The Rebelution” run by two young Christian men Alex and Brett Harris, the younger brothers of Joshua Harris popular for the “I Kiss Dating Goodbye” book made a post about their idea of what real woman should be.  Although, I found the post quite interesting, I couldn’t help but also find it rather exhausting in its long list of how women should behave and act some.  When one female commenter objected to their ideals claiming she was truck driver, she was criticized by another female commenter for taking on a man’s role.  Many of the myths are how women should act or behave include being docile, nice, passive, helpless, fragile, dependent, too emotional, not as logical as men who are interested in only traditional women’s interests like shopping, sewing, knitting, cooking, housekeeping in order to retain their femininity as opposed to being strong-willed, independent, outspoken and with a headstrong personality who prefers sports, mechanics, hunting and other traditional male interests.  

Some ultra conservatives reason that for a woman to have strong mind or a will of her own, means she is embarking on a Jezebel spirit or stepping out of a traditional women’s role she is being temped by Satan or being unfeminine.  Afterall, women are the fairer sex, the gentler sex or the more patronizing referred the weaker sex.  Women shouldn’t do anything that goes against their feminine nature, least of all take on what is considered masculine roles.  I still wonder where many Christians get these ideas.  I believe part of it still based on traditional cultural attitudes that are still hung over from the by gone era starting in childhood when girls are expected to only play with dolls, like the color pink, and have only typical girly interests, be girly-girls rather than tomboys who like to do typical “boys interests” or be good in math and science.  Even in adulthood, there are what is considered women’s jobs like nurses, teachers, secretaries, seamstress, hair stylists etc and women’s hobbies like sewing, knitting, cooking, fashion, arts and craft, reading romance novels etc.  

The main argument to justify these attitudes are that males and females are different and men should be men and women should be women and stop trying to unisex everything between the genders by eliminating gender distinctions.  First, I like to point out that I do except that male and females have equal rights, are equal worth but not identical and do have some differences that extend beyond just natural biological differences.  I also believe these differences consists with each gender having their own unique strengths, capabilities, and weaknesses which should be acknowledged as it is what makes men and women complement each other.  I’ll even go further to say that I believe on average there are certain things that may be more suitable for men(like physical heavy lifting) and certain things on average more suitable for women(like multi-tasking) and see nothing wrong with admitting this.  There are also certain circumstances where males and females shouldn’t compete against, such as professional sports and other areas that require a lot of physical strength, or even heavy binge-drinking, since  studies have shown that women tend to be more vulnerable to alcohol consumption due our bodies been built different from men.  I even find certain negative traits more unflattering in women than men and don’t care if this will offend some feminists. I also believe to an extent, certain gender roles where men are the providers and the protectors and women are the nurturers and caregivers.  

Women today should embrace the uniqueness of womanhood with balance of the traditional and modern elements.  With this, they can be encouraged to embrace their femininity, with their more natural nurturing ability, be soft, be full of gentility and be a lady.  While at the same time, be strong, assertive, self-reliant, independent minded, outspoken, be bold and fearless who can stand on their own two feet and embrace their individual talents and skills.  Neither of these traits need to be mutually exclusive in today’s society.  The problem is many who hold very ultra conservative patriarchal attitudes over emphasize the gender differences and use scriptures to justify these very restrictive and rigid stereotypes based on nostalgic ideas on how women should be that basically pigeonholes women.  

One verse is 1 Peter 3:3-4 where women are referred to as having a “gentle and quiet spirit”.  This phrase has been misinterpreted by some to meaning women should be docile, soft-spoken and quiet in speech, that they shouldn’t be assertive, too strong-willed or talkative.  However, this is not what the verse is saying at all. The Greek word for gentle is “prautes” which means something or someone with a soothing quality.  A gentleness in conduct, especially for people who have the power to act otherwise, such as being humble, humility, showing self-restraint, not seeking revenge or malice.  An adjective form of the word is “praus” which has been translated into the word meek.  Jesus says in Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth”.  Jesus also refers to himself as meek in Matthew 11:29 “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls”.  The word quiet in the Greek translation is ‘hesuchios” which means an inner calmness, causing no disturbance to others, peaceful and free from agitation.  

This doesn’t mean women shouldn’t be assertive, never be angry, be a doormat, a pushover nor be quiet in speech.  It does mean that she should be good-natured, be humble without arrogance, selfishness, conceit, vanity and restrain from being vindictive and malicious, instead strive to be forgiving.  It also implies having a peaceful nature free form so much inner turmoil or anger and hostility especially that starts affecting others.  Of course we are allowed to be angry when someone as wronged us or our loved ones, but we should pick are battles wisely and not be quick to anger over trivial things and can shouldn’t express our anger beyond that is reasonable nor let anger fester that makes us bitter, spiteful and hardened. Plus we should strive to be forgiving even when it’s difficult.  Our hearts are at peace with god.  

Other misconceptions about women’s abilities as I pointed out regarding our capabilities to be strong leaders, brave and courageous since many believe these traits are more suitable in men.  Recently, the military lifted the ban on women in ground combat branches such as infantry, armor and artillery which as caused debate about women in combat involving mixed thoughts.  Those who argue against this change reason that women don’t have the ability to kill because they are too emotional, too delicate and weak.  However, most knows these are true as many women in the past have killed and committed other brutal acts and proven to just as ruthless and deadly as many men and many have led nations too.   In fact, I want to debunk all these myths and misconceptions once and for all.  One example is that during ancient times, there were exceptional female rulers.  These include the Queen of Sheba who visited King Solomon in 1 Kings 10:1-13.  Scholars believe her dynasty was in parts of what is now known as Ethiopia and Yemen.  There were also a few female pharaohs in Ancient Egypt.  One was Hatshepsut, who was the fifth pharaoh in the eighteenth dynasty who reigned longer than any other woman in the dynasty and was regarded as the most successful.  Then there was the famous Cleopatra VII who was the last active pharaoh in Ancient Egypt.  

The bible also mentions a number of strong courageous women.  I’ve already mentioned Deborah, the judge and prophetess mentioned in the Book of Judges who accompanied the military general Barak into battle to defeat the King Jabin of  Hazor Canaan’s army although she predicted that the glory of victory will be given to woman and not Barak.  That woman was in fact Jael, the wife of Hebor the Kenite.  Apparently, Sisera, the commander of King Jabin’s Canaanite’s army fled to the settlement of her husband in the plain of Zaanaim where he was greeted by Jael who invited him back to her tent and gave him food and shelter promising to hide.  After he fell asleep, she then killed him by driving a peg into his temple with a mallet so hard that his head was pinned to the ground.  Another brave heroine mentioned in the bible is Judith a widow from the Israel city of Bethulia whose town was invaded by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon’s army.  Judith, along with her maid goes to the enemy’s camp and confronts the army’s general Holofernes, captivating him with her beauty and gaining his trust and promising him information on the Israelites.  Once inside his tent at a banquet, he gets drunk and while they are alone, she takes his sword and beheads him placing his head in a food sack, she and her maid return to Bethulia where she shows Holofernes’s head to the men and tells them to mount an attack of the enemy camp the next morning.  The Israelites then plunder the camp, where Holofernes’s men have fled and bring all of Holofernes’s possessions to Judith.  Judith is hailed as having saved her town Beuthulia from the King of Babylon.  

Another brave heroine who saved her people is Queen Esther in the Book of Esther.  Esther was an orphaned Jewish woman raised by her cousin Mordecai who was selected as a wife to King Ahasuerus of Persia.  Mordecai had exposed of a plot to assassinate the King and the guilty parties are put to death and Haman, the King’s official is granted honor higher than the King’s other officials whom all bow to him.  However, Mordecai refused to bow to him since he only bows to God which angered Haman and upon learning his is a Jew, he ordered all Jews to be killed in the city.  Mordecai informed Esther of Haman’s plot and pleaded with her to confront the King.  Then Esther dressed in royalty went to confront the King, despite the fact that the penalty to see the King when he hadn’t called anyone to him first was death.  She risked her life and confronted Ahasuerus inviting him to two banquets in which at the second banquet, she presented herself as Jew and exposed of Haman’s plot to kill all Jews which angered the King that he ordered Haman to put to death, than he allowed the Jews to defend the themselves against the attacking army and they killed Haman’s army.  

Queen Esther is praised has having saved her people the Jewish nation risking her own like to do it.  Another brave heroine is an unknown woman in the Book of Judges.  Abimelech was a ruthless and power-hungry ruler of the city of Shechem who massacured the people of the city who revolted against him and then proceeded to siege the city of Thebez where the people fled to the tower.  When Abimelech and his army planned to burn the tower down, a woman at the tower threw an upper millstone with all her strength and crushed Abimelech’s skull. Not wanting it to known that a woman killed him, he ordered his arm-bearer to finish him off with his sword.  

Despite the myth of being the weaker and the more gentler sex, throughout history women have played a active roles in wars battles more than people believe.  In Ancient Rome, there were female gladiators that fought in the games.  Also during Ancient times, throughout the continents, there are stories of women leading armies into battle, leading revolts and fighting as skilled warriors.  One known warrior was Boudica, a Celtic warrior Queen who was the wife of Prasutagas, the ruler of the Iceni tribe who led an uprising against the occupying forces of the Roman Empire.  Another known warrior was Queen Amanishakheto, an Ethiopian ruler who defeated the Roman Army sent by Emperor Augustus to conquer Nubia.  Her daughter was Queen Amanitore, of the Kushitic Kingdom of Meroe who is also mentioned in the bible Acts 8:26-40.  

Then there are the legendary Amazons, a tribe of warlike women in Greek Mythology who bared arms and fought in battle.  For centuries many have wondered if these mystical women really existed.  According to a 5^th century historian Herodotos, claimed they originally came from modern day Turkey and eventually made their way to the Black Sea near Scythia where they intermarried with the Scythians ending the women-only tribe and creating a new race called the Sauromatians.  The Sauromatian women would continue the traditions of their ancesters and carry arms and fight in battles along with their men in fact the custom was a girl shouldn’t wed until she killed in man in battle.  In the 1990s, a team of U.S. and Russian archaeologists discovered graves near the Russian-Kazakhstan border and digged up skeletons of the Sauromatians that consisted of women buried with weapons near them indicating they fought in battles.  There is research of many women throughout the centuries  and countries who fought in battles even as late as Revolutionary and Civil wars with stories of women disguising themselves as men in order to fight.  Also during the First and Second world wars, women were spies, agents and resistant fighters etc.  Research also shows throughout centuries, women have been rulers of dynasties, as Queens and Empresses in Europe, Asia and Africa.  

In today’s woman have broken many barriers in going against the grain and what was once expected of them.  They become doctors, lawyers, scientists, supervisors, police officers, firefighters, FBI agents, civil or political leaders, athletes, pilots, martial artists, military commanders, mechanics, explorers, scuba divers etc.  Many have committed brave and heroic acts, as well as committed criminal and heinous acts and in some countries they have become President or Prime Minister one example is former Prime Minister of England the late Margaret Thatcher and another is Michelle Bachelet the first female President of Chile.  My point is that women can be strong, smart, ambitious, fierce, courageous, protective as well as gentle, soft, tender, emotional, nurturing, vulnerable and domestic and do anything they set their mind to.  Even when doing what was once considered typically masculine roles in hobbies or workplace, they can still embrace their femininity and womanhood.  Femininity itself is no longer pigeonholed in 1950s ideal since today women can express their femininity in different and individual ways.  What matters is by letter go of rigid stereotypes, we can really be free to explore their individuality with their own god-giving talents and gifts without limitations, judgements and expectations to conform to society’s cultural ideals placed upon them.  

One thing is women have always been and still continuing being are warriors of Christ which we all do a spiritual battle against Satan and his army and striving to preserve our Lord’s will and grace.  This in itself is a huge struggle and will take strength and courage and where women are not excluded but work alongside men in order to fulfill this goal.

Submission, Obedience and Other Meanings

Ephesians 5:22-24 “Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. ²³ For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. ²⁴ But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything”

I have said that I would do a later post about submission and I decided to analyze what the word really means in marriage, in the church, to authority etc.  The word submission always conveys up a lot of controversiality since it is the most misunderstood word in the bible.  Many people have held different views on what it means whether it implies mere obedience or obedience in certain situations and subordination.  The most common belief is that it means yield to someone in authority.  In the marriage, the wife is to suppose to yield to her husband’s authority by letting him make the major decisions.  The majority believe that this happens only after the couple can’t be in agreement on a major decision and as a last resort she submits his leadership.  I even read a debate on a forum whether submission means obedience giving the husband the right to expect his wife to obey his every wish.  I have always been wary with this kind of thinking wondering whether some men who use this logic to justify their own self of entitlement of some power in the marriage based on possibly hidden chauvinistic feelings they harbor from their patriarchal up bringing.  

Other explanations that make little sense to me is that the wife allows the husband to decide on most things including where they go to eat out, where they go on their vocations etc.  Other examples that I have read was that one is to suppose to give up what they like for the other, or that a wife is to put aside her judgment for her husband’s judgment even if her judgment is better and wiser. One website described the wife’s submissive attitude by including domestic tasks such as cooking and cleaning.  I really couldn't buy into any of these ideals on submission.  I don’t see how any marriage is good when one party constantly gets to decide on any issue including where to go when eating out, nor do I believe it’s good for one party to give up everything they like for their spouse.  Would this include giving up reading, crafting, knitting or any hobbies the person has? I would think a husband who really loves and values his wife would be willing to compromise and sometimes do what she wants, including her in major decisions and respect her hobbies and interests and vice versa.  In other words, a marriage is never good when one spouse is treated like a secondary figure whose purpose is to be obedient and subservient to the other spouse but rather a marriage of two equals, a unit who work together to honor the lord both willing to compromise, strive to be on common ground, and serving one another. 

Unfortunately, many have misinterpreted the word submission to justify husbands controlling and abusing their wives and treating them as the lesser role.  I read complaints from wives who say their husbands lord it over them that they have to do what they tell them to do so long it isn’t against god’s will.  I read many others claim that a wife has to go along with her husband even if it is wrong or stupid or even if the husband is spanking their child harshly that borderlines abuse.  The most extreme example I read from a female commenter saying that she will do what her husband demands even if it is wrong, sinful or illegal since god would only hold her husband accountable in the end.  That’s another popular view among many Christians, that the husband is always held accountable for any major decision made right or wrong and the wife is let off the hook.  Just to clear things up, I don’t believe submission is the same as obedience nor do I believe a wife’s submission means that she obeys her husband’s commands or wishers like a child obeys a parent, or an employee obeys an employer etc. unless it goes against god’s will. So what does submission mean?  

First, let’s go back to the Greek translation of the word which is “hupotasso”.  This word means to arrange under, to yield to admonition or advice, to yield oneself to another’s will, or place oneself at the disposition of another.  It could also be used in a military term that means to arrange a troop in an orderly fashion under the command of a leader.  However, in a non-military use it means a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility and carrying a burden.  Paul did not use the word in its active voice, in which he told husbands to hupotasso their wives meaning husbands cannot demand or insist on their wives submission to them.  Instead, Paul used the word in its passive/middle voice which was a voluntary action on the wives part.  In its passive/middle form, the word is "hupotassamai" which means give allegiance to, tend to the needs of, be supportive of and be responsive to.  In a military term, hupotassomai meant taking the position in a phalanx of soldiers.  This term wasn’t about ranks or status but promoted equal sharing of the tasks troops were ordered.  If one solider failed to join his troop or held back in an advance, the commanding officer would use this form of the word to order the soldier to return to the line and join his troop, being supportive of them and fulfill his part of the assignment.  

There are a few other bible verses that about wives submission to their husbands.  Colossians 3:18 “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord”.  Titus 2: 4-5 “and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, ⁵ to be self-controlled, pure, keepers at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled”.  1 Peter 3:1-2 “Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, ² when they see the purity and reverence of your lives”.  This does not refer to the obedience but a voluntary attitude of giving up oneself for another by coopering and responding to the husband's needs.  The wife has the self-giving act of serving her husband and caring for his well-being, rather than always thinking of one’s own self-interests. This could require respecting him, giving her strengths to build him up.  Also, have a yielding attitude and let go of need to always be in control in order to work with him rather than have power struggles by constantly fighting, competing and resisting his will, trying to dominate him or the need to be right.  The wife’s submission should also include her submitting her husband as the head.  This means she willingly yields to the husband's initiating a Christ-like atmosphere in the home.(view my post on the husband’s role in marriage).  Other ways the wife is to submit is respect his needs as the man in the marriage, as a mentioned before some of men's needs may differ from women's.  This doesn’t mean she gives him the right to dominate and rule over her, but may require at times to let him take charge of a situation(not in a controlling or domineering way) and yield to his protection when it’s required rather than rebuff his attempts in order to feel more independent and prove  that she is strong.  Submission is nothing more than voluntary of giving up one’s own will to benefit another.  To be yielding, even when it’s difficult and let go of the need to always have your own way or to win.  

Despite this, many have used 1 Peter 3:6 “as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening” as proof that wives should obey their husbands.  However, to better understand the context of this verse would be to go back to Genesis 12:10-16, in which Abraham and Sarah were traveling to Egypt, and Abraham feared because of Sarah’s beauty, someone would kill him in order to kidnap her, so he tells her to say she is his sister,(although that his partly true since she is his half-sister) and Sarah obeyed him.  Her obedience was only just one demonstration of her submission in which she willingly  yielded her own will and cooperated with him in order to save his life.  It wasn’t meant to imply that obedience the only way to show submission.  Besides in Genesis 21-9-11, God tells Abraham to do what Sarah tells him, when she insist he send away their slave girl Hagar and Ishmael, the son she had with Abraham.  However, there is a catch with submission that a wife doesn’t just submit to her husband in every single thing.  Ephesians 5:22 states “as to the Lord”, and Colossians 3:18 quotes “as fit in the Lord.  Both these verses make it clear the wife’s submission should be only what is appropriate in God's will.  Meaning, a wife should never submit to anything that goes against god’s will, immoral, illegal or goes against her conscience.  

This brings up another point regarding the wife’s accountability in the marriage.  Many teach that only the husband’s are held accountable before god when making the final decision in what is known as duck and cover for the wives.  Some even believe even if the wife submits to something sinful the wife is not held accountable.  I read some women even reveal being relieved to much position that puts all accountability at their husband’s feet whenever making a major decision.  I, myself, don’t believe this is a biblical attitude nor is it true.  I believe part of the wife’s role and her submission may require to willingly carry some of the burdens along with her husband and that includes some of the major decisions that affects them or the whole family.  Besides if a wife supports and cooperates with anything that is sinful, illegal, unethical and causes harm, she is equally guilty and held accountable under god.  One example of this is the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11.  In this story Ananias sold his land and rather than donate all of it to the Apostle Peter, was dishonest and kept some of the profits for himself.  Peter confronted him on his deception not only to him or the people but to god and Ananias died on the spot and was carried out.  Three hours later his wife Sapphira unaware of what happened, was also confronted by Peter who asked her how much they received for the land.  Saphhira, who was aware of her husband’s deception, lied about the amount they received and died on the spot as well.  God punished Sapphira along with her husband Ananias for her role in the sinning against the Lord and thus held her equally accountable.  

Another example that is quite opposite, is the story of David, Abigail and Nabal in the first book of Samuel chapter 25.  In the story, David as fled from King Saul who wants him dead and he and his men are hiding in the wilderness.  David sends his men to go to seek a wealthy man name Nabal who is described as mean and surly and owns a over a thousand sheep and goats in carmel and he was in the sheep shearing business.  David sent his men to seek out Nabal and asks for some supplies informing them to remind Nabal that they have protected his shepherds in the wilderness.  However, when the men confront Nabal, he refuses his request and insults him.  A furious David, then plans to send his men in to raid the place and take the provisions they need.  Then Nabal’s wife Abigail described as a beautiful and intelligent woman learns all this from one of her servants, so she and her servants set out on donkeys bringing a lot of food and wine and finds David, apologizing for her husband’s foolishness and begs him not to retaliate against Nabal and take his anger out on her instead.  David accepts her apology and the food she offers and promises her he will reward her for her kindness.  When Abigail returns home she finds Nabal drunk and when she tells him of what she did the next morning he dies ten days later.  Afterwards, David takes Abigail as his wife.  The moral is that Abigail didn’t submit to her husband’s boorish and stingy behavior and even went against his wishes which in turn stopped revenge from being taking on her household and prevented David from his committing a murderous attack.  

There may be times when a wife will have to go against her husband, especially it is for the benefit and well being of herself or others and after enough prayer and seeking guidance from the Lord.  For example, if her husband is abusive towards her and/or the children or he is an addict, she definitely shouldn’t enable him but rather flee for the sake of her family and seek help.  Both men and women are to be first and foremost submitted to God.   Another misconception is the idea that submission is only preserved for wives.  In fact, the bible has several verses on submission including the Ephesians 5:21 “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ”.  This verse refers to all of us as brothers and sisters in Christ should be submitting to one another by supporting, cooperating and serving one another; catering to each other’s needs and shouldering one another’s burdens which is also mentioned in Galatians 6:2 “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ”.  Basically, we should all voluntarily yield our will for another’s benefit. This can also include husbands submitting to their wives as Abraham did by yielding his will to his wife’s wishes as God commanded him.  Even Jesus Christ himself submitted to the church when he gave up his life for it dying for all our sins.  

Of course, in the bible, submission has been used regarding submitting to a higher authority in several verses.  Romans 13:1 “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God”.  Titus 3:1 “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work”.   Hebrews 13:17 “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you”.  In these verses, it tells people directly to submit to authority and obey them placing submission and obedience as two separate words and making the meanings not one in the same.  In fact, in Hebrews 13:17, another Greek word is used for submit which is “hupeiko”.  This word means to surrender after the battle, to give way, retire, yield to authority or admonition.  

As for the word obey, the Greek word used is “hupakouo”.  This word is used in Ephesians 6:1 “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right”.  Ephesians 6:5 “Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ”.  However, this word is never used for wives regarding their husbands.  There are other Greek words translated as obey.  The word "peitho" means to persuade, to convince, to seek one’s favor, to gain’s good will or to seek to win.  In its passive/middle voice the word is "peithesthe" which means to be persuaded, to listen to, to be won over.  Peithesthe is used in Hebrews 13:17 and is translated as obey telling those to obey their leaders and submit to them.  An almost similar word is "peitharcheo" which means to obey or to be persuaded by someone in authority.  This word is used in verses Act 5:29 “Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!”.  Act 5:32 “And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him”.  Titus 3:1 “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,”. 

Debunking the misconceptions of the word submission, women needn’t feel threatened, disempowered or oppressed by this word.  Neither should men feel self-entitled to control, dominate or have any privileges over women.  A better understanding of submission could help and having healthier marriages and better relations between men and women.

Feminism in Christianity Different Types of Feminism Throughout Culture Part 2

Psalm 146:7 “who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free”








In my last post on Feminism, I stated how Plenty of Christians and churches held anti-feminists views, declaring feminism as a whole as an attack on the godly way of life, including marriage, family etc and basically anti-male.  I also claimed to an extent the more radical forms of feminism that came about during the second wave women’s movement justified some of these arguments, but the origins of feminism was always about gaining more fair rights to women that were denied to them in the male-dominated society.  The trouble today is because of the more extremists radical feminist philosophies spewed during the past decades, many today are skeptical about feminism as a whole and many woman, including the ones who support women’s equality in society are reluctant to declare themselves feminists.  Today society only relates feminism to the radical 1970s bra-burning feminists who rejected male chivalry and the traditional roles of housewives.  

I mentioned before, that I myself have separated myself from being considered a feminist because of these stereotypical ideal of what modern feminism is about.  However, after doing more research on the history of feminism throughout the culture, I found that feminism isn’t pigeonholed as many believe.  In fact I discovered there have been different types or branches of feminist philosophies that have been declared over the decades and even centuries that I would like to take the time to describe giving a better understand of feminism as a whole.  First, there was classical feminism better known as first wave feminism that occurred between the 18^th and 19^th century.  Around this time were two different branches, egalitarian feminism and conservative feminism.  Egalitarian feminism was more progressive type that supported women’s independence rather than be pigeonholed as wives, mothers and homemakers and viewed men and women essentially the same in nature in which deserving of the same rights under the law.  

Egalitarian feminism had its roots from the writings of 18^th century British philosopher Mary Wollstonecraft who wrote the famous book “A Vindication of the Rights of Women”.  Ms. Wollstonecraft was a free-thinker who believed women are not inferior to men should be treated equally morally and politically.  She advocated equal education for women as the key believing women’s inferiority in status was due to the lack of education.  Then there was conservative feminism, which was a more traditional and family-centered- ideology.  This type of feminism actually embraced women’s roles as wives, others, homemakers, caregivers and nurturers. It also promoted more rights for women beyond these roles by arguing that women could use their unique gifts and abilities in society for good in charity works and political affairs.  As Ms. Wollstonecraft was the root of egalitarian feminism, conservative feminism received its roots from Hannah More, an 18^th century British religious writer, philanthropist and political activist and abolitionist.  Just like Ms. Wollstonecraft, Ms. More supported women have more opportunities in education.  However, she acknowledged the gender differences between the sexes.  In, fact she believed women should use their unique natural abilities beyond the household and to contribute to society especially in charity work.  During the time period, many looked upon egalitarian feminism with suspicion and skepticism while conservative feminism was more praised and embraced by many women.  

While Feminists such as Simone de Beauvoir and Betty Friedan influence the second wave feminism, other branches of feminism emerged.  There was difference feminism which was originally coined by feminist and psychologist Carol Gilligan.  This type of feminism promotes the equal status yet essential natural differences between the sexes that extend beyond biological and physiological. Ms. Gilligan promoted the view that men and women have different moral reasoning ethnically with men being more concerned with justice and rules and women more concerned with caring and relationships. Ms. Gilligan believed both these traits were equally valuable which verified in her 1982 book “A Different Voice”.  However, others like Nel Noddings who published the book “Caring” believed that the female traits were morally superior.  A similar branch is known as cultural feminism.  Like difference feminism, it affirms and embraces the differences between the sexes. This ideology also attempts to place value on the female traits that were once undervalued.  Although this term was coined in the 1970s, many claimed that 19^th century journalist and feminist Margaret Fuller contributed to cultural feminism. Even women’s suffragist Jane Addams(daughter of Illinois state senator John H. Addams) supported some the cultural feminist ideologies.  Other beliefs are that traditional women’s roles as the caretaker, domestic and child care worker in the home should be considered equally valuable in society.  Former scholar and author Christina Hoff Sommers who published books “Who Stole Feminism?” and “The War Against Boys” defined two forms of feminism, equity feminism and gender feminism.  

Equity feminism is basically about advocating equal rights and protection under the law that also consists of fair employment, salaries, education etc.  However, gender feminism is more focused on eliminating gender roles and stereotypes and viewing women as victims of the male dominated society.  Ms. Sommers considers herself an equity feminist and criticizes gender feminism as she herself supports acknowledging gender differences between males and females. Other forms feminist branches are liberal feminism, an individualistic form of feminist theory that supports women having individual rights under the a law and including workplace, education, abortion rights etc  focus on the similarities between the sexes while downplay the differences.  Socialist feminism, which focuses on the oppression of women in the patriarchal society in both the public life and private life of the home as it seeks ways to end it. Separatist feminism is a more radical controversial form of idealogy that advocates women to separate from male-defined and male-dominated institutions, relationships, roles and activities as many believe that men cannot make a positive contribution to the women’s movement.  In this feminist branch there are heterosexual separatists that advocate for celibacy either for periods of time for personal growth or a permanent way of living. 

The lesbian separatists reject any form of heterosexuality altogether.  The separatists also advocate women-only communities and many may hold a misandristic stance.  Finally other branches include black feminism, also known as womanism deals with the racial and gender oppression of black women who felt excluded from the women’s movement and the black liberation movement and a more conservative feminist organization “Feminists For Life in America” that has an anti-abortion and pro-life stance.  Although, the Christian community has a history of attacking the secular feminism as enemy to the Christian faith, in the past, Christians have been involved with feminism.  Some of the early women suffragists were devoted Christians.  Plenty of them were members of the “Women’s Christian Temperance Union”, an organi-zation that was formed in the late 19^th century that was concerned with social reforms that included the prohibition of alcohol, prostitution, labor, sanitation, public health and international peace. It also dealt with evangelicalism, missionary work and sup-ported women’s suffrage.  This organization still exists today. 

Around the second wave feminism, a Christian branch of feminism known as Christian feminism emerged. This had a feminist theology that dealt with gender equality morally, spiritually and in leadership.  It also held views on ordination of women, equality in marriage, reproductive rights, and the Holy Ghost was replaced with Sophia/Wisdom, a female side of God.  Katharine Bushnell, a 19^th century bible scholar, doctor, author, missionary and social activist best known for her 1921 book “God’s Word To Women” also held some feminist theology.  The late Catherine Clark Kroeger, considered an evangelical feminist and author to the book “I suffer Not a Woman” was the founder the world wide organization Christians For Biblical Equality.  In the mid-1990s, the late Pope John Paul II called for an alternative brand of brand of the women’s movement known as the New Feminism.  This feminist branch was a form of difference feminism, with a more conservative stance.  It embraces the gender differences between the sexes, is family-oriented and supported women’s roles as child-bearers, wives, mothers and homemakers similar to the earlier conservative feminism of the 18^th century.  

Just like the old feminism it promotes equality for women under the law and worth and value free from discrimination, violence and exploitation. Also believes women can contribute to society whether a stay-at home mom, working mom, single career woman.  Unlike the old feminism, it is promotes a pro-life, is against contraceptives and in-vitro-fertilization and doesn’t advocate women’s ordination.  Although many members of the new feminist movement are catholic, it also has includes non-catholics alike.  I’ve listened and detailed the many feminist branches within the feminist movement throughout the centuries and decades and believe it can give many people, especially a better understanding what feminism as whole was about with their different and unique perspectives each branch holds the good and the bad rather than judge and condemn it altogether bases on a the typical stereotypes.  

It also should be known that Jesus Christ was considered the first liberator of women, some may even consider the very first feminist.  In Jesus times, women were considered inferior under the law, in worth and basically property of men.  They weren’t even allowed to testify in court trials, go out in public and talk to strangers.  Jesus rejected the patriarchal male- dominated society of that time and treated women as equal status to men.  He talked to the Samaritan woman at the well and taught women the gospel including the sisters Martha and Mary at their home.  Jesus also had women as disciples who along with the male disciples followed him in his ministry.  Regarding feminism, I the only feminist philosophy I support is holding men and women as equal status under the law, equal worth value and regard in personhood.  At the same time, affirming some of the gender differences with their unique strengths, weaknesses, and capabilities.  

As Christians we should follow Christ’s example that includes acknowledging equality of men and women as the work together in the gospel, rejecting all chauvinistic attitudes to live biblically in honoring god, our lord in savior.

Feminism in Christianity History of Feminism Part 1

Isaiah 1:17 “learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause”.

I wanted to take the time to discuss and analyze the ideology of feminism especially in the Christian society because this term is often viewed negatively among Christians as whole.  Often times, I've read anti-feminist arguments in Christian sermons, articles, blogs and other websites, where feminism is blamed and condemned for destroying the society from the nuclear family unit, marriages, loose attitudes and gender lines being blurred.  Feminism, for many Christians, is looked upon as an evil threat to Christianity altogether.  

I myself am not a feminist any more than I’m a traditionalist and have acknowledged the hindrance that the extreme radical feminism caused in the past several decades.  However, I don’t share the anti-feminist attitudes that many Christians share.  In fact, some of the ideals of feminism I agree with, while others I don’t.  I also recognize the positive effects on society due to the feminist movement which is why I feel compelled to defend it when others quickly condemn feminism altogether.  Even in the secular society, many tend to separate themselves from feminism, mainly because of what the stereotypes of what modern feminism represents and use it as a scapegoat to blame on many of society’s problems.  Mainly when people think of feminism, they convey the stereotype of the over zealous anti-male, anti-marriage, that doesn't see a real difference between the two sexes other than biological, views any traditional gender roles as sexist and demeaning.  Maybe to understand feminism better, we should understand its origins and how historically it impacted society.  

Historically, feminism was an ideology that supported equal status for women regarding political, economical, social and individual rights in an era when women were denied these rights and treated like second-class citizens.  The first feminist movement began in 19^th century, regarded as the first-wave feminism or better known as the women’s suffrage which existed in all the continents in many countries. This movement began to ensure women have the basic rights to vote, own and control her property, earnings and inheritance, the right to hold public office and a few other legal rights to protect them under the law.  Around this time period, women could not only vote, but if she married her husband would inherit her property and money even if these things were inherited to her.  Many times, education was also denied to women as some universities were closed off to women as they were expected to get married young anyway.  Divorce laws favored men(in contrast to today’s society) as woman couldn't divorce a man on grounds of adultery alone, she had to prove abandonment while it was opposite for men and child custody was more likely to be awarded to the man.  In the U.S., numerous women’s organizations were formed and there were famous suffragists such as Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Julia Ward Howe, Alice Paul and Lucy Burns who all help pave the way for women to have more equal status in society.  

By the late 19^th century women in all the states gained right to have control of her own property, inheritance and money.  Some states even gave women the right to vote until the 19^th Amendment in 1920 that gained women in all the states voting rights.  Education also improved for some women as women’s organizations were formed to support women to pursue certain fields that were denied to her.  Some women even became politicians including being elected in congress.  Between the first and second world wars, women were involved in the military and war efforts as women’s military corps were formed and plenty served overseas.  The 1960s brought about the second wave feminism popularly known as the women’s movement.  This movement of women’s rights was expanded included equal employment, salaries, education, more legal rights and for more opportunities that closed off to them.  Women were breaking barriers and entering into male-dominated fields that were once denied to them that included the workforce, politics, sports, military etc.  They also fought for more protection under the law that included domestic violence, sexual harassment, marital rape and even the right to have bank account or a credit card without their husbands’ permission.  

Women were also changing roles in the family life as well.  More women with families were encouraged to enter the workforce or further their education in order to expand their roles beyond that of housewives.  Plus, changing old marriage model that had the husband being the dominant role and the wife being a subordinate into a marriage of equal partnership was also encouraged.  The women’s movement continued throughout 1970s as women gained more rights, freedom and independence than before and allowed to contribute more to society and be in charge of their own lives.  They also broke down rigid gender stereotypes and other chauvinist misconceptions that once prevailed.  Helen Reddy sang the empowering song “I am Woman” in 1972.  In 1973 Billie Jean King beat Bobby Riggs at Tennis match in Houston, paving the way for more female athletes.  These were all good, well meaning necessary changes indeed.  However, despite its many positive aspects, there were also downsides as well that caused more damage than good.  

Somewhere in the middle of the women’s movement was a more radical and militant type of feminism.  This type of feminism held extremist philosophies which could be misandristic, anti-marriage, anti-family and viewed traditional roles such as housewives as oppressive, chivalrous gestures and any form of male protection as sexists and a threat to women’s independence.  Feminist Betty Friedan published her famous book “The Feminine Mystique” in 1963 which helped sparked the second wave feminist movement.  Other more radical feminists included Valerie Solonas published the 1967 book “Scum Manifesto”.  Gloria Steinem quoted that a woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle.  Other radical feminist attitudes were that gender was a social construct and there were no real differences between the sexes except for different male and female anatomy.  Roles like men being gentlemen and women being ladies were suddenly considered restrictive, outdated and unnecessary.  More women starting to use the freedom of sexual equality to engage in negative behavior once dominated by men, including promiscuity, binge drinking, very physically aggressive and loutish behavior etc.  During the 1980s and 1990s, attitudes followed that women had to be more like men to be equal especially in the workforce, being “one of the boys” was the goal.  Plus women bought into the myth that they can have it all and do it all, since men seemed able to.  In the aftermath, so much more confusion and chaos occurred.  

Men began to feel threatened by feminism and view it as attack upon them and society, sometimes justifiable so, as men were rebuffed for the simplest chivalrous gestures as opening a door for a lady, and treated as the enemy by the more radical man-hating feminists. In today’s society, the aftermath continues to cause effect as gender lines have blurred, some men no longer no what their roles are or feel society as feminized them. Women began to realize that they can’t do it all, at least not at all at once.  Both genders began to complain about the other women are frustrated with the lack of gallantry and gentlemen behavior of men, and men complain of the lack of appreciation of such gestures and ladylike behavior of women.  Feminism and equality has been distorted, misinterpreted and misused to justify lazy, ungallant and other unsuitable behavior or other ignorant logic in both of the sexes. It has also been used to ignore some natural and logical distinct gender differences that include physical strength and certain other capabilities.  

Today many people are squeamish about the word feminism because of what it usually conjures up usually the ideals of the radical feminist zealots of the second wave feminist movement.  For Christians and seculars, alike view feminism as dirty word, a harmful ideology that is attack on men or a once better way of life and to blame for many of the problems of today.  It’s understandable that both genders are frustrated with the problems of today that were created in the aftermath of radical feminism of the second wave movement.  However, I don’t believe viewing feminism as a whole as evil, an attack on society and a scapegoat for all of today’s problems are the answer nor is going back completely the traditional way of life.  Let’s not forget plenty of the traditional ideals of the by gone era, had many disadvantage as well especially for women and feminism at that time as necessary to combat these disadvantages.  Maybe, today there should be balance of respecting equality that includes the workforce, education and basically constitutional rights for all citizens.  Yet still revive and embrace some of the good traditional morals and ideals of the past that are beneficial for both the sexes.  

Understanding that equal doesn't mean identical and respecting some gender distinctions that may include different strengths and weaknesses.  More for Christians there should be godly and biblical principals that should be the first and foremost priority and over the feminist agenda.  Hopefully, for Christians this can be accomplished.  I will discuss more about feminist ideologies in another post.