May 30, 2007
10:31 a.m.
by: Joshuah Ellis
On August 26, 1920, the United States of America passes the nineteenth amendment of the Constitution. This amendment declared that woman had the right to vote for political officials that are elected into office. This was a huge step in the favorable direction of all women. However, feminism has begun to wage war on many conservative Christians because of some of the commands in the Bible which seem anti-feminist. Should Biblical principles evolve with social circumstances?
Many religious groups have been attacked because of a passage which does not give women authority to teach or have authority over a man as it pertains to the public worship (1 Timothy 2:12). The first inclination of many is that it is unfair to say a man can preach but not a woman. The other is to chalk this command up to the culture of the period and move on with woman preachers. However, this command is not based on culture, it is based on the fact that it was Adam who was formed first and then Eve (1 Timothy 2:13). This does not speak of the capability of women; it is simply a command from God.
Another passage that seems anti-feminist to some is when the command is given for wives to submit to their husbands (Ephesians 5:22). The reason that this is a problem is because many falsely feel that in order to be submissive, women but be worth less than men, and that is simply untrue! Paul even makes the point that neither man nor woman is of any higher necessity than the other (1 Corinthians 11:11-12). Rather than assume that if a woman is submissive, she is degrading herself, we should recognize that this is simply her role in marriage and in no way discounts her worth.
The assumption that conservative men are husbands and fathers who treat their wives and daughters as property rather than family is absurd. A godly man loves his wife as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25). This is to say that they love their wives sacrificially which in no way suggests he thinks of her as property. In fact Solomon wrote that a virtuous wife had a worth that is far above rubies. This is not someone who a man values as having less worth than himself, but rather someone for whom he would give himself.
It is unfortunate but true that many who believe Christianity is chauvinistic or anti-feminist feel the way they do because of the lack of understanding of the principles. Women who are Christians and adhere to these principles are in no way being cheated or degraded. In fact they are most likely going to receive blessings far greater than the world can offer. Finally, we need to recognize that the principles of the Bible are not subject to change simply because society changes. Regardless of what is popular the Word is the standard by which we will be judged.
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