I am a Christian Feminist
I am a Christian and I am a feminist. I have been told these two ideologies do not merge. Some folks believe being a Christian automatically exempts one from being a feminist. I believe being a Christian necessitates me to be a feminist.
For centuries religion has been used as not just an excuse but as a weapon of oppression against women. Some cultures, particularly those that emerge from Africa, undermine women. It is a general belief that the “African culture” places a woman beneath a man. It is not news that most African men price male children over female ones. But in a world so mixed and matched that it’s challenging to isolate an authentic African culture, religion is used as an alternative weapon of abuse. I cannot speak extensively of other religion, but Christianity. I was born into Christianity. I have over two decades of experience with the religion. That in a sense makes me an expert.
Whenever I bring up the topic of feminism with fellow Christian women, their response is usually negative. They are quick to quote biblical verses on how women ought to be subjected to men. As if when God created women He had no better plans than for them to play second fiddle to men in every aspect of their lives for the rest of their existence. These scriptural passages, many of which were written by Apostle Paul and Peter, are used as the foundation of the argument against feminism in Christianity. But in spite of these verses, women in Christendom continue to do great exploits. I for one cannot imagine a world without Juanita Bynum, Joyce Meyer and Paula White to mention a few. These women have greatly impacted our world by not adhering to Apostle Paul when he said women should be silent in the church. Yes, they flat-out disobeyed that order. But some scholars have argued that Paul was specific to the traditional beliefs of that time. I don’t want to be the first to point it out, but the very idea of women being silent in churches today is ridiculous. Majority of church goers are women! Furthermore, this is the time to be vocal more than ever, if we want to undo many of the damages that has been done to our world, starting with religion!
When Christian women claim to be against feminism because it goes against their religious beliefs, they are indirectly saying that Christianity upholds oppression and celebrates injustices against women. I find this to be contradictory. How can a Christian not support the fight against oppression and injustices? Feminism is after all about human rights.
I mentioned in a previous post how my relationship with feminism began, how my understanding of it has since then evolved and my firm belief in coining one’s own brand of feminism, whatever makes you comfortable. But women need to stop buying into the ideology that they are in any way, shape or form inferior to men. Does the bible say women are to be treated like weak vessels? Yes, it does. Biologically, men tend to have more physical strength than women. Psychologically, women are emotional feelers and men are rational thinkers. Therefore, more diplomacy is required in dealing with women. But this should not be a ground for undermining us or our abilities.
Submission is arguable the most abused word that ever came out of the bible. I question if the word is the problem, or if our understanding of it is. Evidently, there are some parts of the bible that are ambiguous and can be easily manipulated to suit the user’s agenda. We have seen this time and time again. In fact, there’s an ongoing debate about Tithing and Christianity. These vague chapters or verses in the bible have become the pillars of division among different groups of Christians. Which is why although, we all believe in the same Christ; our churches are governed by different doctrines. For example, some Christians do not believe in adorning the body, worshiping on Sundays, eating certain types of food and so on. Considering this dissension, it is safe to say our understanding of the bible as it concerns women can differ too.
I cannot speak for every Christian woman, but personally, it is impossible for me to see myself as anything less than a valuable creation of God. I refuse to believe that God intended for me to be perceived or treated as if I was anything less. I certainly do not think He would condone any form of discrimination against me. Like not getting the recognition and position I deserve and worked for. I know He gave me a voice to speak so He does not expect to me to shut up and take whatever is being dished. He chose to create me a woman and He declared me good, wonderfully and fearfully made.
When I read Galatians 3 verse 28 which states that there is no male or female because we are all one in Christ, I am assured that my gender, race, age, socioeconomic status or any other identity does not exclude me in God’s eyes. God sees me as equally deserving of love and goodness. Pray tell, why should I see myself differently and why should I allow the society, or a group of crooked men hiding behind religion to see or treat me differently?
My identity as a feminist stems from my identity as a child of God. Being a feminist and being a Christian is one and the same thing to me. I am a person who knows she was created with something special for a unique purpose designed by God. There is an assignment that only I can fulfill as a human and as a woman. God made no mistakes when He created me with a vagina. Not acknowledging my full humanity is not only slighting me, but my Creator. I am a feminist because I was created to be one!
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