In a society where we find more women in the workplace than in the home, it is dominated by feminist ideals supported by women and men alike. While this may not be the traditional connotation or image of feminism, it is important to remember that not all feminist ideas are those supported by the sexual revolution of the 60’s and 70’s. Returning to its roots over the past three decades, every woman who has decided to abandon the home and pursue a corporate life out of desire rather than necessity has contributed to the feminism of today’s society. Instead of being brought up, taught, and cared for by their mothers, nannies and expensive daycares are responsible for rearing children. Essentially, by creating a society that encourages female contribution to the workforce, our culture is allowing society (in the form of daycare, preschool, and summer camps) to train our children in acceptable social habits, prepare them for grade school, and teach them morality by way of discipline. Thus, the influence of parents over their children is weakened and possibly severed at a very young age. Yet, for the purpose of capitalist consumerism, society easily overlooks these issues and dismisses them, barely blinking an eye.
This may be what our society says, but what does Christianity say to the feminism of today? Sadly, this could be difficult to know for the undiscerning eye. While the Bible clearly expresses the female role intended by God, this role is not modeled by a large majority of the church. While this is sometimes a result of financial necessity, it is often a direct reflection of conformity to society practices. In the Bible, God creates woman to be man’s companion or “helper.” Due to the male’s prior existence and survival instincts, he is to take on the role of protector and provider. The female then, created with more emotional substances, is to be the caretaker of the home and care provider of her children. Because God equipped the women to fulfill a certain role within the family and society he expects them to do so. As Christians we should have the same attitude toward the role of women. This means, that Christianity does and should discourage feminist ideals which advocate for the equivocation of male and female when it is evident that God did not create them that way.
It is important to remember that rejection of feminism does not mean that Christianity does not value women or their capabilities. Rather, it encourages those in the body of Christ to take on the Biblical given them by God. In this way, women are able to fulfill their full spiritual potential, rather than full earthly potential. In fact, returning to this traditional form of family would demonstrate a higher regard and respect for the woman’s role in the house, rather than degrading it of debasing its importance as feminists themselves have done. Therefore, it is the job of the Christian woman to challenge feminism by pursuing the Biblical definition of the her role in the house and doing the job that God created her for.
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