Feminine/Feminism: Understanding Biblical Womanhood and Gender Equality
The concepts of femininity and feminism encompass both the qualities traditionally associated with women and the movement advocating for equal rights and opportunities. These themes explore the unique gifts and roles of women while addressing the historical and ongoing struggle for gender equality within a framework of faith and biblical understanding.
Biblical Femininity
Being feminine relates to what is typical of women and girls, often with qualities such as modesty, expressiveness and being emotional. Another distinguishing trait of women is to impress and appear beautiful, yet the beauty of inner character is more important than outward attractiveness (Prov 31:30; 1 Tim 2:9-10; 1 Pet 3:3-5).
Aim to be the godliest woman you can be
Be ladylike and excel in the qualities you have – what woman doesn't like to dress up? Yet, be aware men's thoughts can quickly be led astray by provocative and seductive clothing. The Bible is not saying that women should be unattractive but the emphasis is to be on the inner qualities of heart and dress with dignity. As women of God, operate out of your God-designed femininity and embrace all the facets. As His daughter, define yourself as He does and not the world's distorted view. Pursue godliness in your gender.
God's pattern for women includes understanding the beauty of submission rather than pushing yourself onto men or asserting dominance in relationships. This doesn't diminish a woman's value or capabilities, but recognizes the divine order where women complement men through supportive partnership. True biblical femininity embraces this role with grace, knowing that submission to godly leadership reflects Christ's relationship with the church (Eph 5:22-33).
Christian Feminism
Feminism (often termed women's lib/eration) advocates both genders having equal rights and opportunities, which necessitates respecting diverse women's experiences, identities, knowledge and strengths. Females have traditionally been subject to inferior treatment and oppressive social structures in the male-dominated societies including physical abuse and sexual exploitation.
Feminism is about equal rights and opportunities
Attempting to counter this have been organised pressure activity on behalf of women's rights and interests. There should be a strong voice raised on their behalf to bring freedom from such treatment as well as instructing men to value and respect all women.
The Bible values, protects and supports women and girls to be empowered to have equal social, economic, and political rights and freedoms
in life that are available to men and boys. Christianity has resulted in the liberation of females from second-class, vulnerable citizens
in life (slaves with no rights) elevating them to their rightful place as "joint heirs in the grace of God" sharing in the blessing of
salvation, being "all one in Christ" (Gal 3:28; 1 Pet 3:7).
Biblical Balance
The divine order is women are to be equal to but yet submissive to their husbands (Gen 3:16; 1 Cor 11:3; Eph 5:22-24; Tit 2:5). All should
delight in the uniqueness that God created in women who can give birth to, and nourish their offspring. Women should be content in the role
God has given them, not trying to usurp the male's function or push themselves onto men in aggressive or domineering ways. This divine
pattern protects both genders and allows each to flourish in their God-given roles. True submission is not weakness but strength under
control, reflecting trust in God's design for marriage and family. This does not mean that men should not be vitally involved in the care,
training and upbringing of their children, nor the wife be incapable of doing the man's recognised tasks as circumstances dictate.
The divine order
Yet, feminist theology, seeks to go beyond the perimeters of Scripture, being driven by a political agenda or personal preference, is not pleasing to God. The belief of a women's reproductive rights regarding her own body, with the entitlement to have an abortion-on-demand after a child has been 'inconveniently' conceived are also not compatible with Scripture. The use of contraception within the marriage is permitted.
Living in Your God-Given Identity
Be thankful to God for who He made you to be—fearfully and wonderfully knit together in your mother's womb with intention, purpose, and divine design (Ps 139:13-14). Do not attempt to take on a persona that is not yours to usurp or assume roles that God has not intended for you. The struggle to be something other than who God created you to be brings frustration and discontent.
Embrace the unique identity, gifts, and calling God has specifically entrusted to you as a woman, knowing that His design is perfect and His plans for you are good (Jer 29:11). When you walk in the identity God has given you, you find true freedom and fulfillment, free from the pressure to conform to the world's shifting standards or to compete for positions that were never meant for you.
Embrace your God-given identity
Reflection and Application:
- Consider how you embody godly femininity in your daily life and relationships.
- Reflect on areas where you can support women's rights and dignity while honoring biblical principles.
- Examine your understanding of gender roles in light of Scripture and cultural context.
- Pray for wisdom to balance grace and truth in discussions about feminism and faith.
See also: abortion, empower, equality, fairness, rights, women.