Feminism, as we understand it today, wasn’t around when the Bible was written. However, the Bible does contain strong, spiritual and courageous female figures.

Feminism is a philosophy that advocates women should have equality with their male counterparts. Today, women have leading positions in industry, the government, the church, etc.

Of course, feminism is nothing new, as history shows, there have always been strong, leading and influential women. However, there are still inequalities that women face – one of the main topics is women not receiving the same pay as men for doing the same job.

One strong and brave female figure in the Bible was that of Mary, who was chosen by God, to be special among women, as the mother of Jesus. Nearly two millennia ago, a woman who was found to be pregnant outside of marriage, brought shame upon the family. These women often faced being ostracised by their family and isolated, possibly even killed.

Mary had the courage, thanks be to God, to carry her baby and give birth to Jesus, the Messiah, who would change history forever. Her husband Joseph could have disowned her and left her to her devices, but he stood by her after coming to believe that she was indeed pregnant by the work of the Holy Spirit.

As the number of Christ’s followers grew, Jesus had many female followers too. For example, there was Mary Magdalene, from whom it is believed Jesus cast out seven demons. There is also Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s Business Manager, Susanna and many others. All these female disciples had important roles, often contributing from their own resources to help Christ’s mission.

Often, the problem with feminism is that it commonly takes a very humanistic approach to women’s emancipation. The more extreme elements within modern feminism want to overthrow what they see as a male-dominated world, promote abortion (a subject that divides the Christian community) and advocates same-sex relationships (particularly for women).

Worldly feminism though perhaps well-meaning, has elements that as described above, are ungodly. Humanistic feminism flies in the face of God’s values.

While it is true, the Bible advocates traditional roles for men and women, both sexes have equal access to God. In Galatians 3:28 it states: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus”.

Going back to the subject of Christ’s female followers, they were present at his crucifixion. They were the ones who cleaned and prepared Christ’s body for burial. Also, they witnessed Christ’s empty tomb and his resurrection. They were the first to announce to the male disciples that Jesus had risen (as he predicted) on the third day. So Christianity is clearly not sexist, as women have and always will have important roles in the church.

Finally, there are Biblical examples from scripture that speak about the importance of women to God:

Colossians 3:19 “Love (your) wives and be not bitter towards them”.

Luke 1:38 – Mary said, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to your word”. And the angel departed from her.

Judges 4:4 – And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time.

God bless you. xxx