Thoughts on Feminism as a Christian

There is a cultural move toward "political correctness" that many deem overly sensitive and others deem necessary. Both want the other to change their mind, yet both have already decided to disagree, parroting "winning" arguments in loud, obstinate voices without taking a moment to listen to the other.

I admit, in the past I've had a distaste for the term "feminism," solely based on the idea of a flipped tyranny, angrily sought by perpetuating stereotypes about men for perpetuating stereotypes about women. Now I've given it more thought and read into the core of the movements.

There have been different waves of feminism, each with unique arguments and goals. I am oversimplifying and in no way do I encompass or exhaust the full ideologies of each.

First wave: All American women are American citizens and should have full realization of the rights promised to American citizens. This recognition as a human being with inherent rights before the law should extend globally, and each government is responsible for granting and protecting fair rights and protections for both sexes.

Second wave: All women should be allowed to pursue a career (or to not), and if she attains the same job, with the same education, same level of experience, and she performs it with the same proficiency as a man, she should be paid accordingly. If she does it better, she should be paid accordingly. Though many blame the "Well, men are more likely to ask for a raise," or "They have families to take care of," it is undeniable that men are considered more inherently capable, and women are forced to prove themselves.

Third wave: Feminism can look like many things, and it should be a more individualized movement. Violence against women needs to end, and all have the right to speak and to be listened to. People in power should not be protected against the consequences of their actions resulting in fear on the part of the victim to speak up.

I support being proud of who we are, confident in our skills, caring for ourselves, but "self-actualization" is often hatefulness dressed up as freedom. "If you can't handle me at my worst, you don't deserve me at my best" is a toxic, me-first attitude that does not promote any personal responsibility or reflection. It is reactionary, it is angry, it is destructive, and it is not done in love-- for ourselves or others. This is not love for ourselves, though it proports to be. It does not give people the opportunity to grow and yet it is totally unaware of it's own need for growth or it's own affect on others. People are allowed to be offended and hurt by your actions. Thinking someone is toxic for confronting you while you're just trying to live your truth is the toxic behavior. And it is contagious, it is the Fruit that Satan holds out to us, promising wisdom and fulfillment, promising that we will be like gods.

I don't believe the road to equality is traveled more quickly by blaming those ahead of you for being ahead of you. Work hard, and prove yourself able. Be reasonable, and prove yourself reliable. Be humble, and prove yourself honorable. That won't always be enough, because of your gender, your skin color, your temperament. But let it be a comfort that you are doing your best, and your best is beautiful.

When you find someone that doesn't comply or that holds to discriminatory ideas, I believe more will reconsider when shown kindness than obstinance. Despite their contemptible behavior, you acknowledge that they are human beings. Disrespect them and you undermine your own argument; respect them and you prove you believe it. If you see a woman being disparaged, stand with her. If you see a man being disparaged, stand with him. Not everyone needs a warrior, some people just need a friend.

Respond with grace while others are at their worst, celebrate with them at their best. Give everyone the benefit of the doubt. Just as you expect others to accept the excuses for your actions that hurt them, practice empathy in seeing it from their perspective before you respond. Then forgive them, fully and forever; holding grudges, promoting hate is not a step forward. Justice is a step forward, honesty, transparency, open communication makes steps forward.

The feminism I support is that which promotes true equality, that isn't fighting for the usurpation of the oppressor's throne, but rather the dissolution of the oppression entirely-- fighting for equal representation and provision for any and all to whom it has previously been granted or denied.

"For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel." (James 3:13-4:12)

"To have [unsettled disputes] at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded? But you yourselves wrong and defraud-- even your own brothers!" (1 Corinthians 6:7)

In the Name of God our Creator, Christ our Example, and the Holy Spirit our Guide, find and reflect the "love that covers a multitude of wrongs" and "looks not only to [your] own interests, but also to the interests of others," the love that "lays down [its] life for [their] friends" and "outdoes one another in showing honor." The love that "does not grow weary of doing good" but "makes every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification."

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."