It is impossible to speak of feminism without provoking strong emotions. To some, it is a cry for justice and equality. To others, it is a radical term applied too loosely to discredit as radical or even unscriptural. But what then is feminism, and should Christians be involved in this discussion? Is it a movement completely contrary to biblical teaching, or is there space to hold it as a call to fight for God's justice and righteousness? In this first part of our series, we will define what feminism is and what it is not, address common misconceptions, and consider why Christians should not ignore this conversation.
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What Feminism Really Means (and What It Does Not)
Let us define what feminism is first before we proceed to make conclusions. Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines feminism as "the belief in and advocacy of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes."[1] Feminism, fundamentally, aims to do away with the injustices that have ended up oppressing women. Nevertheless, feminism has also come in various forms, many of which are contrary to biblical teachings. Therefore, it is necessary to define feminism in a correct sense and not assume that all forms of feminism are the same.
Based on the definition[1], feminism is not a rebellion against God’s design. Nor is it an excuse to reject biblical teachings on womanhood. What feminism does, in its purest form, is acknowledge the God-given dignity of women and protest against their abuse. If we misunderstand feminism, we risk either rejecting something that is good or embracing something that is unbiblical.
Why Christians Should Engage in This Discussion
It would be easier for Christians to avoid discussing feminism altogether. After all, the word itself is often controversial. However, as believers, we are called to seek truth in all things (Prov. 18:15). If feminism concerns justice, then Christians must examine it in light of Scripture, for our God is a God of justice (Mic. 6:8).
Women of the Bible were not forgotten by God. Jesus Himself broke cultural norms by speaking to women, teaching them, and valuing their testimonies (Jn. 4:7-27; Lk. 10:38-42). We have women in Scripture whom God used for His purposes—Deborah, Esther, Mary, and others. To negate the worth of women is to negate the heart of God.
At the same time, we must be careful. Not every idea promoted under the label of feminism aligns with biblical truth. Some branches of feminism argue for complete autonomy from biblical roles in marriage and family, while others deny biological realities. As Christians, we do not follow culture; we follow Christ (Rom. 12:2). Our goal is not to fit into any ideology blindly, but to filter everything through the lens of Scripture.
Breaking Down Misconceptions About Faith and Feminism
Likely one of the most common myths about feminism is that it is anti-Christian. This is just not the case. The earliest feminists, including Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, were religiously inspired too.[2] They advocated the equality of women at the polls, in school, and as equal citizens—because they cherished human dignity, not because they despised Christianity.
Feminist history is divided into "waves." The first (19th and early 20th centuries) focused on basic legal rights. The second (1960s-1980s) split into workplace equality and reproductive rights. The third and fourth waves, ongoing today, encompass gender identity, sexual liberty, and other concerns that are generally contrary to biblical teaching.[3] Having this history in mind makes us understand not all feminism is created equal. Some of it conforms to biblical justice, but some of it does not.
It is possible to uphold the dignity of women while also affirming biblical truth. Jesus did not see women as inferior, nor did He endorse oppression. He also did not discard God’s design for men and women. As Christians, we must be objective. We must test everything against Scripture (1 Thess. 5:21) and reject any movement—whether secular or religious—that distorts God’s truth.
As Christians, we do not have to accept every part of a movement to recognize the truth within it. We can affirm what aligns with Scripture and reject what does not—just as we do with culture, politics, and any other aspect of life. So, is feminism a dirty word? That depends on how we define it. But is fighting for justice, standing up for the vulnerable, and affirming the worth of women a divine calling? Absolutely. But if it means rejecting biblical principles, then we must step away. Our ultimate allegiance is not to feminism but to Christ. And in Him, we find the perfect balance of justice, love, and truth.
[1] Merriam-Webster.com, “Feminism,” accessed February 23, 2025, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feminism.
[2] Griffith, Elisabeth. In Her Own Right: The Life of Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Oxford University Press, 1985.
[3] Dicker, Rory. A History of U.S. Feminisms. Seal Press, 2008.
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