Passionate Christian Feminist
“Feminism” is often the “F-word” in Christian circles. I’ve been asked many times, “How can you be a Christian and a feminist? Isn’t that an oxymoron?” No.
“Are you a hippie?” Maybe.
“You’ll never find a Christian husband if you can’t submit to him.” Goodness gracious.
“You must be angry and not like men?” Nope. I’m very upbeat and joyful. And I have nothing against any gender or sex.
My response is always, “being a feminist means that one believes men and women should be treated with equal respect and rights.”
I was raised in a Southern Baptist Church until college. I was blessed to have positive female roles in my life in and out of church. One thing about some Southern Baptist churches that I have a problem with is traditional gender roles. I once spoke to a sweet lady that said she wasn’t aloud to speak up in church before discussing it with her husband first. I didn’t mean to, but I laughed because I thought she was joking. I couldn’t believe that a church would mask a woman’s voice. That’s not what Jesus would have done!
I’m super blessed to have wonderful guy friends who have protected me and been a great support for me. I would’ve been lost without their relationship advice and guidance in college. However, I hate the romantic pressures of the Christian realm. I’m 26 years old, not married, no children, and have never dated. Luckily the Church is slowly moving past the idea (especially for women) that one must be married right out of high school or college, and then start having children within a few years.
For some of my friends, God blessed them with spouse and children before the age of 25, and that is truly fantastic! I love hanging out with my friends from every stage of life. I’ve learned immense wisdom and knowledge about marriage and relationships from my married friends and I’m so thankful for that. They are such a blessings!
If a man is 26 years old, and unwed, a few people might make comments, may try to set him up with a lady, but for the most part the church will leave him alone. However, for a lady that is 26 years old, that’s a problem. I’ve have strangers in the Kroger ask me my age then proceed to tell me my “eggs are drying up”, “its not safe to have children after 30”, or some other well-meant comment.
I am a very passionate, relationship oriented woman. My personally type is ESFX. (I’m equally a judger [J] and a perceiver [P].) Therefore, its obvious I love to talk to everyone, make friends, and help others. I can’t help it. Jesus would say to use that passion and outgoingness for him. Some women are quiet and more reserved, which is a blessing. And some women are more vibrant and bold, which is also a blessing. God made us all unique! Sometimes the more outgoing women get accused of being to loud or not “lady-like” enough. I was raised to have manners, respect everyone, and do the right thing. Sometimes that right thing is speaking up and taking action for what you believe in. And I’m extremely passionate about equality!
It’s okay for women to be stay-at-home wives and mothers! That is the hardest job, and I have mad respect for women that stay-at-home with their children. However, it’s also okay for a woman to be the CEO of a company, climb the corporate ladder and make a name for herself in the business world. The Church needs to applaud women for their uniqueness, and encourage them to do their best no matter what the job.
The Church needs feminism because Jesus made us equal. As my dad told me, “Women can do anything a man can do, except father a child.” I’m not blaming the church. I know God designed the men to be the leaders of their families, and I’m questioning that. I’m questioning the church’s position to tell women what they can and can’t do. God gave me a passionate voice and I will use it for Him!
I love y’all,
Sarah Amberley
