Radical Feminism vs. Christian Womanhood
What most women don't know is that the feminist movement was not a comeback on the social values of Western culture but on the theological moorings under it. For example, Gloria Steinem of Ms. magazine once wrote,
“By the year 2000, we will rear children to believe in human potential, not God.”
Another leading feminist, Anne Gaylor of Humanist magazine, added,
“Let’s forget about the mythical Jesus. 2000 years of patriarchy under the shadow of a cross will turn women back to feminist salvation.”
The founder of Planned Parenthood, Margaret Sanger, threw in,
“The most merciful thing a large family can do to one of its infant members is just kill it.”
That's why since the 1970s, we've witnessed gender blurring taking over government, media, education, medicine, and now many churches. Whether it's a cabinet member in the White House or a drag queen for Bud Light, the feminist agenda of gender blurring now rules society. But that isn't God's design for women. In 1 Timothy 2:8-15, Paul clarifies the four marks of Christian womanhood, and they're far different from what secular culture demands.
1: A Christian Woman's Style.
First, Paul clarifies a Christian woman's style. In 1 Timothy 2:9, he writes,
“Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or expensive apparel.”
The words Paul uses here refer to our physical and spiritual ordering before we leave the home. Specifically, that we're modest, humble, and not sensuous. On this point, I often tell my daughter to look in the mirror before she leaves home, asking the question, "Does my style of dress bring glory and attention up to God or down to my body?"
2: A Christian Woman's Sincerity.
Second, Paul touches on the Christian woman's sincerity. In verse ten, he continues,
“but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness.”
And here he switches from the negative – what not to do – to the positive – what to do. Meaning, that instead of flaunting our feminism, we are to present something different, specifically the beautiful virtues of faith, hope, and love. This, too, is something we must teach our daughters, that Christian womanhood is not merely putting off our old ways, but also putting on our new life, including offering our body as a living and holy sacrifice to the Lord. Because we aren't just a clump of cells like evolutionist tells us, but we are handmade princesses of a Mighty King.
3: A Christian Woman's Silence.
Third, Paul speaks to a Christian woman's silence. In verse eleven he adds,
“A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. But I do not allow a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet.”
Dear sisters, the only thing that will rile us about this verse is our flesh. Paul is describing a wonderful reality that though we are equal to men in our value, we are beautifully unique in our role so that there will be harmony in marriage and the church. Also notice he supports this by pointing back to the Garden of Eden, stating in verse 13,
“For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve.”
This means that we don't carry our unique role because of the culture we live in, but rather because of God's very creation itself. God made man to be a leader and made us to be his helper. That's why our greatest fulfillment and highest joys will always culminate in the role of obedient wife and mother.
4: A Christian Woman's Significance.
That's why Paul finishes with a Christian woman's significance, concluding,
“But women will be preserved through childbirth—if they continue in faith, love, and sanctity, with moderation.”
In his closing, Paul's reminding the woman who's feeling listless and undervalued, that she's been given the high calling of raising and launching young men and women to leave a legacy for God's glory.
My sisters, don't buy into the demonic lies of feminism. Rather, accept the beauty of your equal value and unique role, knowing that by doing so you're salt and light to this world, encountering a world system that destroys lives and sends to hell. As Elisabeth Elliot so beautifully said, "You can never lose what you have offered to Christ."
