I’m a Christian and a feminist. Unfortunately, either of these words can be laughable to some, especially when associated with each other. I myself am learning how to feel about them at times and having a hard time figuring out how the two can be interconnected
I spent years of my life thinking feminists were damaged, confused women. Let it be known that I was uninformed, or that I believed exactly what much of the world wanted me to believe as a young, impressionable girl. It wasn’t until the past few years that I came to terms with the fact that much of my young adult life was spent as a victim and that I had a lot of anger and resentment in me because of it - towards women. Because I thought we were responsible, I was responsible, for getting hurt.
It was through some very helpful counseling and our women’s retreat that I came to terms with where my issues lay and simultaneously what I was passionate about. Daily life as a woman in America is bad enough with women being objectified in ways that have begun to seem natural; getting hollered at on the street, celebrities who are constantly physically critiqued, women still getting paid a lower working wage than men. My sense of outrage is the most rampant when I read stories about injustices towards women. Like the fact I just came across on the Amnesty International website that in the Russian Federation, one woman an hour dies at the hands of a relative, partner, or former partner. The idea that women throughout the world are treated as lesser people is something I cannot wrap my head around. What would Christ think?
This is where I need some help. I believe that Jesus loves us all equally and that means every gender, gender preference, nationality, age and ailment. But how are we called to empower the disempowered? How can we, out of love, help the “lesser of these” to be treated fairly? To be thought of fairly? How can we as a community be a catalyst for change without embracing some of the very un-Christian ideals of feminism? I think it will take a very intentional change of thought, of actively rejecting the mindset we are constantly pushed to buy into. I don’t want my desire for change to come from anger. I want it to come from Christ.
Thanks for this, Siobhan. I am with you. I think the start of empowering the disempowered is doing just want you’ve done- regaining your own power, strength and truth. From there, we can follow Christ into the work of loving and helping.
For lack of a better political term, I am a feminist, too. But, like Shelley, I think “Christian” is term enough.
I just wanted to chime in with Mama Mia. I watch all Meryl Streep movies, regardless. This one turned out to be a lot more fun than I expected. The scene devoted to “Dancing Queen” was so great and speaks a bit to what troubles you. The best part of the scene was seeing the women of the village shake off their troubles and “responsibility” and dance together. It was powerful and empowering. Joy is better than anger. I turned to Gwen when it was over with tears in my eyes to say, “That scene was worth the price of admission!”
siobhan,
this was such a great post from a great person. im so happy to read these words coming from you. having you be a part of a few cells for a few years and hearing your struggles then…..and now reading how jesus has really gotten to you….this is just so cool. youre a wonderful person and im with you on where youre going with this. keep going sister!
Siobhan, to say that i am proud of my daughter would be an understatement. to watch her pursue justice filtered through the Messiah, the Christ means that despite all our fumbling as parents there was something honorable planted. you honor the God of righteousness in your journey. you honor us. in short work you will discover that feminist and Christian are terms that have roots in our faith. for sure both terms have been perverted but then that is the sloppiness of the human experience. however, God has our imperfections worked into the equation. Christianity honored women when the culture around them didn’t even acknowledge them. it was Jesus that was ministered to and recognized women and children. God had men imbued with the Holy Spirit pen incident after incident of women as teachers, prophets and the like in an era when woman were not known. Christianity carries the name of our saviour and we need not look any further when our desire is to right any wrong. to openly follow Christ will invite mocking. to take a stand for any cause because of this title is the most natural thing in the world. if you wear the name of Christ then you by default are a feminist, child advocate, caregiver to the broken and abused. the desire for anyone to do the right thing speaks of us being shaped as image bearers of the Most High. to fulfill those desires because of Jesus gives that desire shape and substance. as a father i have the unabashed joy of watching my daughter take shape. my joy is being made full sitting here in the cheap seats. i wouldn’t give up that seat for all the gold in the world.
It is a brave thing to put those two words together and be willing to fight for them.
But then, we all know you are a very courageous woman.
Siobhan, you’re saying really important things. I’m glad to be walking with you.
“gender preference” i just got that! i have to echo jeremy’s thoughts. you have come a long way just in the year that i’ve known you. it’s encouraging stuff! and i need to be challenged and reminded of these issues, so thanks.