“THERE ARE FEW SUBJECTS THAT EVOKE greater emotion and polarization in the evangelical church than Christian feminism AND ITS ROLE IN MINISTRY. SO TODAY, I WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT”

 I’m Dennis Finnan, host and speaker on the World, the Word & You! Broadcast and in a moment we’ll talk about the God’s plan for men and women, especially in the church of Jesus Christ …

… As I stated in my opening words -- "There are few subjects today that evoke greater emotion and polarization in the evangelical church than Christian feminism." Indeed this subject is not limited in tenderness to the world of Christianity, for our secular 21^st century society is filled with the voices of the feminist movement, which have waged a massive assault on the world of men and women. In fact, for almost half a century, we have seen a phenomenal rise of this movement to influence every facet of our homes, churches and societal life. However, the feminist movement with all its ideas on sexual identity, vocation and roles, still has to come to terms with the truths and teaching of the unchanging Word of God.

As a Christian minister, the one thing I have observed that has had a strong negative influence on traditional Christian values is the feminist movement’s goal to blur the sexes. For centuries, unchallenged, men and women have fulfilled the traditionally satisfying roles of different gender while gaining great joy and satisfaction in being who God meant them to be. But all that changed in the early nineteen sixties when traditional roles, values and morality were “cast-to-the-wind” in favor of a “New Morality,” that was blowing through the nation. This new wind was clearly a rejection of almost all the long standing Christian traditions that made our nation stable and great for centuries. The Feminist Movement brought us the abandoning of the home by wives and mothers; the rejection of traditional morality; and, traditional differing roles and gender of the sexes were cast off in the pursuit of supposed new freedoms. Yet now some fifty years later, what has it brought us, what has been its fruit? After another pause for some lovely music, I tell you all about it…

…Already we are well into the new century and as we look around, we definitely see many changes have occurred in life and living  -- particularly in the area of the roles of sexuality. The Feminist Movement although somewhat derailed in its quest for changing the Constitution of the United States to reflect its values, nonetheless it has gain tremendous ground. Have the changes been good for the nation? The answer is no, because we are experiencing the fruit of its corrupt tree planted in our midst. The results of the feminist movement have brought us broken homes, rampant adultery and divorce, suicide, violent crime, hostility, abuse, promiscuity and sexual perversions such as homosexuality and lesbianism. Yes, this is the fruit of casting off what the Bible, God’s Word calls, "the ancient paths wherein is the good way." (Jer 6:16).

Now all of this human failure we are living with, I believe, was fueled by the feminist movement that called for the obliteration of sexual difference of men and women in every facet of life. The avalanche of feminist literature and teaching that has permeated our society has indeed taken its toll, as millions of young people drift aimlessly without any moral, spiritual and sexual compass to guide them into a satisfying and meaningful life.

I submit to you this travesty of drifting sexuality that is eating the heart out of American life now is alive and growing in the Church of Jesus Christ. What's the answer to this? Well my friend it is always found in the Word of God. Yes, God has an answer to the feminist movement, and that is what I want to look at today. What does the Bible say about the roles and relationships of men and women? The answer is plenty! Although I won't have enough time to give this worthy subject full consideration, let me take some of the main points from God's Word and give you a handle to consider this important issue.

To begin, we go to the Old Testament and find that God has something important to say about gender and roles of men and women. Right at the beginning of the Bible, God gives us the foundation of defining the differences of the sexes. We read in,

Gen 1:27 ( NIV ) "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."

Notice the first fundamental truth God teaches! He says both men and women were CREATED EQUAL, both inheriting God's unique and beautiful image, yet neither receiving more or less of it. So we see the first thing the Bible teaches about human sexuality is…

1.  THE EQUALITY OF THE SEXES

However, as the revelation of God goes on, we find in Genesis 2 , that God defines the differences He has created in us, and the purpose which the differing sexes are to play in the world He created. God says,

Gen 2:15 ( NIV ) "The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it." … 18 "The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." … 22 "Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib [side] he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man…. 24 "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh."

Here God shows that even in the creative makeup of the man and the woman, they had differing God-given roles. The man was to care for the environment, to labor in the fields to produce bread to eat, while the role of the woman was to be his "helper." Though Eve was Adam's equal, she was given a role of submission to him and his work. Now I realize the idea today of being a helper seems demeaning, but God never intended that. In fact, God delights Himself to be called, "the helper of Israel ."(Deu. 33:7;Psa. 33:20).

Yet, this beginning difference is to be noted that it was instituted by the Creative order of God, and not the sin found in the Garden of Eden. So then, two truths emerge at the beginning time for humanity. (1) THE EQUALITY OF THE SEXES, but also we see the,

2. DIFFERING ROLES OF THE SEXES, WITH THE WOMAN IN SUBMISSION TO THE MAN.

Now today the tendency is to stress the equality of men and woman by minimizing the unique significance of our gender difference. However, this depreciation by the feminist movement is a great loss, as it’s taken a tremendous toll on generations of young men and women who do not know what it really means to be a man or a woman! We see today, confusion over the meaning of sexual personhood which has resulted in more divorce, sexual and physical abuse and of course the rise of the evil sin of homosexuality - which all comes with the loss of our God-given identity.

Now I'm old enough to remember that the generation I grew up in, clearly taught the differences of the sexes, so that the vast majority of boys and girls growing up knew who they were and were glad of it. Today we are telling young people that sexual uniqueness is not inherent, rather a choice. This is terribly wrong, for our sexuality penetrates to the deepest metaphysical ground of our personality. You and I, unless we have been corrupted by the feminist movement's teachings have always been aware of ourselves as “him” or “her.” And, that is because this is the way God made us. It matters not how masculine or feminine we look by birth, what matters is what God made us by genetic makeup. If I'm a man, I'm to be a man, if you are a woman, you are to be a woman and enjoy the beauty and uniqueness of it.

The problem we face today is that our humanity is unhappy with God's assigned roles and sex. Yet this unhappiness was predicted in the Bible. We read that after Adam and Eve sinned against God, He revealed to them the full effects of their choice to reject His rulership of their lives. The Bible says,

Gen 3:16 ( NIV ) "To the woman he said, "I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing; with pain you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.""

Part of the curse on sin, was that women who were created to bear children would now do so with greater suffering and pain. In addition, God said, the woman's "desire," will be for her husband, but he will "rule" over her. In Genesis 4:7 Moses uses the same Hebrew word for "desire," with the meaning of "excessive control over." What God is telling us is that because of sin, the woman's corrupted nature would reject her God-given role of submission, and seek to rule, subdue and exercise control over her husband or the men in her life.

But, God also said, in response, because of the man's sin, his corrupted nature would strike back and forcefully subdue her by exerting undue authority over her. Wow, there it is! God explains all the problems we suffer between the sexes down through the centuries. As this corrupted sin nature in both sexes, abuses its role and seeks to usurp the other, the fighting continues to this day.

And, because of this sinful rejection of God's roles and relationships, women have come up with an answer - the feminist movement. Seeing the abuses of the men, and seeing the often unfair subjugation of women - God is blamed and His Word rejected as the source of the trouble. In place of turning back to God and following His ways, sinful humanity devises new concepts that are simply additional forms of rebellion to God's creative order. The Feminist Movement is such for it rejects God's order for the sexes by teaching that all differences of the sexes be eliminated, and that women reject any role of submission. As a result, many think they are free from the shackles and restraints of traditional roles.

However I want to illustrate the fallacy of this so called freedom. For example, two women can jump out of an airplane and experience the thrill of the freedom of free-falling to the earth. But there is a difference. One is bound by the straps of a heavy parachute, while the other has none, she is totally free from the burden. However, may I ask you, which one is really free? The one without the parachute feels absolutely free for they have removed the restraints of the parachute. But she is not free, for she is in bondage to the force of gravity and to the deception that all is well because she feels unencumbered. This false sense of freedom, is in fact bondage to the calamity which is sure to happen. This is the way many women today calling for the new found freedoms of abandoning the home, and the role of submission to the man, think of freedom. They judge it on the basis of what feels good and give unrestrained temporary independence.

But God's ways are always right and the best way. The Bible affirms the equality of the sexes, but calls for differing roles, especially the support role of women for the man in the home. Now contrary to popular opinion, Christianity has always been the driving force to free women from the true bondage of sinful male domination, and abusive and oppressive situations. If you look at the Gospels in the New Testament, you'll find that Jesus Christ rejected the oppression of women. The Greek, Roman and even Jewish world of his day viewed women on the level of possessions, but Jesus upheld the dignity and value of women. The Bible reveals He showed love, respect for them and included them in His teaching sessions. The Jewish men never taught the women. Much like the false religion and abuse of Islam that reduces women to the state of a slug.

In addition, Jesus spoke personally with them, and even tenderly touched them at times to bring physical healing (Luke 13:10 ; Mat. 5:25 ). Moreover, Jesus gave a woman the very first privilege to see Him in the resurrected state, and commissioned Mary Magdalene to announce His resurrection. Thus by God's directive, a woman became the first ambassador for Christ (John 20:1-18)!

Yes, the Lord Jesus set the example of what a true man was to be like and how he was to treat women. Jesus raised the standard which the true church has upheld for centuries. In fact, the Lord's attitude toward women as equals with the men, was clearly carried into the New Testament epistles. Paul the apostle, although maligned today for certain statements supposedly against women, also gave woman their place of honor. He worked along side of them, commissioned them for ministry service, and graciously allowed them to minister their spiritual gifts on behalf of himself and others. Yes, even from the beginning, the Church gave woman a high standing of mutual respect and care, and only in this day has the ungodly voice of feminism rejected God's rightful roles.

Now the confusion that has come into the church about the role and distinctive of men and women, is the fault of poor Biblical interpretation. Biblical feminists today read what Paul wrote to the Galatians, and form a false conclusion. God’s Word says,

Gal 3:28 ( NIV ) "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

This is the foundation of all feminist teachings on the equality of the sexes that calls for the removal of all sexual distinctive and role relationships. If men and woman are equal before God, then they should have the right to equal roles and responsibilities in the church, home and society. But this is not what God’s Word taught. Equality before God does not require the elimination of all role distinctions in society, nor does it rule out authority and submission. Even our society today recognizes authority and submission without depreciating the value of an individual. For example, in the Bible, God is revealed as a Triune Being, but there is submission and authority among the equality of the Godhead. The president of the U.S has great authority, but he is no less equal to any citizen of this nation, who in effect has the role of submission to his leadership and direction. Likewise, an employer and his employees; a parent and children; a husband and wife; or even elders in the church and its members. All are equal in personhood, but different in roles. Indeed there is a difference!

Now, how can we define the difference and role relationship? I think I have an answer for you. John Piper a Christian author today defines it this way. He says the meaning of masculinity is "a sense of benevolent responsibility to lead, provide for and protect women in ways appropriate to a man's differing relationships." Thus, for a man to return to God's biblical standard of the creation this expresses itself in the following ways,

(1) Mature masculinity expresses itself not in demand to be served, but in the strength to serve and to sacrifice for the good of A womAn.

Jesus said,

Luke 22:26 ( NIV ) "But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves."
A truly biblical man then, is one who lovingly and protectively cares for women because that is how God made him -- to watch over them and serve them in their needs. Secondly,

(2) Mature masculinity does not assume authority nor presume superiority over a woman, rather mobilizes such strength to help others and meet their needs. 

Indeed, this is the Biblical view that no woman would have trouble with submitting to. However what about the woman? A Biblical definition of a mature woman would be as follows,

"A freeing disposition to affirm, receive and nurture strength and leadership from worthy men in ways appropriate to a woman's differing relationships" In this way, a woman delights to experience the leadership of a man, and draws her joy and fulfillment in enabling him to do it to the best of his ability, as he naturally and lovingly cares for her. Such a woman is not looking to rule over her man, nor does she desire to be free of him either. The feminist movement today that calls women to its supposed freedoms is like jumping out of an airplane without a parachute.

However, God's true freedom comes in obeying the Word of God, following His ordained ways of life and living and fulfilling them accordingly.

How sad that today the unisex movement that tries to de-feminize the woman and de-masculinize the man is simply a mentality based on the godless world view of relativistic humanism. Those who call for an end to all distinctions based on sex, have brought us the evil fruit that now is destroying our society. Abortion, homosexuality, divorce, broken homes, all have come upon us by denying God's ordained roles and distinctive for the sexes. Oh friends, let's get back to the ways of the Bible that served humanity for millenniums, and let us turn away from the feminist movement that seeks to destroy us. The Bible says, "God created us male and female..." and therefore -- there is a difference!

Let us live it, and let us teach it to our children and grand-children that they may enter into the fullness of its blessing and promise. For herein will our nation find its way out of our moral, spiritual and social chaos. So, I say with confidence God bless our women! They are our societies most precious contributors, as God made them to help us men carry out God's call and purpose. I for one want to be on record, that I will treat all women with utmost respect, and do everything I can to provide for them where able and called. I will utilize their spiritual gifting and talents for the Lord's work, provide protection from all danger and harm as I am able and capable and called, and most of all, I will set the example of my sexual role and distinction for others boys and men to follow. For herein, I will pass on to the next generation, the rightful vision of their being and purpose for God and His glory.

Of course all this cannot be accomplished willingly in our lives and hearts until we first have surrendered to the God of the Bible revealed to us as Jesus Christ. Indeed, He is the one who brought us a restored humanity and the loving treatment of women as equals among men. If you haven’t turned your heart and life over to Him through a repentant prayer of dedication, you will never have the desire or know the beauty of your gender you were created in, nor will you enjoy a satisfactory fulfilling life with the blessing of spending eternity with God forever and ever. Turn to Christ trust Him alone, crown Him Lord of your life and you will find that life more abundantly promised to all who do. May God add His blessing to these words for Jesus sake, Amen.

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·         Radio talk #1706

·         Broadcast date: April 23, 2006

·         Speaker: Dennis L. Finnan, Commentator

·         Program: The World, the Word & You! Radio Broadcast

·         Address: P.O. Box 60033 Grand Junction, CO 81506

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The World, the Word & You! Broadcast is a non-denominational ministry based on the historic fundamental evangelical interpretation of the Scriptures. A copy of our doctrinal statement is available upon request. These weekly radio commentaries are not exhaustive studies of any particular subject due to the time limit of broadcasting. Actual broadcasts can be heard in selected areas around the nation, as funding provides. Dennis Finnan has been the speaker for over 25 years, and serves as General Director.

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