Cut me some slack please, I am sure I do not know the meaning of feminism or feminist. The definition changes according to whims of feminists… but you can bet, I know feminism when I see it, and oftentimes, I can identify a feminist after a five minute conversation!
Since I am unable to define feminism, I will take the liberty of addressing its manifestations that I have seen in church. But before I do that, let me give you some context. I am a Family Attorney and Criminologist. My area of concentration is feminist theories of crime, and the major argument for feminism is the belief that women are equal to men and should be treated as such. They also argue for the dismantling of structural roots of inequality between men and women in the society. I am sure, you are beginning to wonder what this has got to do with Church, but, there is a disturbing trend we see; ladies are importing feminist ideologies and mindsets into the church! See how they manifest.
Increasingly, I am seeing couples who have different last names. Girls are refusing to change their names after marriage. The reasons range from “too much paper work”, to “do I have to change my name?” to “I like my last name”, “that was our agreement before we got married”. I have even been asked if the Bible demands it! Another manifestation of this feminist spirit, is the description of marriage as a partnership. I have spent valuable time painstakingly explaining to ladies that marriage as God designed it, is not a partnership, the man is the head of the home! The most ridiculous I have seen though, is the lady who asks for a prenup! And please can someone explain the meaning of “irreconcilable differences”. This is not an attempt to minimize marital issues, but irreconcilable?
I congratulate you if you have not dealt with any of these issues YET… but, without meaning to burst your bubble, I can assure you, it is coming! You will have to deal with this sooner or later. The wind of feminism is blowing in the body of Christ. Unfortunately, our culture encourages it, and some denominations preach it. The pertinent question for us to ask in these times is “am I prepared to defend God’s definitions and roadmaps, or will I succumb to the dictates of this culture?”
Criminological research shows that female criminality spiked in the aftermath of the feminist movement. It resulted in the breakdown of the family and the juvenile justice system is yet to recover from its attendant effect. Feminism distorts God’s order of things. It interprets submission as oppressive and a sign of weakness. It changes God’s order of things, breeds rebellion, and separates us from His grace and mercy!
God made man and woman, and in Genesis 5:2, He called both of them Man/Adam. Taking your husband’s name is an outward sign of oneness. The Bible says the man is the head of the home, though we are both joint-heirs of God’s promise. When you ask for a prenuptial agreement, you are already planning your exit before entering, and the spirit of marriage does not have an exit option! Let us do it God’s way so we can enjoy his favor. It is in whom the king delights that he places the crown…let the king delight in you! Say “NO” to feminism!
By Bola Enekorubo
