why the “christian” qualifier?
April 17, 2008
In another online conversation I had recently, the question came up of why we need “christian” feminism, why can’t we just be “feminism”?
This was part of my reply and I wanted to post this also to provide a forum for discussion of this. Feel free to add to my explanation or challenge me on it or completely disagree :)
I would say that “christian feminism” is a label for an approach to feminism within the christian sphere, I’m not sure I would say that “christian feminist” as a label for a person is really used. We all call ourselves feminists…and we happen to be christians.
christian feminism as a label for a conversation is a way for christians to talk about a kind of feminism that is very aware and respectful of Scripture, holding the Bible in high authority and a valid and adequate guide toward a feminist response to issues of gender and sexuality in culture. So yes, this is different from feminism in other spheres but not exclusive in any way.
linda
Julie Clawson
Makeesha
ngilmour
adrieneb
beautiaful
April 17, 2008 at 8:40 pm
if you look up feminism on wikipedia there are many, many different types of feminism. so, i do think it’s valid to call ours christian feminism because we do differ in thought from some of the other types. we probably don’t even all agree here either which is okay.
shortly after i started this blog i read that some people believe that we in the west live in a post-feminist society. at first i wondered if i’d misnamed this blog, but then i realized that most of the church missed the feminist movement completely, so it does apply for us as christ followers. also, that’s the reason for my tongue-in-cheek subtitle to the blog. :)
April 19, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Linda, you are so right that most of the church missed the feminist movement. I am routinely shocked at how little people know of basic concepts. I was talking with someone the other day who had never heard of Betty Friedan. How is that possible? :)
This ignorance – in addition to misinformation and half truths – fueled by a reactionay mindset, has hindered the cause of equality in the church. This is why forums like this are so important; people need education.
April 22, 2008 at 4:06 pm
I would say that Christian feminism (at least some voices) understands the need for empowerment *and* vulnerability in relationship to men. Secular feminism, has no clue.