Christianity Is Not Sexist

March was Women’s History Month. With some of the movements taking place in today’s world, it is now more important than ever to acknowledge and understand the contributions that women have made to our society. It is vital that we encourage our girls and let them know that they are free to aim for and capable of achieving any goals that God wills for them. As Christians, it is also important that we set the record straight about the role of women in the Christian faith.

Some have pushed the idea that women are to be seen as second class citizens in the Faith and that the Christian God somehow sees women as lesser beings. That is simply not true. Yes, the Bible makes it clear that men are supposed to play a leading role. Paul taught:

For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. - Ephesians 5:23

That can be hard for many women to hear in this world where independence is pushed so hard. However, we have to remember that, as Christians, none of us, man or woman, are truly independent. We all have to submit to God. Still, it is undeniable that some statements in the Bible seem to relegate women to a lesser position. For example, Paul’s instructions on how women should behave in church may lead some to believe that insight from women is not valued in Christianity.

A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety. - 1 Timothy 2:11-15

That passage seems to be very condescending. Is it Christian belief that women should be seen and not heard? Not exactly. Paul was specifically speaking about the hierarchy of leadership in the church. He was not making absolute statements about how God will use faithful women. The Bible shows us that God uses women in ways that require them to speak up and take on roles of influence and even leadership. Several of the people called out in the early ministry were women. The Book of Acts mentions Lydia, an early convert to Christianity.

On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us. - Acts 16:13-15

In this case, it was Lydia, a woman, that God used to save the members of her household. It was also Lydia that invited Paul and company to her house to stay.

Then there is the example of Priscilla, one of Paul’s trusted associates and part of a two person team alongside her husband, Aquila. The Bible always discusses the two as a pair, never giving one any more credit than the other. For example:

Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. - Romans 16:3-4

On top of that, when the two had to confront a fellow Christian, Apollos, the Bible describes them as doing it together. The scripture does not imply that Priscilla was silent.

Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. - Acts 18:24-26

The story of this husband and wife team is a good example of how we should behave. We should be working in one accord to bring people to God and keep them on the right path.

Lastly, Paul also mentions another early Christian named Phoebe.

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me. - Acts 16:1-2

Paul says that Phoebe was a deacon or servant (depending on translation) in the church meaning she held some authority among the Believers. Paul clearly holds her in high regard. We should hold the same respect for all women who work towards fulfilling God’s plan. No matter which testament of the Bible you read, God uses women to perform great deeds and demonstrate exceptional faith. God loves man and woman alike, and the Faith should reflect that.

Chris Lawyer and Pastor Everett Pope

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