Feminism and Family

 

Is rebellion something to be proud of? Specifically, rebellion against the Word of God?

I have been looking at and researching the effects of feminism in the church of Jesus Christ (for a talk I gave at The Future of Christendom Conference called, “The Gospel at War with Feminism). It brought back many memories of my high school years and my own fear and disappointment when God was calling me to Himself.

I had been so indoctrinated by the feminists movement that I was sure that if I said, “Yes” to God that I would be giving up all the “fun” of the world.  For the record, I knew that I could not say “No” to God. He was clearly the Hound of Heaven who came after me and would not let me go. I thought it was like a death sentence and resisted Him for a long time.

Ironically, though predictably for those who know Him, my life improved immensely. I did become more submissive to my husband (and the Word of God). I did become more self-controlled in speech and finances and food.

But, I did rebel at the thought of some of these things initially. Was I not able to function without a man? Wasn’t it “my” money so I could decide how to use it? (Do you have any idea of the freedom from tensions of a financial budget?)  When I was taught that women should not be pastors I was furious. When we were visited by the Pastor of a new church,. I was aggravated (internally) that they seemed more interested in my husband’s faith than in mine. I continued to be far more concerned with how much my husband was helping around the house than I was with his spiritual leadership of our family.

(I do not object to men helping with housework but I want women to realize that their men are called to a different role, one of provider and protector of the family. They deserve our respect and not our condemnation when that is what they more enthusiastically pursue.)

I believe all of these reactions were the results of years of hearing that, as a woman, I did not need a man. #feminism

The sin that God convicted me of then, and the one I see clearly represented in the feminist movement now, is pride. The overall theme is that women are autonomous beings who can do it all, all by ourselves. Men are treated as a liability. Interestingly, most of us want one, we do not want to live alone, but we hear that they are meaningless to “being ourselves” and “being fulfilled.”

As a result, the family has lost its role as the micro-society that it provides in which children learn to live, love, and interact. R.J. Rushdoony points out that family is the first school and the first church that children experience. Crucial, early teaching and training is lost if the parents disregard or refuse that command to “diligently” teach God’s Word.

Parents who are more concerned about their careers than their children are not as available as the ones who prioritize the family according to God’s decrees. This is as important for Dad as it is for Mom. This is the responsibility we have to provide more than money for the raising of children.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 say, “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”

Do Christian parents today teach the commands of God to their children diligently? For the record, I believe that many do. But, if women are too influenced by the words of the feminists, we may not consider God’s Word(s) of more importance than the teaching that women should be free to do as they please.

It is a form of rebellion against God to put worldly success before Godly obedience. Will we repent and rescue a generation that has been indirectly taught that women should be where the men belong and men should sit back, remain silent, and be of more help with the household chores?