Is Feminism Godly?

Dr. Valerie Maxsam, PsyD August 8, 2025

We Can Do It!

Feminism.

Feminism is a word that sparks all kinds of reactions—passion, curiosity, sometimes even tension. But if you’ve ever wondered where it came from, how it’s changed, and whether it lines up with God’s design, you’re not alone. Let’s have an honest conversation about it.

A Quick Look Back

Mary Wollstonecraft Seneca Falls Convention A woman marching for women's rights

Feminism began as a fight for something most of us today would agree on—basic equality. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, women were standing up for the right to vote, own property, and be recognized as citizens in their own right. Leaders like Mary Wollstonecraft and movements like the Seneca Falls Convention laid the groundwork.

Fast forward through the decades, and we see different “waves” of feminism—each with its own focus. The early waves were about legal rights. Later waves took on workplace equality, breaking cultural stereotypes, and, more recently, amplifying diverse voices and experiences.

Then vs. Now

The feminism of the past had a clear goal—freedom from laws and systems that treated women as less than. Today, feminism is more layered. It talks about pay gaps, representation in leadership, reproductive rights, racial equity, and more.

Some feel it’s expanded in a positive way—addressing injustices that weren’t even part of the early conversation. Others feel it’s drifted away from its original heart, even clashing with some moral or faith-based values.

The problem also is that some women have taken the word feminism and weaponized it against men. It no longer represents the changes that were trying to be made in earnest when Mary Wollstonecraft carried out the work. Indeed, during her time, it took a great deal of effort to have a woman’s voice carry weight—to enter a room, sit at a table, and be recognized as an equal in the conversation. Today, the connotation is not the same, and the results and fruit are not as prevalent as they were back then.

The Ripple Effect in Daily Life

Feminism isn’t just a political topic—it shows up in how families work, how friendships are shaped, and even how workplaces function.

In families, there’s often more openness to sharing responsibilities. Friend groups have deeper conversations about respect, boundaries, and opportunities. In the workplace, women have more doors open to them than ever before—though many would say there’s still work to be done.

But these shifts can also cause friction. Different generations, cultural backgrounds, and personal beliefs mean we won’t all see eye-to-eye.

Is Feminism Godly?

Here’s where it gets interesting.

Some Christians see feminism and Scripture as at odds, pointing to verses like:

“But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.” — 1 Corinthians 11:3

“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body.” — Ephesians 5:22–23

Others point to Galatians 3:28, which reminds us that in Christ, there’s no male or female in terms of spiritual worth—only unity.

God created men and women in His image, with equal value but distinct purposes. The challenge comes when cultural movements—on either extreme—try to define our worth apart from God’s truth.

Finding the Balance

Maybe the question isn’t “Is feminism good or bad?” but “What kind of equality honors God?”

That means:

• Valuing each other as image-bearers of God.

• Respecting the ways we’re different without creating competition.

• Standing against real injustice while staying rooted in biblical truth.

Balance comes when we let love lead, rather than fear or pride.

Do We Throw Feminism Out Altogether?

Not necessarily. But we may need to redefine what we’re aligning ourselves with. If feminism means fighting for dignity, respect, and justice for women—without tearing down men or ignoring God’s design—there’s a version of that worth holding onto.

The key is making sure our convictions aren’t shaped more by culture than by Christ.

Your Turn

This isn’t just a “big idea” conversation—it’s something that touches real people every day. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Can faith and feminism live in the same space for you?

💬 Share in the comments and let’s learn from one another.

Next Week’s Blog: Can Running Help You Shed Pounds Faster?

Dr. Val

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