Elisabeth Olson, the non-feminist feminist

One of my favorite former students (Yes, all teachers have favorites, it's a fact of life.) asked me why I am not a feminist. He is always thinking and asking questions. He carefully ponders his own viewpoints and is willing to listen and consider others' views as well. I love this kid! After several weeks of careful thought, here is my answer.

I believe the Bible is completely true. I believe any wisdom that is needed can be found within it's ancient yet relevant pages. It is extraordinarily evident to me that Jesus was very concerned about the mistreated and oppressed. In His day, this included women. We see over and over that Jesus condemned those who desired to embarrass and disgrace women. (See the story of the adulterous woman in John 8:1-11.) The accusers were not interested in disgracing the male involved in this situation, just the woman. Yet, in stark contrast to what was culturally acceptable, Jesus valiantly defended this woman and protected her dignity. The Bible is replete with truths revolving around the Lord defending the oppressed and giving dignity, shelter and protection. From this source, I have formed my own 'women's rights' stand.

First of all, it is important to define what 'women's rights' really are. Do I believe in women's rights? Yes. But my view of women's rights is probably a bit different from the modern feminist's view of women's rights. If I could draw a Venn Diagram of my views vs. a feminist's views, there would be quite a lot in the middle. But the outlying circles would hold some stark differences.

One of my obvious disagreements with the modern feminist movement is the stance on abortion. I find abortion to be a morally repugnant act that is barbaric and violent. Enough said.

My other large disagreement with the tenor of the modern feminist movement is that it seems to downplay the wonderful attributes of womanhood. Should women have equal pay for equal work? ABSOLUTELY. Should women have equal rights? ABSOLUTELY. However, women and men are not equal. As one example, I can carry a child and give birth. My husband cannot. It doesn't matter how much he tries to do so or even wants to do so (Although I'm sure he doesn't want to give birth!), he will never be able to birth a child. But without him, I can't either. Both genders are required, but each of us has a different role. It concerns me that the modern feminist movement has the tone of wanting to do, and sometimes even act, as a man does rather than celebrating and embracing the strengths and specialties of being a woman.

The Bible gives quite a lot of direction for women. The Proverbs 31 woman was quite obviously educated, a strong leader, a manager, a woman with business acumen, a woman who did not "need" a man to take care of her, but chose to share her life with a husband out of desire, not need. Deborah was likewise a woman who was educated, a leader, strong-willed, effective. This list could go on and on. Yes, there are many people who call themselves Evangelical Christians who, I believe, misuse scripture to manipulate and even oppress women. But EC's don't have the monopoly on this problem. There are others who believe that a woman's education, occupation, dignity, freedom, etc is not as important as a man's. Quite obviously, I whole heartedly disagree with these sentiments.

The modern "feminist" movement seems to be quite tunnel-visioned. In my view, it seems there is one way into their "club." Women who are stay-at-home moms certainly cannot be part of this club. In fact, there is a lot of very visceral language against women who choose child-rearing as their vocation. Other more "lowly" vocations seem to catch this disdain as well. It seems to become part of the modern feminist club, one must have an occupation that puts the woman in a position of power over men. Should you not have such a position, you must be oppressed, underpaid and unhappy. Further, I was appalled at how silent the most vocal feminists fell when several prominent conservative women were spoken of in very vile and disgusting ways. Why would a true feminist allow such actions to be ignored? Further, why are these feminists not rushing to places like China, India, Bangladesh, etc and voicing huge concern over the sex-slave industry and the gender-cide that is occurring? This disparity in rhetoric and action is really sad.

The Lord created men and women to be different from one another and yet He created men and women to be complimentary counterparts. I once heard someone say, "Women are superior to men at being women and men are superior to women at being men." We need not strive to be something we are not. We need, as women, to strive to be the best WOMEN we can be.