Radical Womanhood: Chapter One

Last updated on: October 19, 2015 at 9:44 pm by

Radical Womanhood: Chapter One 2015-10-19T21:44:00-07:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

I am currently reading a book by Carolyn McCully, entitled Radical Womanhood: Feminine Faith in a Feminist World. It was recommended on the 9Marks website, and is highly endorsed by the Council for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, so I trust it will be a worthwhile read.

That’s not to say I fully agree with everything 9Marks or CBMW would ever say. And one should never read without the Scriptures nearby to compare notes with what man or woman has said. But it is to say that I look forward to hearing what Carolyn McCully has to say, simply because godly men and women have endorsed her message.

I’m only on chapter two. Today, I’ll be commenting on chapter one, and from here on out, I’ll read one chapter, then comment on said chapter.

So … let’s get started.

The title sounds kinda sticky, right? Feminism is indeed a sticky subject, but a subject that needs to be discussed, has needed to be discussed for many decades, and will likely need more discussion if the Lord tarries. Feminism can be traced back to the Garden, when Eve usurped Adam’s authority, and more importantly, God’s authority. But anyone who has read the full story of the partaking of the forbidden fruit knows that Eve usurping male authority is only part of the story.

That’s why I like this first chapter. Carolyn admits that, while feminism is a raging problem in our society, it is not a stand alone problem. In her words:

As one theologian said, it is understandable, humanly speaking, why this movement (of feminism) did emerge:

When you realize that men have subjugated women for thousand of years, you can only wonder how it took so long for the feminist movement to form. It is unfortunately rare to find a marriage in which the husband recognizes that he bears the responsibility of headship and exercises it in humility and love rather than force and authoritarianism. While I too am against so much of what the feminist movement advocates, I understand why it has emerged. I believe that if Christian men had been the servant leaders in the home, rather than conceited chauvinists, the feminist movement would have died a quick and easy death. If men had sought ways to see the gifts and talents of their wives developed and utilized rather than taking a beautiful person and making her into little more than a personal slave, if men had not twisted this doctrine of headship, we would not have the current problems between men and women in our society …. I am tired of hearing that feminists are responsible for the breakdown of the family. We need to put the responsibility where it belongs — on the heads of homes. (Richard L. Ganz)

Carolyn goes on to say:

I agree (with Ganz), but as this book is for women and not men, I’ll leave it to the guys to challenge each other.

So there ya’ have it. I like her approach. She acknowledges that feminism is a problem that began with the breakdown of leadership, but she does not excuse the feminists, either. One man’s sin does not excuse a woman’s sin, or two wrongs do not make a right – however you want to say it. Women will not be let off the hook in this book, and neither will men. But the majority of her words will be aimed at my gender, and rightly so.

By acknowledging that this is a two-sided issue, she has won my respect and therefore, my ear. I’m looking forward to learning about the history of feminism, and how to better live a life of radical, Biblical womanhood.

Uncategorized

Previous Post

September 30, 2015

The Ongoing Business of Forgiveness

Next Post

October 21, 2015 Reflections on the Hearts of Grandbabies

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Uncategorized

Select a Month April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 May 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What does "Shema," the central Jewish prayer, mean?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Peace Light Hear Pray