Continuing in our Rejecting Modern Idols series, today, we move to another topic. In the Old Testament, we see a repeated pattern of God’s people adopting various forms of pagan idolatry which always led to judgment. Today, we see a similar pattern in the rise of modern secular ideologies that even infiltrate the church. One such ideology is feminism. Feminism, at its core, rejects the God-ordained roles of men and women, leading to confusion and disorder.
Early in the narrative of the fall, we see God’s judgment on the woman in the form of rebellion against her husband.
Your desire shall be contrary to your husband, but he shall rule over you. —Genesis 3:16
The latest version of the ESV translates this passage as "contrary to your husband" rather than “for your husband” based on the context of relational conflict indicated by the curse. The context suggests a power struggle rather than affection. This interpretation is supported by the similar use of "teshuqah" in Genesis 4:7, indicating opposition, making "contrary to" the more fitting translation.
In our modern society, feminism, in its quest for “equality,” has distorted the true nature of manhood and womanhood. Instead of recognizing and celebrating the unique roles and strengths that God has given to each gender, feminism demands sameness, erasing the beautiful distinctions that God has designed. This modern idol elevates personal autonomy and self-fulfillment above all else, disregarding the wisdom and order of God’s creation.
Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. —Ephesians 5:22-23
The Bible is clear about the complementary roles of men and women. These roles are not a matter of superiority or inferiority but are about fulfilling the unique purposes God has for each gender.
Whether it be the corporate structure, the government, mainline Protestant denominations, Beth Moore, or the Southern Baptist Convention refusing to reject churches with women pastors, feminism views these roles as oppressive and outdated, advocating for a social model where gender roles are fluid and interchangeable. This rejection of God’s design leads to a host of issues, including the weakening of men and the breakdown of the family unit.
God makes this clear in his revelation to Isaiah—when women usurp the role of men, it is never a good thing. Isaiah’s warning to Israel is a reminder of what happens when God’s order is turned upside down:
My people—infants are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, your guides mislead you, and they have swallowed up the course of your paths. —Isaiah 3:12
When women rule and children become their oppressors—which, let’s face it, is exactly what is happening in every societal structure in our world today, from church to government to the corporate world—it is a sign of societal collapse. Feminism, by encouraging women to take on roles that God has not designed for them, and by promoting weak, effeminate men, leads to this very disorder. It undermines the authority and responsibility that men are called to uphold and causes confusion and instability within the family and culture at large.