Season: 4 Episode: 049
Summary:
The history of the feminist movement has radically changed American culture. Along with that, the way society views masculinity has caught the attention of universities, commercials, and the way psychologists treat men. Is feminism killing masculinity? How has the movement changed over the years and does it convince women of their value? Shanda shares how the movement has changed over the years, and how the first three chapters in Genesis prove we never needed feminism anyway.
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Introduction
Hey guys! Welcome back to another episode of Her Faith Inspires. Today, we’re tackling a topic that may ruffle some feathers: Is feminism killing masculinity? I know—it feels like everything is controversial lately. But this conversation matters.
Why This Topic?
There’s a difference between historical feminism and modern feminism, and we need to understand that difference.
Let me be clear—yes, there are abusive men. There are sexists, womanizers, and chauvinists. I’m not dismissing the pain of women who have suffered at the hands of those kinds of men. They will answer to God because He holds men accountable for how they treat, protect, and honor women.
But that’s not what this episode is about.
I’ve often said we need to champion the men in our lives. I have a wonderful husband and three sons. In fact, I wrote a Bible study called #Boymom to help moms raise strong boys. But here’s the truth: our culture is growing more hostile toward men—and it’s not men who are leading that charge. It’s women.
What We’ll Cover Today:
- The history of feminism—first, second, and third wave.
- Can you be a Christian and a feminist?
- The dangers of emasculating men.
Let’s dive in.
A Brief History of Feminism
You can find a lot of this info from Christina Hoff Sommers (aka The Factual Feminist) and in the book Mama Bear Apologetics—which I highly recommend, even if you’re not a mom.
First-Wave Feminism
This wave began in the early 19th century and lasted until the 1960s. Feminists were split into two groups:
- Egalitarian feminists believed women should function in the same roles as men.
- Maternal feminists wanted equal rights while embracing their God-given roles as mothers and caregivers.
Both groups fought for voting rights and access to education. They had the same goals but different approaches. The maternal feminists honored the distinctions between men and women, while the egalitarians did not. Still, they came together and achieved huge milestones—like the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote.
Second-Wave Feminism
The second wave kicked off in the 1960s and ran through the 1980s. This is where we see the sexual revolution: “My body, my choice” became the mantra.
Here’s the irony: women had won the right to vote, get an education, and work. But many still chose to stay home, raise families, and pursue careers in caregiving—like teaching and nursing. That didn’t sit well with the radical feminists, who demanded birth control and abortion and claimed men were oppressing women by keeping them home.
This wave sought to erase gender roles and push women into complete independence and autonomy—something that completely contradicts God’s design.
Third-Wave Feminism (aka Modern Feminism)
Some say we’re now in the fourth wave, but we’ll stick with the third for this episode.
Modern feminists aren’t fighting for equality—they’re fighting against men. They call men the oppressors, even when they don’t realize it. And God forbid a man opens a door! I recently saw a social media post where women claimed that men holding the door made them feel like helpless children.
If there are any men listening—thank you for holding the door open. That’s called manners.
Today’s feminists have little left to fight for. Laws are in place. Women can get equal pay (if you compare same job, same experience). Women dominate universities. They break into male-dominated fields and succeed.
But instead of celebrating, some yell “I’m a nasty woman” and fight for the right to kill babies in the womb—and even out of it. That’s legal too.
Can You Be a Christian and a Feminist?
That depends on how you define feminism.
The textbook definition says feminism is the advocacy of women’s social, political, legal, and economic equality with men. That doesn’t sound bad. But today’s feminism has gone far beyond that.
I’m not marching in Washington for “women’s rights” when those rights include abortion and the emasculation of men. Even the early feminist movements didn’t always align with biblical standards.
What sounds good on the surface often isn’t when you dig deeper.
Today’s feminism is anti-life and anti-biblical. I love what Hillary Morgan Ferrer says in Mama Bear Apologetics:
“Women are no longer trying to prove they are as good as men, but rather that they are better.”
That’s not equality. That’s pride.
I resonate most with the maternal feminists from the first wave—those who wanted to vote and be treated fairly but also valued their role as wives and mothers.
My husband and boys are the most important people in my life. I cooked for them, taught them, started a preschool in my home, and tutored older kids with my sister-in-law—because I didn’t want to miss a moment of their early years. It was exhausting, but it was worth it.
God Values Women
We see this throughout Scripture.
Yes, some men treat women poorly. And some denominations don’t allow women to preach. I don’t attend those churches, and I believe God uses women to teach and lead when aligned with His Word.
Some point to 1 Timothy where Paul says, “I do not permit a woman to teach,” but context matters. This instruction addressed issues specific to the Ephesian church and its culture. Elsewhere, Paul commended women in ministry and acknowledged their value.
Jesus shattered cultural norms when He spoke with the woman at the well, honored Mary and Martha, and ensured His mother was cared for—even as He hung on the cross.
God chose women—Deborah, Esther, Ruth, Hannah, and others—to accomplish His will. He never diminished their worth.
Why Feminism Fails to Convince Women of Their Worth
I know what it feels like to be a woman. I’ve wrestled with comparison, motherhood, and friendships. But I don’t find my value in feminism—I find it in who God says I am.
God created the woman last—not as an afterthought, but as the final, beautiful addition to His creation. He created an awareness in Adam before forming Eve so Adam would say, “At last!” when he saw her. That’s value.
A woman who knows her worth doesn’t need to compete with men. She walks confidently in who God made her to be.
The Dangers of Emasculating Men
You might think this part is a stretch—but it’s not.
Psychology Today published an article called “Masculinity Is Not Our Enemy.” It highlights how men today are falling behind in health, education, and graduation rates.
The American Psychological Association now claims masculinity is the cause of men’s problems—and that removing it is the solution. That’s dangerous.
Michael Gurian, the author of the article, says masculinity is good. Traits like strength, stoicism, and power are not problems—they’re tools. Boys need masculinity to navigate life. We need more fathering, not less. And women should support healthy manhood.
We see masculinity under attack in ads like the Gillette commercial, in universities, and in media. Why can women celebrate femininity but men are told to tone it down?
Where’s the “boy power” for our sons?
Gurian writes, “Masculinity is fragile, as millions of failing males prove. It is too fragile to be accused by our nation’s smartest people of crimes it has not committed. And our sons are too fragile to survive and thrive if those accusations continue.”
Final Thoughts
So, can you be a Christian and a feminist?
Maybe by definition. But in practice, I can’t align myself with a movement that:
- Tears down men to build up women.
- Demands autonomy at the expense of life.
- Rejects God’s design for male and female.
I value women because I am a woman. But I also value men. I want my sons to grow up confident in their masculinity, knowing God created them to lead, love, and protect.
True worth doesn’t come from movements—it comes from our Maker.
Thanks for joining me today. If you have questions or want to dig deeper into any part of this episode, feel free to reach out. And don’t forget to check out the shop and leave a review if this episode blessed you!
Until next time—keep loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
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