As both a Christian and a Feminist I've found my voice repeatedly silenced in both communities. I am in a vast minority at the conservative Methodist college I attend, subjected to the same inane conversation about how feminism is "unnecessary," "unChristian" and "all about getting pissed off when men try to open the door for you." Likewise, in the feminist community I am inundated with stories of fundamentalist Christians who say and do horrible things. Where are all the Christian Feminisits? These two groups can and do coexist
<a href="http://www.womenwriters.net/may2001/biblebeltfeminist2.html">Here is a great article</a> on the relationship between Christianity and Feminism. I think it is extremely important that Christian Feminists do not get too caught up in their own little world. It's crucial that we hear the views of those who don't share our faith. But it would be nice if our views were occasionally heard too.
For another look at why christianity and feminism are not mutually exclusive try <a href="http://christianfeminism.wordpress.com/"> this blog.</a>
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You are most definitely not alone! I'm a pro-choice, bisexual, feminist Catholic Christian. And it's true - you can get it from both sides (but I tend to get it from the Christian side more ...).
I hear you on this one! Most of the people at feministing are really great, but I stopped reading Pandagon, because I got sick of the insinuation that being Christian means I'm deluded and/or stupid.
I am so glad I stumbled upon this post. I like reading the material on this site, but so often I get turned off because I do not think that being a feminist and pro-life are mutually exclusive. In fact, they complement each other quite well. Besides feminists for life, does anyone know of other organizations or sites that support views about equality of women but don't think that abortion is morally acceptable?
This is a great reminder, voxtrollop. Awhile ago, I wrote a post (which I can't seem to track down now) about a Christian fundamentalist/conservative group doing something I disagreed with. Rather than write something like "stupid conservative/fundamentalist Christians who hate women" I just wrote something like, "stupid Christians." (Again, not my actual words. I'm paraphrasing....) A friend of mine, who is a feminist Christian, wrote me and pointed out how hurt she was that I'd make a generalization like that. I corrected the post. And since I've tried to be more mindful about my language.
A bit more specifically, I'll freely admit to having a hard time moderating my take on Catholicism. Being raised in a conservative Catholic family, and having attended 13 years of conservative Catholic school, has left me with an undeniable anti-Catholic bias. Thanks for the reminder to criticize the church as an institution or specific members, not to make sweeping statements about all Catholics -- many of whom, I know, are actually quite feminist.
voxtrollop posted on July 2, 2008, 12:34 PM: "Likewise, in the feminist community I am inundated with stories of fundamentalist Christians who say and do horrible things."
I'm not Christian at all and even I'm pissed off about that too. Christianity has far more denominations than just the fundamentalist ones!
YESSSSS!!!!!! THANK-YOU THANK-YOU THANK-YOU!!!
I am a very liberal feminist Methodist as well (However I live in the north and will probably attend a more liberal seminary). I know MANY liberal, feminists in the church (female and male). It's sad that the most equality I've found in the church is within the Reconciling communities. (Reconciling=GLTBQ in the Methodist church). Well, it's not sad that I've found equality in the church but I just wish it could be more wide spread. I'm so glad you wrote this. It really really irks me when major Christian bashing goes down. Thanks for these links and for helping me to know I'm not alone!
And yet I would say that the reason many feminists don't like Christianity is because of its history in maintaining the patriarchy, efforts to codify sexism, and heteronormativity. While not all Christians are keen on those aspects, I think it's understandably why feminists in general are wary. But I see your point in not wanting to be silenced--after all, that's something we all want. Making your voice heard is a good way to show that not all Christians are anti-women.