Anyone here identify as a progressive/feminist?

[Keakealani]

Hi, so I don't post here frequently (although I lurk on occasion) but I'd like to change that, so I thought I'd start a discussion that has been on my mind recently. Please let me know if there's a more appropriate subforum; I'm still kind of getting used to the layout here sweatdrop

Anyway, since this guild is focused on the lady side of the spectrum, I thought I'd start out by asking how you all feel about feminism, and how it relates to your faith.

I identify strongly as both a progressive and a feminist, and I don't see it as incompatible with my beliefs; I believe that Jesus was probably one of the most radical progressives and feminists of his time, and I think that legacy can and should live on in Biblical living to this day.

But, of course, it concerns me to see a lot of areas of Christian discussion and beliefs to really reject the ideas of feminism and progressivism. I am totally open to everyone having their own interpretations, since I am not God and don't claim to know the ultimate answer to every truth. But I can't say I want to ignore the many ways I see people acting in the name of God and religion to tear people down and support unjust systems, either. It's something I really struggle with nowadays. I am lucky because I've found many wonderful Christian communities that align with my attitudes and interpretations, but I'm saddened to feel like a minority in that regard.

How do you feel? Do you think it's possible to bring more feminist ideals into the thinkings of the church?  

[Jewelies]

I think men and women are both equal in God's eyes, he loves us both very much the same. However I do also believe that there some things that only women can do, and some things that only men can do. I also believe that there are certain types of jobs that women shouldn't do, as well as certain types of jobs that men shouldn't do.

As far as marriage goes, I believe that men are the head of their households, and that is the way that it should be. That doesn't mean that the wife shouldn't be able to make decisions, I believe major decisions especially should be made together. A man is the head of the household like Christ is the head of the church, therefore a man needs to love and respect and take care of his wife just as Christ loves us.

I'm not really sure what you mean by progressiveness, so I can't really say my thoughts on that, nor am I really familiar with exactly what feminists believe (since everyone seems to have a different idea of what it means to be a feminist). I can say that I don't think it's condescending when a guy opens a door for a girl, or offers his seat to her, or whatever else I seem to hear women complain as 'condescending'. It's a sign of respect when a guy does those things. Unless he obviously is doing it with a condescending attitude, but that rarely is the case.  

[Krystalle Rose Cairn]

I also think that God sees us as equal, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:28 NKJV. I am also in agreement with Jewel, that there are jobs that should remain gender specific.
However, I am all for equal wages and rights across the board. I do think that the man is the head, but that he still needs to listen to his wife, marriage is supposed to be a partnership. As far as chivalry goes, I love it. It tells me that there are still gentlemen out there who respect women. It is a sweet gesture, and sometimes, I'll still get the door or something for them...  

[Keakealani]

I can see that. I don't have any huge dislike of "chivalry" as a concept, so long as it's always executed with the understanding that women are humans and deserve the human considerations of "oh, you don't like that? Well then, I won't do it." In other words, doing something that's culturally deemed to be "chivalrous" even in the face of a situation where it doesn't belong is offensive to me, because it puts the man's needs to pay homage to a patriarchal norm above the woman's desires or needs, which is not, in my opinion, very respectful or chivalrous.

That being said, maybe we'll have to "agree to disagree" about "man as head of household" - I think that may be true in some cases, but I have a hard time agreeing that it's true because of any sort of inherent truth about gender, so much as maybe other social pressures (such as higher wage-earning potential for men as a group) which lends itself to be the case.  

[d i m i r h e x]

Keakealani

I can see that. I don't have any huge dislike of "chivalry" as a concept, so long as it's always executed with the understanding that women are humans and deserve the human considerations of "oh, you don't like that? Well then, I won't do it." In other words, doing something that's culturally deemed to be "chivalrous" even in the face of a situation where it doesn't belong is offensive to me, because it puts the man's needs to pay homage to a patriarchal norm above the woman's desires or needs, which is not, in my opinion, very respectful or chivalrous.

That being said, maybe we'll have to "agree to disagree" about "man as head of household" - I think that may be true in some cases, but I have a hard time agreeing that it's true because of any sort of inherent truth about gender, so much as maybe other social pressures (such as higher wage-earning potential for men as a group) which lends itself to be the case.

OoOo! I had to leave my two cents for this topic despite it being an old one, hopefully you'll see this. =D

Before my husband and I got married we went to a pre-engagement counseling program through our church.
I get the feeling of being the minority as a progressive feminist, especially in a church. We're lucky in the fact that our church is very progressive and are making people re-think what they "know" about the bible and women's rights and progress is one of them, and it is amazing.

However, when talking with our counselors they mentioned to us "The man must be ahead of the household and finances."
That never settled well with either of us and for our relationship it works best if we deal with all matters equally.
To us, it all comes down to submission. There needs to be times where I submit myself to what my husband needs/wants for this marriage, and there are times where he needs to submit himself to my needs/wants for this marriage. An equal give and take.
Of course the lines blur from time to time and that causes a fight, but that is where communication, grace and forgiveness needs to come in, am I right?!
We view this marriage as a partnership, but personally I feel much better following his lead since he is great at the more structured parts of life where as I am more of a free spirit and need some boundaries, but never once do we see our marriage as a struggle for power, and that is where the problem lies in a lot of people's minds when they hear "Man must be ahead of the house hold."
Don't let it be a power struggle and it will never be a problem in your marriage/relationship!

I am in the thought process of equality and balance. He leads certain parts of this marriage because those are his strong suits, and I lead in certain parts because those are my strong areas. If there is a problem or unbalance in our marriage then we work together and face the problem as a single entity working together for peace.

To me, if both people are happy and feel comfortable inside the relationship then they are doing it right.