The feminist movement has had not only a profound impact on society in general, but in the churches as well. This feminist mindset has shaped and molded a generation of men and women into thinking that men and women are completely equal in every way. It is no surprise, then, that the feminist ideology has made its way into the Christian community. The idea of "roles" of men and women has become the central issue. And the idea of "submission" has become a dirty word in the world today.

Are there different "roles" for men and women, and if so, what are they? And do we as men and women share similarities? Most importantly, what does the Bible say about men and women? We will be looking at what God has to say about the issue of men and women, and how we can apply God's word and instructions to our lives today.

MEN AND WOMEN: ARE WE EQUAL?

What does God's word say about men and women and their roles? And specifically, does the Bible speak to the issue of our equality?

All we have to do is look at the first chapter of Genesis to see how God views men and women:

"So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created then. Then God blessed them, and God said to them 'Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves on the earth.' "
(Genesis 1:27,28)

Here we see that God created man and woman both in His image. Each of us, male and female, has a logical and rational personality like God. God created us with intellect, emotions and a will. It is interesting to note that God gave both man and woman the job to rule together over the lower creation (i.e. animals).

The Bible also says that we are all equal in God's sight:

"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)

How exciting and encouraging it is to know that, to the Lord, we all have value and equality. God loves each one of us the same-we are all one in the Lord. As men and women we have equality of value to the Lord.

But as I mentioned earlier, the feminist movement has pushed the ideology onto society that men and women can do anything that men can do, and vice versa. The church has also bought into this ideology in both subtle and overt ways. John MacArthur states: "depending on which denomination you visit, you'd have as much as a 12% chance of finding a woman leading the congregation in the worship service." (1)

Are men and women different? Do we have different roles to assume in society? It would make sense that since God made both male and female, we would have different gifts, talents and abilities to use for God's glory. But the idea that men and women are different is not "politically correct." To the feminists, women can do anything that men can do. But is this true? There have been numerous studies to indicate that we are different. A book that was done on the brain proved this. The book states: "...the sexes are different because their brains are different. The brain, the chief administrative and emotional organ of life, is differently constructed in men and women; it processes information in a different way, which results in different perceptions, priorities and behavior." (2)

As men and women, we are equal, but we are wired differently! This is a truth that the feminist movement probably would like to forget.

Why do we as a society bristle so much with the idea of roles that men and women play in our society? It is quite simple: our sinfulness! The curse distorted our views of the roles that God created us for. The curse twisted the woman's proper role and the man's proper authority. Because of our sin, women want to take over man's authority, and men have an inclination to put women under their thumb (Genesis 3:1-7). Women and men have different interests, goals and aspirations. When Eve refused to accept God's will for her life, she was rejecting her femininity. When Adam agreed to Eve's suggestion, he was giving up his masculine responsibility for her.

I think it is of tremendous importance to look at what the Bible says regarding our specific roles. The Bible does say that men and women fulfill different roles. Let's look at three passages that deal with these different roles:

1. In I Corinthians 11:3-16, we can see different roles for men and women, particularly in verses 8 and 9. Verse 9 is showing the importance of the fact that woman was "created for man" to be a helper for him.

2. In Ephesians 5:21-33 we can see another passage that speaks of the differing roles of men and women, especially in verses 22-28. This passage is showing to us what the roles of husbands and wives are.

3. I Timothy 2:11-14 shows men and women the different roles in relationship to teaching and authority.

So, it is important to see that "roles" for men and women were created by God!

Since we are different, what are the roles that God originally created for us to fulfill? First we will look at men's roles and then we will take a look at women and the roles that God has uniquely created for them.

GOD'S UNIQUE ROLE FOR MEN

Now that we see that men and women are equal in value to the Lord, but with different roles to fulfill, what are these roles?

Scripture is clear on its teaching that men are to take on specific roles. Men must:

1. provide spiritual leadership for his family

2. provide for his family

3. protect his family

Today's society has a view that, for men to be spiritual leaders, they must be a domineering dictator. This view is simply a result for the curse of our sinful natures at work! But there are many verses that are clear about a man's attitude when he is fulfilling his role as a spiritual leader:

"Husbands, likewise, dwell with them in understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered."
(I Peter 3:7)

"Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the prophets."
(Matthew 7:12)

Men are instructed to be kind and responsible when giving leadership to their family.

In relation to the church, the Bible is clear to the fact that only men should be pastors or elders. There are numerous references that state this:

I Timothy 2:11-15

I Corinthians 14:34-36 and 11:2-16

The Bible also speaks of a man being the "head." This is simply a husband's divine calling to take primary responsibility for Christlike leadership, protection and provision. There are numerous references that express this truth:

Ephesians 5:21-33

Colossians 3:18-19

I Peter 3:1-7

I Timothy 3:4,12

Genesis 1-3

Husbands are instructed to love their wives "just as Christ loved the church" (Eph. 5:25). Husbands are commanded to not be "harsh" to their wives (Col. 3:19). They are to be "considerate" to their wives (I Peter 3:7). And in the I Timothy verses, a husband must manage his household well. The first three chapters of Genesis reinforce the fact that Adam was created to be the leader in his relationship with Eve, taking care of her and providing for her. These chapters show how God forms and equips men and women for various tasks, but all these tasks lead to the same goal-glorifying God.

It is apparent that many men are not fulfilling God's intention for Christlike leadership in the home and in the church. Because we have sinned, God's original will for us has been distorted. It is so vital for us to return to the Bible to give us truth in a world that is sick and hurting. Our society has blurred the biblical roles for men and women so much that many people are confused about what God's intended design for them is.

What has become even more confused in our society today is women and their unique contribution to God's kingdom. In the secular world, the idea of a woman being a "helpmate" to a man is considered some sort of terrible subjugation. What is God's design for women? Society has twisted and distorted God's view of women's roles. What does the Bible have to say?

GOD'S UNIQUE ROLE FOR WOMEN

Elizabeth Eliot has said that, with feminism today, women have forgotten the word femininity. It seems that many women aren't able to see how our differences as men and women are according to God's perfect design. The role of wife and mother has fallen into neglect and disrespect. It is more important to have a career outside the home rather than nurturing the family. What are the roles of women according to the Bible?

I think that Genesis 1:18 sums up God's plan for women:

"The Lord God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.'"

God did not have to create woman. God's work wasn't complete until he made woman. He could have made her from the dust of the ground, as he made man. But God chose to make woman from the man's flesh and bone.

Some women (Christian women included) think that the Bible regards us as second-class citizens. But consider a few stories from the Bible:

1. God chose Mary, a woman of simple means, to give birth to His Son. Mary was deeply valued by God. (Luke 1:26-33) Mary had "found favor" with God.

2. Jesus performed His first miracle at the request of a woman, His mother. Jesus turns water into wine at a wedding (John 2:1-11).

3. With the Samaritan woman at the well, Jesus told the woman the greatest secret in the history of the world-He is the Messiah! (John 4:1-21)

I have noticed that the women I talk with have a false view of women's roles. They think that Christianity creates a patriarchal system that results in the domination of women. This is exactly opposite to how Christ viewed women. When Christ came he elevated women to equality in His eyes. There are many examples of women in the Bible who made enormous contributions to the church. Consider the husband-wife team of Priscilla and Aquila. Priscilla is a great example of a woman who was respected and revered. In Christ's time, women were equated with slaves. But when Christ came He showed that women have tremendous value to Him. There are also other encouraging examples of women who made contributions:

1. Euodia and Syntche (Phil, 4:2,3)

2. Phebe (Romans 16:1-2)

And consider Dorcas, who was the first person in the New Testament to be called a disciple. She made contributions to her community. She was "always doing good and helping the poor." (Acts 9:36)

Lydia was one of the first converts when Paul traveled to Macedonia. Paul found some women gathered there, and he shared with them. Paul didn't pass them by because they were women! He valued them.

So, we can see that women are important to God! Women's roles are many. Women are called to submit to Christ, and to submit to those that are in leadership over them. Ephesians 5:22 talks of wives submitting to their husbands "as to the Lord." Submission is simply a disposition to yield to God's will for our lives. In our role of submitting, we are yielding to what God's will is for us.

God gave women sensitivities that most men possess to a smaller degree. Women were created to be the life-bearers, the nurturers. Women are called by God to affirm and nurture. Women can be used by God to teach others (although it is limited to certain audiences). Here are some passages that demonstrate this:

Titus 2:3,4

2 Timothy 1:5, 3:14

Proverbs 31:26

Colossians 3:16

I Corinthians 11:5, 14:31

Acts 18:26

Consider the woman in Proverbs 31. The woman in Proverbs 31:10-31 is an excellent example of a wife and mother. She is a nurturer to her husband. She is a manufacturer, importer, manager, realtor, farmer, seamstress, upholsterer and merchant. Her strength and dignity come from her love for the Lord. She works hard, fears God, respects and submits to her spouse, encourages others and helps the poor. A woman's roles are many! She is a helper, an encourager. She follows God and submits to leadership.

I can remember when I became a Christian and began to study the Bible. I was deeply disturbed by some of the passages that dealt with women's roles. I wondered if God thought less of women. As I studied more I realized that God loves us all so much! And He also made men and women different for a reason! God's design for men is to follow God and to provide leadership for his family. A woman's role is to follow God and follow and submit to those that God has placed in authority over them. At the heart of the issue is this: What does God want us to do with our lives and our respective roles? The bottom line is that He wants us to follow Him and follow what His word says. As we do that, we will become more and more like Christ.