9 comments

Kimberly Wagner

Define your own reality!

Posted on 01.28.10 by Kimberly Wagner | Twitter: @KimberlyWagner7
Topics: Womanhood

Rosie the Riveter

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Well, now that I have your attention, please allow me to explain. According to a recent article I read, feminism allows individuals to redefine feminism and construct a personal feminist philosophy. So, for those who care to see it, here is my "personal feminist philosophy":

  1. All individuals are created with equal worth and with great value because we are created Imagio Deo (ahem … "in the image of God" … I threw in the Latin for intellectual effect).
  2. All individuals should be treated with respect and dignity, no matter the gender, color, age, or political persuasion.
  3. All individuals are designed by and for the Creator's purpose (Numbers 14:21).
  4. The Creator has designed two genders with distinct differences to function in roles that are compatible and complementary (Genesis 2:15-18).
  5. Gender differences make life much more interesting (and fun!).
  6. The Creator's role for the husband does NOT include domination but is one of servant-leadership and humble headship (Ephesians 5:22-33).
  7. The Creator's role for the wife does NOT include wimpy subservience but intelligent, respectful submission to her husband's leadership.
I just needed to lighten up a bit after submerging myself in several heavy articles on feminism—the history of feminism, feminism's influence as a cultural revolution, first wave, second wave, third wave, and new wave. If you want to read a couple of my related posts on this topic, check out:  

Whoa—Not the "S" Word!
Did the Fall Cause it All?
 
The encouragement to invent a personal feminist philosophy is consistent with the characteristics of the feminist movement. The movement reinvents womanhood, promoting self-authority, dismissing restraints and traditional authority structures, which is one reason why feminism is hard to define—that would require the constraint of definition. Confining it to definite tenets would be "limiting" by placing it under the authority of a stated definition.

Whenever we reject the Creator's design for manhood and womanhood, we are setting ourselves up as our own authority. Isn't this the same thing the serpent invited Eve to do? The only hope for true fulfillment and satisfaction comes through aligning our lives within the parameters of our Creator's tenets:

"Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast" (Psalm 119:89–90).

What is your personal philosophy?

Comments

  1. LOL Kimberly. I once wrote something similar - and called it my "female philosophy." I just couldn't call myself a feminist. You are right on target biblically and practically. I especially like #5 - being male/female as God designed us makes life more interesting and fun. There is freedom in that design that feminism cannot seem to understand.
    http://heartchoicestoday.blogspot.com
    posted by Dawn Wilson
    on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at 11:32 am
  2. I agree wholeheartedly with what you have written here, Kim. I can't think of anything to add to it at the moment; well said! Praise God for HIS plan and HIS ways--they are always best.
    posted by Vivian Etherington
    on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at 11:36 am
  3. Kimberly,
    This is a great post. I like all seven points, especially #4 and
    #5! God has wisely and lovingly designed our roles.
    www.carolvanderwoude.com
    posted by Carol
    on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at 1:40 pm
  4. Kimberly,

    Yes, I do agree this is a great post. But in regards to #2, I was wondering, would it not be wise to include that all should be treated with respect those who may not have the same mental capabilites as others.

    With the adoption of 2 severe to profound mentally retarded children this past year, I am becoming more aware that often children and adults who have some form of mental retardation are often excluded from such lists.
    Facebook
    posted by Caroline
    on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at 3:31 pm
  5. Great post. Thanks for sharing this!
    posted by Heather
    on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at 3:34 pm
  6. In reply to Caroline, I honestly don't think that mentally retarded children or adults should be included in the list as a "special case" for the simple reason that the fact that they are EXCLUDED (if you see what I mean) means that they are no different from the others and are therefore INCLUDED - they are loved by God. As the Aunt (and daughter) of mentally handicapped persons, I think I qualify to make this comment.

    They may well react differently - or more slowly (and that is arguable again on a Monday!!!)

    Please read Article 2 again then reading it a different way maybe ...."ALL people etc. ... (i.e. with no exception made)
    posted by Judy
    on Friday, January 29, 2010 at 8:20 am
  7. Dear Judy,

    Thank you for your answer to Caroline -- I couldn't have expressed it any better!

    "All individuals" would include basically, well -- everyone! The listing serves to remind us of common prejudices, so I understand Caroline's desire to highlight this particular group who has experienced ridicule and disrespectful treatment. By not including them on the list, I did not intend to exclude those who suffer from some type of mental retardation.

    I also have an increased awareness of the needs of those with limited mental capabilities as my father suffers from the debilitating effects of extensive brain damage due to brain radiation. He is now an invalid and unable to care for himself or engage in any type of "normal" activity.

    Knowing the extent of care the mentally impaired require, I applaud you Caroline for being willing to take on the parental obligation of caring for the "least of these."

    Thank you, ladies, for your input!
    posted by Kimberly Wagner
    on Friday, January 29, 2010 at 10:34 am
  8. It grieves me .... it grieves me that women have fallen for this line .... it really is no different to the interviews we see of muslim women telling us how blessed they are!

    Yes, God really did make us equal ... all domination is the result of the fall and is part of the curse.

    Christ, Blessed be He, and made us new - still man and woman (vive la differance) but free to love each other freely, and to cherish and submit to one another - notice - in the different ways this means for each individual person.

    To tell women that they are equal in worth, but unfit to lead or to preach simply, and only, because they are women is logically impossible. If subordination without limit, and without possibility of change, is required only because of something we are born with, be it gender, color, race etc. ... then subordination of being logically follows.

    And no, I am not a feminist, and I delight in womanhood .... and I agree, our God loves variety.

    In fact I love God ... and it grieves me
    posted by Dinah
    on Sunday, January 16, 2011 at 6:24 pm
  9. I have no problem calling myself a feminist--and the reality is that there is a continuum of feminism. I am a follower of Christ, and believe that as a woman I am a joint-heir with Christ, and that "in Christ there is no male or female." There is no gender distinction when the scriptures articulate spiritual gifts. My husband and I have no problem submitting to each other in our relationship. In the "good old days" before feminism, sins like child abuse and domestic and sexual violence in the home went unchallenged. The feminist movement helped move our society to a place where laws and cultural norms protect women and children. That doesn't mean I have to agree and follow every feminist. I have a mind and the presence of the Holy Spirit.
    posted by Paige
    on Sunday, May 8, 2011 at 4:27 pm

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