by David Phillips
One of the reasons the radical feminist movement has gained such headway in their attack on the Biblical model for the home and family can be seen in their mischaracterization of Christian teaching.
For decades now, those who advocate the rejection of the Biblical model for family have convinced people that Scripture teaches that females are second class citizens, with neither rights nor respect, compared to males. On this basis, they claim the Bible should be rejected. Is this a fair representation of Christian doctrine?
Plainly, no it is not! In fact, such a notion is far from the truth. It is vitally important that we all come to a fuller understanding of the Bible’s teaching about both the role and the value of woman. Her role, as established from the beginning, is that of suitable helper to her male counterpart. (Gen.2:20). Her value is emphasized in 1 Peter 3:7, which refers to her as the weaker vessel, and commands that honor be shown to her as such. The same verse places man and woman together as joint heirs of the grace of life.
The New Testament never portrays the woman as one who has less value or even less importance than the man. Each is distinctly valuable in his and her respective role, with God-given duties to carry out.