“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28).”

There is much confusion today generated by the battle of the sexes. Today we have boys wanting to be girls and girls wanting to be boys. This sexual chaos has led to a host of ills that devour the minds, hearts, and bodies of our young. In a previous chapter, we explored patriarchy. Now it is time to shine the spotlight of the Word on the role of women, as God designed.

Yet, just as there are distortions of manhood¯ ranging from homosexuality to machismo¯ there are major distortions that corrupt true femininity. The battle that rages for our daughters is between true Christian womanhood and the lies of feminism. 

The public school system and the college campus have championed the cause of feminism for years. The toll it has taken upon manhood, womanhood, marriage, family, and children is incalculable. Just a cursory investigation of the so-called “women’s studies” classes in American schools is absolutely appalling. It recruits our daughters into feminist mysticism, sexual immorality, abortion, lesbianism, and ultimately into goddess worship.

It produces a militant anger towards American establishments and traditions, with white heterosexual men receiving the brunt of their virulent hate. Perhaps worse, it breeds victimhood in women. Instead of teaching our daughters personal responsibility and self-control, feminist studies inculcate the lie that men are misogynist victimizers and oppressors.

According to the purveyors of feminism, Christian marriage is institutional slavery and the physical intimacy between a man and his wife is “legalized rape.” Women who marry are “hostages.” If women choose to stay in heterosexual relationships, they are “living with the enemy.” According to them, lesbianism is a natural expression of love for women. Children in the womb are “parasites,” stealing life from women. Feminists also advance women in combat, while they demean women in the home.

The Death of Chivalry
In addition, feminists charge that Christianity promotes a patriarchal religion, which oppresses women and steals their potential. Although it is true that Christianity is a patriarchal religion, it does not promote tyranny against women. The function of true patriarchy is to protect, provide for, and care for women and children. Biblical patriarchy is often expressed as chivalry¯ truth, courage, honor, loyalty, consideration for others, and courtesy towards women. Sadly, feminism has all but destroyed this manly Christian virtue.

The Masculinization of Women
Today, it is easy to see the contest between the sexes of which Dabney warned. Too many women seek value by trying to become men, lead as men, and be aggressive as men. Taylor Caldwell, commenting on this dilemma in her 1970 article in American Opinion, “They’re Spoiling Eve's Great Con Game,” stated, "Remember this: The strongest sign of the decay of a nation is the feminization of men and the masculinization of women.”

This statement has a Biblical basis. In a nation that is falling, we see the corruption of Biblical masculinity and femininity. Romans 1:18-32 describes, in agonizing detail, the disintegration of a society that abandons God and His Holy Word. It lists the litany of woes that will befall a culture that refuses to acknowledge, obey, and glorify God. One of the signs of a nation descending down the proverbial “slippery slope” is, “Women did change the natural use into that which is against nature (Romans 1:26).”

Interestingly enough, on the heels of feminism (women refusing the natural use), homosexuality breaks out like a plague. How do we know this is true? The Apostle Paul states, “And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet (Romans 1:27).”

Since the 1960s, America has followed the Romans chapter one script for national calamity. In the early part of the ‘60s decade, our nation handed God His official eviction notice. It came in the form of one catastrophic Supreme Court Decision after another. By removing the Bible and silencing the prayers of our children, our nation declared God’s services no longer required in our nation. With the stroke of a pen, our nation demanded God get out of our schools, vacate our government, and leave our children alone.

It is no coincidence that after rejecting the God of our fathers, we witnessed the birth of feminism. Feminism then paved the way for birth control, abortion, and the acceptance of homosexuality that is currently defiling our land. Has feminism benefited women, inspired men, or protected children? Every national indicator reveals otherwise. The “masculinization of women” produced by feminism has been a detriment to all that we hold near and dear to our hearts.

When Manhood is Missing
On the heels of our nation’s refusal to acknowledge God in our public life nor glorifying Him or being thankful, feminism raised its ugly head. True to God’s warning in Romans one, women rebelled and refused their natural use. Feminism has either reinforced man’s natural propensity towards passivity and irresponsibility or tempted men threatened by feminist aggression to violently strike back. These responses have left women and children to fend for themselves. Either way, the chivalry that should beat in every man’s breast toward the weaker vessel has gone AWOL. Chivalry is missing in action today.

Herein lays the tragic irony that feminism has fostered. Its man-hating spirit actually fuels ignoble, failed manhood and debases that which is most precious in womanhood. For instance, feminism demanded the right to kill babies in the womb in order to compete in a man’s world. They wanted all the “sexual freedom” afforded immoral men, without pregnancy and the rearing of children to interfere with college or career ambitions. The one thing the feminists did not count on is that the only ones set free by abortion are men, who use and abuse women to satisfy their lust. 
 
Abortion, the bloody sacrament of the feminist movement, never set a woman free. Contrary to the propaganda promoted by feminists, many post-abortive women suffer grave torment. Though they will find the forgiveness of God if they repent, they never forget.  

Hedonistic males sire children, but raise none. Abortion frees men to enjoy intimacy without responsibility. It allows men to become serial fornicators, moving from one conquest to another. The feminist practice of abortion granted men this carte blanche, which made it open season on our daughters. The very things the feminists purport to hate about men, they have enabled. Their hypocrisy knows no bounds.

Divine Order
When it comes to men and women, the powers of darkness exploit the differences between function and value (see the chapter entitled, “Patriarchy”). To reiterate, when it comes to value there is no difference between male and female. Males are not superior and women are not inferior in value. God loves both genders the same in His great salvation.

In Galatians 3:28, the Apostle Paul exposes the different battlefronts that Satan utilizes to keep mankind divided and at each other’s throats. In sequence, they are racial divisions (“neither Jew nor Greek”), social class divisions (“neither bond nor free”), and sexual divisions (“neither male nor female”).

The world cries for harmony, unity, and peace among men and yet rejects the only One who can accomplish this worthy goal, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is only through the love of Christ that racial reconciliation, social justice, and a proper relationship among the sexes is attainable, “For ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Thomas Jefferson stated, “If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.” The same is true when it comes to the areas of human relationships the enemy of our souls exploits to our ruin. Without Christ changing our nature and hearts, our expectations for harmony and peace will only reveal “what never was and never will be.” 

In terms of value, God’s salvation makes no distinction between men and women. He esteems us all the same. God does, however, have a function and a role for each gender. It is in this realm that God clearly establishes major distinctions between men and women. God’s order states, “But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God (1 Corinthians 11:3).”

God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33).  His creation testifies that He is a God of order.  It is divine order that points to an important concept we neglect to our own demise— God works through headship and spiritual covering.  God appoints man as the family ruler, the one who is in charge.  His function is that of a responsible, servant leader, not a dictator. 

The man is the one God holds accountable. Therefore, he must have the authority to lead, direct, and guide the family.  If you deny this divine truth, betray its veracity, and circumvent its sacred purpose then chaos, confusion, and family breakdown will ensue.  Feminism is dedicated to undermining and overthrowing the divine order God established for His glory, and for mankind’s benefit.

Chivalry
Contrary to feminist doctrine, Christianity inspired chivalry. This alone encouraged men to change how they relate to the fairer sex. The whole notion of knighthood and maidens found its romance in Christ’s example and teachings. It stirred churchmen to view and treat women much differently than their pagan counterparts. Women were no longer property to use or abuse, but something precious worth living for and, in some cases, worth defending unto death. From knights carrying their sweet heart’s handkerchiefs into battle for home and hearth to the modern day warriors grasping the picture of the women they love, men have risked all and been at their best fighting for God, country, and the women they leave behind.

It was this Christian tradition that was passed down through the centuries that inspired the cry of “women and children first” when the mighty maiden of the sea, the Titanic, plummeted into the icy depths of the sea.  Men bravely went to their deaths, knowing their wives and children were safely secure in the limited lifeboats.  Do you honestly think young men would give up their seat for women and children today?  I am afraid their mentality would reflect our feministic times, “You fought for your rights, now fight for your seat.”  

Christianity has been the greatest liberator and protector of womanhood that this poor-fallen world has ever and will ever know.  Women who turn their back on the Lord, Christianity, and true patriarchy are literally biting the hand that fed them.  The one Scripture that liberated women more than any other is discovered in the Apostle Paul’s pastoral letters.  Surprisingly, true women’s liberation is tied to the requirements for Church leadership.  When the Bible demanded Church leaders to be the “husband of one wife,” the fortunes of women dramatically changed for all time (1 Timothy 3:2; 3:12; and Titus 1:6).  

Before that time, women were considered chattels of brutish men or, as Robert L Dabney described, “Sometimes a petted slave, but yet a slave.”  Even in the Old Testament, it was common to have a multitude of wives, concubines, and maidservants.  It was our Lord, and the need for faithful leaders in God’s Church, that eventually ended this treatment of women as novel commodities.  It forced each man seeking the noble ambition of Church leadership to use his wherewithal to love, honor, cherish, protect, and provide for one unique woman in the sacred institution of marriage.  The principle the Lord sought to establish is a man who mistreats his bride is not qualified to minister to God’s bride. 

Put another way, Christian marriage was to be a preview of heaven here on earth.  This is why Paul’s teaching on the role of a man to love his wife and a woman’s submission to her husband reveals “a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:32).”  Far from Christian marriage being an institution designed to enslave women, it was and remains God’s means of emancipation. In all the annals of history, there is no other religion or philosophy equal to the task of such liberation for woman. For instance, how do the men of Islam treat the women of Islam? We hear report after report of abuse, beatings, and rape as a means of tyrannical control.  In light of these truths, the desperate need for woman is to reject the feminist agenda and return to the role of helpmate and mother, as our Creator and Savior God has prescribed.

The Need for Softness
Whether we understand this concept or not in the modern era, men need feminine women and children to tame the wild beast within and inspire them to move from being predators to protectors. This revelation came alive in my heart when my first daughter, Shekinah, was born. While holding my precious daughter to my bosom for the first time, I knew I must denounce my inherent base nature and embrace the nobler calling of protector. I had to repent of the sins of my youth and devote my life to guard each of my daughters’ lives, virtue, virginity, and maiden honor. 

There are certain virtues, graces, and callings, not granted to men, that women are empowered by God to exercise. Whether we like it or not, God wired men and women differently.  This is by design and not accident.  Whereas men tend to be more inclined towards justice and discipline in their orientation, women tend to be more merciful and nurturing in their orientation.  Together, these different attributes provide the best conditions to rear children. 

As women abandon the nurturing aspect inherent in their nature and become aggressive as men, life becomes intolerable. Let us be honest, due to the Fall of mankind, life is tough.  In the midst of life’s harshness, God designed women with specific spiritual, moral, and intellectual capabilities necessary to produce healthy, sound, and godly homes.  This accounts for God highly treasuring women who exercise a meek and mild spirit (1 Peter 3:4). 

A woman who radiates the beauty of her Lord has the strength and dignity to absorb the blows of life and in return provide comfort, relief, and softness in the midst of life’s toil.  Without women pursuing this high calling, men and children succumb to the hardness of life, a life where dog eats dog and only the strong survive.  Without women pursuing God’s lofty vision and mission for their life, there is no relief or barrier in this fleeting life. 

Even Shakespeare, in his famous, Taming of the Shrew, understood the importance of soft and gentle women.  The character Kate stated, “Why are our bodies soft, and weak, and smooth, unapt to toil and trouble in the world, but that our soft conditions, and our hearts, should well agree with our external parts?”  Tragically, most women today think softness and gentleness are weaknesses that place them at a disadvantage in the rough and tumble world competing against men.  

In response to this fallacy, I will let Peter Marshall, former godly statesman and Senate Chaplain, give this challenge.  It was relevant back then and even more relevant today.  He stated:
The modern challenge to motherhood is the eternal challenge-that of being godly women. The very phrase sounds strange in our ears.  We never hear it now.  We hear about every other kind of women-beautiful women, smart women, sophisticated women, career women, talented women, divorced women.  But so seldom do we hear of a godly woman-or of a godly man either, for that matter.  

I believe women come nearer fulfilling their God-given function to be in the home than anywhere else.  It is a much nobler thing to be a good wife than to be Miss America .  It is a greater achievement to establish a Christian home than it is to produce a second-rate novel, filled with filth.  It is a far, far better thing in the realms of morals to be old-fashioned than to be ultra modern. The world has had enough women who know how to hold their cocktails, who have lost all their faith.  The world has enough women who know how to be smart.  It needs women who are willing to be simple.  The world has enough women who know how to be brilliant.  It needs some who will be brave.  The world has enough women who are popular.  It needs more who are pure.

We need women, and men too, who would rather be morally right than socially correct.  Let us not fool ourselves-without Christianity, without Christian education, without the principles of Christ inculcated into young life, we are simply rearing pagans.  Physically, they will be perfect. Intellectually, they will be brilliant.  But spiritually, they will be pagan.

This call back to authentic Biblical womanhood is not only important when it comes to the state of our marriages, families, and homes, but our national security literally hangs in the balance.  How is this possible?  Examine this astute observation by one of our Founding Fathers. 

Our second President, John Adams declared, “From all that I had read of history of government, life, and manners, I had drawn this conclusion, that the manners of women were [are] the most infallible barometer, to ascertain the degree of morality and virtue in a nation.  All that I have since read and all the observation I have made in different nations, have confirmed this opinion.  The manners of women are the surest criterion by which to determine whether a Republican government is practicable, in a nation or not.  The Jews, the Greeks, the Romans, the Swiss, the Dutch, all lost their public spirit, their Republican principles and habits, and their Republican forms of government when they lost the modesty and domestic virtues of their women.”

Did you absorb this incredible statement?  Do you understand its implications?  The loss of femininity, modesty, and domestic virtue amongst a nation’s women signals that nation is about to fall and lose its freedom. 

One essay written in the nineteenth century and republished in the book, In My Father’s House: A Vision for Daughters, affirms this truth, “The character of the women of the nation is a criterion, just and unfailing, of its true civilization, of its purity in morals, and of its political well-being.”

Evidently, feminine virtues are essential to the health and welfare of men and nations.  If America is to have a future and a hope, the leadership role of women in the areas of domestic virtue and modesty must be reclaimed.

Keepers at Home
Again, Titus 2:3-5 commands, “The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.” 

Women are led to believe that to affect the world for Christ they must serve in society and the Church, in particular positions of authority. Yet, the Bible reveals the sphere of ministry to which God has uniquely designed women. Women are to be keepers of home. 

In the book, In My Father’ House: A Vision for Daughters we read of the legend of Francesca, a noble lady of Rome . “Amid the splendors of court life and the pageantry of a lofty station, [Francesca] preserved the simplicity of that consecration which loves to sit at the feet of the Lord. Every day at certain periods she retired to her oratory, there to engage in exercises of devotion; but if called away, as she often was, she went cheerfully, saying that ‘a wife and mother, when called upon, must quit her God at the altar, and find Him in her household affairs.’”

We have lost sight of the precious truth that a woman can and should find God in the home and in “her household affairs.” Instead, women are clamoring for religious and societal positions, some out of necessity as single moms, but most out of ambition. There are many so-called “women teachers” in the Body of Christ.  Most of them, unfortunately, are Christianized feminists who usurp authority and seek to rule in God’s Church.  They claim ecclesiastical titles of governance, such as pastor, elder, and apostle.  This is rebellion and God’s Word forbids it. 

These self-appointed teachers teach men, which the Bible prohibits (1 Timothy 2:12).  God does allow women teachers, but they are limited to older women teaching younger women.  This is the specific audience they are to address.  They also have a strict curriculum to which they must adhere.  As quoted earlier in this chapter, the outline is revealed in Titus 2:4, 5, “That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.” 

Why is it these “women teachers” teach everything in the Bible— prayer, worship, dance, banners— except the very doctrines God wants taught to women?  Could it be that feminism has also infiltrated the Church and has masked itself as service to God?  This might explain why Christian marriages are failing at the same rate as the world.  In some studies, divorce is even higher in the Church than in the world.   I am sure many Christianized feminists call Jesus Lord, but why do they refuse to do what He commands (Luke 6:46)? Despite the counterfeit seducing women in and out of the Church to rebellion, there is still a valid leadership role for women to fulfill.  Yet, we must remember it is as a woman and not as a man.

The Power of a Woman
Despite the complaints of feminism, women wield a lot of power.  The book of God’s wisdom states, “A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones (Proverbs 12:4).” Women can inspire men to a place of transcendence.  Through a woman’s encouragement, a man can live for something greater than himself and achieve more than he thinks possible.  Conversely, a woman can manipulate, dominate, and control a man to the point that his manhood is slowly eaten away like a cancer.  This is serious power indeed and like the Spiderman movie taught, “With great power, comes great responsibility.” 

In another passage of Proverbs, God’s Word states, “Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands (Proverbs 14:1).”  Women have the power to build up or tear down what is most precious in life.  This is why a virtuous woman’s worth is far above rubies (Proverbs 31:10).  Where there is hardship, a virtuous woman builds up and provides gentleness.  Where there is ugliness, a virtuous woman builds up and operates in a spirit of loveliness.  Where life is harsh, a virtuous woman builds up and ministers comfort.  The virtuous woman binds the wounds that life afflicts upon men and children.  She does this without losing one iota of potential as a woman.

In fact, when one studies authentic Biblical womanhood as prescribed in Proverbs 31, one would be shocked to find what God’s Word really teaches about the role of a woman.  It does not come close to the feminist distortion used to demean motherhood, wives, and Christian womanhood.  There is, however, a major difference between the Proverbs 31 Woman and the career minded feminist. 

As stated prior, Proverbs 31 provides for women a godly goal to aim for in life.  Some think it is an impossible one.  However, by God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit, there is nothing to difficult to achieve, especially if a woman’s heart is to honor God through pursuing this worthy aspiration.

In every conceivable way, the Proverbs 31 Woman is fulfilled and realizing her potential as a woman.  She is a busy, living life to the fullest.  All her pistons are firing as she moves forward in her role as a virtuous woman. 

Let us take a look at this extraordinary passage of Scripture to discover these truths.  Proverbs 31:10-31 states:
Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.  The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.  She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.  She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.  She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.  She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.  She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.  She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.  She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.  She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.  She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.  She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.  Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.  She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.  Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.  She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.  She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.  Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.  Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.  Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Notice this woman’s first goal was to be a faithful helpmate to her husband.  She desires to do him good all the days of her life.  This woman understands the initial call and primary purpose that God established in creation.  God called Eve to be a helpmate to complete and compliment Adam (Genesis 2:20-25).  Standing upon this righteous foundation, she is a woman taking care of business, “She considers a field and buys it (Proverbs 31:16).”

She diligently cares for her household as well.  She is not idle, but pours her life out to make sure her home is well cared for and adorned in a spirit of loveliness.  In her spare time, this woman is involved in ministry.  She reaches out to the poor and her hands to the needy (Proverbs 31:20).   Is her life unfulfilled and void of meaning?  Hardly!  It is her exemplary conduct in home-based business, domestic affairs, and ministry that creates the platform that launches her husband to be exalted at the gates, the seat of authority in her city (Proverbs 31:23).

How does her life compare to the career minded feminist?  Again, one crucial difference determines whether a woman’s life furthers the problems associated with life or is the heaven sent answer.  The Proverbs 31 Woman does everything from the context of the home and under the spiritual covering of her husband.  The career minded feminist does not.

The feminist is Miss Independent. She lives life on her own terms, instead of God’s terms.  She is a woman who wants it all, but never quite experiences success in the many realms in which she is involved.  Once a woman leaves the home, immediately her loyalties, priorities, and heart becomes divided.  She is not only submitted to her husband, but now she is also submitted to the demands of her boss. Her employer could be another man, or in some worse case scenario, another woman.

Instead of being a faithful helpmate to her husband and a teacher of good things to her children, the husband and children’s needs must bow to the demands of her work.  In order to maintain her competitive edge, she must turn her children over to strangers to rear in her stead.  Her husband must wait in line before other men and their demands upon her life.  One does not have to be a rocket scientist or a great theologian to know this will place an incredible strain upon a marriage.  Commonsense affirms the cries of children when dropped off at day care centers and public schools and that cry is, “Mommy!”

It is in the workplace many women fall prey to the advances of other men.  Subtlety, they begin to believe these other men are more sensitive, communicative, and caring than their husbands.  They never consider that the problem may stem from spending more time with these men at work rather than their own husbands at home.  In any case, infidelity, divorce, unruly children, and family breakdown are the wages most women have earned by abandoning their sacred charge for careers outside the home.

Since World War II, when women first left the home and then refused to return as “keepers at home,” as God commanded, our families have become shambles. The painful truth is, when a nation experiences generations of women politicians or women in manly leadership roles, how great is the wound and how far the remedy to heal the hemorrhaging of its people.  Isaiah 3:12 warns, “As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them.  O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.”

Theodore Roosevelt, in his famous Strenuous Life treatise stated:
In the last analysis a healthy state can exist only when the men and women who make it up lead clean, vigorous, healthy lives; when the children are so trained that they shall endeavor, not to shirk difficulties, but to overcome them; not to seek ease, but to know how to wrest triumph from toil and risk.

The man must be glad to do a man's work, to dare and endure and to labor; to keep himself, and to keep those dependent upon him. The woman must be the housewife, the helpmeet and the homemaker, the wise and fearless mother of many healthy children.

In one of Daudet's powerful and melancholy books he speaks of "the fear of maternity, the haunting terror of the young wife of the present day." When such words can be truthfully written of a nation, that nation is rotten to the heart's core.

When men fear work or fear righteous war, when women fear motherhood, they tremble on the brink of doom; and well it is that they should vanish from the earth, where they are fit subjects for the scorn of all men and women who are themselves strong and brave and high-minded.

It is my sincere prayer and hope that our daughters will reject the lies of feminism and return to God’s role for their lives.  The issue is not what they can be, but what they ought to be, by God’s design.  Otherwise, they will end up like all feminists who got everything they wanted in life to find to their horror that they cannot live with it.  The hardened faces, lonely lives, and defiant attitudes tell of feminism’s failure. May our daughters understand the severe consequences of women refusing the natural use and may they, as well, determine to reclaim the glory of authentic Biblical femininity in Jesus Holy name!