Being an almost-21-year-old Christian female on a college campus, I've been given the opportunity to meet different types of people, professors, and students, who come from different backgrounds. I have met people with different beliefs, ideas, cultures, passions, and hobbies. One specific group of people that can be found and heard on every college campus are feminists.

Now don't get me wrong. I believe that all humans are made the same and deserve equal rights, which is the true, dictionary definition of feminism. Both men and women are created in the image of God.

But this one goes out to those who struggle with the way that Christianity views women.

First off, I just want to say that I get it. I understand the passion behind your beliefs and your stance on women's rights. I'm a woman, just like you, and I respect and appreciate those of you who are willing to make your voice heard. The world needs people who are passionate about things and I respect you.

What I'm passionate about is that Jesus is my savior, the savior.

I have talked to many feminists, have taken a women's rights class, and have read numerous articles surrounding this. Some of you have a problem with my beliefs because you think they are degrading and limiting to women. Many of those who feel this way reference the passages of the Bible where it talks about wives submitting to their husbands, or when the Bible says that women should not lead over men.

Now, while this lays out the foundation for the feminist argument, these same verses also lay out the foundation for my beliefs as well.

As with many, many things nowadays, our society is quick to take anything they see or read as fact and immediately form their opinions based on one, small piece of information. We simply do not take the time to research further context, other sources, or even find out if what we have used as evidence is true.

While there are numerous verses in the Bible that describe how women should submit to their husbands, there are just as many describing the leadership, responsibilities, and submission that men must in turn, show their wives. The Bible creates this idea of men leading their wives and families, both respectfully and sacrificially, and women are commanded to submit to this leadership and come alongside the men to help them. Thus, creating a mutual submission.

The Bible creates a relationship that both glorifies God and respects the man and the woman. So, I am not offended, as a woman, by the idea of submission. Honestly, I'm excited about it. When I hear or read the word "submission," my first thoughts are not fear or threats, but beauty and grace.

If you're still troubled about the way Christianity views women, there are enough women to study in the Bible to last a lifetime. There are enough Bible stories and books of the Bible that are named after and focus solely on women.

Honestly, Christianity values women. In fact, the Bible is filled with some of the strongest, most virtuous women in history. Women are constantly shown to be strong, vocal, and significant parts of scripture, from Esther defying her husband and saving her entire race, to Ruth being called a "woman of noble character."

Women are defended numerous times to men throughout the Bible, especially by the Savior himself. Do you recall when the disciples were practically "slut-shaming" Mary Magdalene and Jesus responds: "Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave Me no kiss; but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss My feet. You did not anoint My head with oil, but she anointed My feet with perfume. For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little." Luke 7:44-57

We, as women, are not degraded in Christianity; we are valued.