Feminism is a word that is often shouted in the public sphere but whispered about amongst more conservative audiences. It’s the movement blamed for misandry, destruction of conservative family values, and worst of all, abortion. With the Women’s March on D.C. taking place recently, we’ve seen a lot of praise and criticism for the movement. However, the criticism is rather undeserved. The truth about feminism is often warped by its more radical supporters. Despite what the media may tell you, it is very possible to be a Godly woman and still consider yourself a feminist. You will find that when comparing feminism and Biblical values, Christianity can exist inside the sphere of the feminist movement.

You don’t have to hate men to be a feminist. Despite the man-hating myths, feminism is not about disliking our brothers in Christ. In fact, it places a lot of focus on teaching us to love them properly and teaching them how to love themselves. Men face a lot of the same issues women do, including society pressuring them to look and act a certain way. Society tells men that they must be physically strong, aggressive, and emotionless. Emphasis is placed on sexual conquests, leading to men placing value on promiscuity instead of chastity. This behavior directly contradicts the example Jesus Christ sets for all men. As stated in 1 Timothy 6:11, men of God should instead “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness.” Feminism actively encourages these values. It places emphasis on males being allowed to express their emotions in a healthy manner, allowing them to be openly caring and vulnerable. Through this, they remove the idea of a sex-centered male identity, allowing men to remain chaste and kind without the backlash. Without the societal pressure to be tough and sexually predatory, men are encouraged to focus on bettering themselves and loving themselves. Through this, they become one step closer to walking in Christ’s footsteps.

You don’t have to be promiscuous to be a feminist. In many aspects, feminism is about respect. Feminists demand respect for their bodies and for their choices. They desire a world where women’s sexual choices will not be questioned. These choices include choosing to say no to sex. The movement believes that a women’s sexuality is hers to give and to withhold. They do not shame women who choose to remain sexually inactive but instead celebrate their courage in making such a choice. The entire ideology of feminist sexual culture revolves around one word: consent. Women should have the right to reject sexual advances, whether it is for one time or for all time until marriage. The lustful objectification of women by men is also heavily scrutinized in a similar manner to that of Matthew 5:28, “but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” It is not only wrong to force women into sexual encounters, but to view her as purely a sexual object. Feminism places value on women as individuals and discourages the usage of lust in determining a woman’s worth. Through this, women gain a form of self-esteem completely separated from their sexuality, allowing them to feel confident about their sexual choices, or lack thereof. By adopting this method of thinking, women are much more likely to remain abstinent if they truly wish to do so. The pressure from society no longer will have influence on a woman’s sexual choices.

You don’t have to be pro-choice to identify as feminist. Though many feminists are pro-choice, it is not a requirement. Many self-proclaimed feminists identify as pro-life in order to defend our sisters in the womb. Their fight for women’s rights begins at conception, as they believe every woman (and man) deserves a chance at life. This pro-life faction of the movement has become so popular that organizations now exist to aid in fighting for women and against abortion. Even pro-choice feminists aid in the fight to defend the unborn. Nobody actively likes abortion. At best, people view it as a necessary evil. The truth about the pro-choice movement is that they are also fighting abortion, but in an indirect manner. By advocating for better sex education, more available contraception, and better aid for single mothers, those fighting for reproductive rights help heavily reduce the number of abortions each year. To them, abortion is often the result of the system failing women, and in order to end abortion, the system must improve. Thus, the Christian disdain for abortion is not something that separates one from the feminist movement but something that binds them to it. It is a common goal that is being dealt with in different ways.

You can partake in traditional gender roles and still be a feminist. The idea of the feminist movement being comprised of masculine man-haters has become a trope in the media, but it is highly inaccurate. Feminism does not reject gender roles, however, it does reject the idea that everyone must adhere to them. This brings us back to the ideals of choice and respect. If you desire to be feminine and lead a traditional lifestyle, you will not be discouraged. Feminists recognize that the desire for domesticity and child-rearing is as equally valid as any other. Not all women have to be career-oriented and independent, though it is important that women who prefer to express themselves as such are allowed to do so. You will not be shunned for feeling like your gifts are founded in the ideals of traditional womanhood, even if some women feel like they’d prefer to break those traditions. Instead, you will be accepted and embraced for deciding to utilize those gifts to your fullest potential.

Feminism is not about breaking tradition. It isn’t about hating men or encouraging women to abort their children. Feminism is about encouraging women to be the best person they can be. It’s about self-love and a respect for humanity as a whole. It’s about loving our brothers and sisters equally and seeing worth in everyone. Honestly, that sounds pretty Christian to me.