“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28

A few weeks ago, I sat with a group of girls playing a game of two truths and a lie, and one of the statements I made was that I was a feminist. Granted, my two other statements were well-played, but I was shocked when the moment came for them to guess the lie and everyone said without hesitation, “You’re not a feminist!”

When I corrected them, I quite literally saw jaws drop.

Is it really that rare to find someone who’s both a Christian and a feminist?

Just like most other times the topic comes up, I had to go into immediate defense mode. I explained that I’m not “one of those crazy feminists,” but that I’m simply passionate about equal respect, treatment, and wages for men and women. I told of how I’ve experienced disrespect from males when in positions of leadership and how that was what motivated me to take upon the title of feminist.

There’s no reason that the word “feminism” should be tossed around like a dirty word in Christian culture. Having to defend myself and hearing people say “I believe that too, but the title has been too tainted for me to want to take it on myself” is painful.

Is it really that far-fetched of an idea to believe in standing up for a woman’s right to respect while also standing for Christ? If you believe in a cause, yet think the radicals have taken it too far, why not try and redefine it again? What’s stopping you from bringing that cause back to the light and truth?

Feminism was never meant to be about what it is today. There were no undertones of this reversed sexism nor the complete denial of gender differences. The basis was about equality. It was a group of people crying out for the right to use their voice.

I became a feminist when I realized that the people around me were trying to hush my voice. There was one group of guys in particular who refused to have their opinions challenged by a woman, and they weren’t afraid to let me hear it. I was mocked for my passion. I am a feminist because I’m not the "seen but not heard" kind of girl that they wanted; I shouldn’t be shamed for it, and neither should anyone else.

It says in Galatians that in Christ, “there is no male and female.” Christ himself spoke to women when no one else would. They were seen as lesser beings. He appeared to the women first after the resurrection for a reason - to help them establish credibility in a society that traditionally spit in the face of female testimonies. He listened to and respected the woman at the well. He even loved the naked, adulterous woman when no one else would. He took drastic action to assert the idea that females were worthy of respect, just like anyone else.

How can we hear of this, yet still say feminism is too radical of a notion?

I’m not asking you that you let women be your pastors.

I’m not asking you to believe that women are superior.

All I desire is your support.

To me, feminism is a cause that aligns exactly with what Christ preached. There is no male nor female - simply humanity. Simply children of God. Simply His creation, worthy of love and respect.

If Jesus preached about loving, taking care of, and defending "the least of these," we should be stand up for 50 percent of the world's population without hesitation.

Christians, let’s take back this movement rather than seeing it as too "liberal” and out of reach. It doesn't have to be about increased abortion rights, "freeing" any sorts of body parts, or rejecting entirely the idea of gender difference. Men and women were created with the same worth and voice, so let’s use them. Together.

There are still women on the other side of the world who are oppressed and deemed worthless by their society. They’re attacked and abused in every aspect. Stand as a feminist on their behalf.

Here in America, we are blessed beyond belief. I know that I have rights and opportunities that other women won’t even dare to dream of. But still, we have room to grow, and I refuse to give up until we see equal pay, rights, and respect for women on all fronts.

I’m done standing by and waiting for something to change. Take the title of feminist and wear it proudly. Talk about the real issues. Simply take a stand for what’s just. It’s Biblical because it’s loving your neighbor enough to stand for their respect, regardless of gender.

I'm a Christian and I'm a feminist. Are you?