Christianity—one of the world’s most ancient religions—has evolved over centuries. From religious teachings, to rituals, and values, Christianity is multifaceted and complex. An important aspect to consider when studying Christianity is its relationship to patriarchy and gender dynamics. Is Christianity patriarchal? If so, how, and why?
Patriarchy, for many, is synonymous with oppression of women and other minorities. For some, the power structure implied in patriarchy is problematic, as it is seen as upholding unequal power relations between genders, and can be used to control those who are in less power. According to critical definitions of patriarchy, it is a form of social organization that favors males, and can be seen in economic, education and social marriage.
The hierarchical dynamics of Christianity is seen through its language, which can be interpreted as denoting that men are superior to women. This language is evident in the Bible, the main religious text of Christianity, which is written in patriarchal language. One example of this is the New Testament book of Ephesians, which is widely used in Christian liturgy and which states that wives should be obedient to their husbands. This type of wording implies that men’s voices and opinions are more valuable than women’s.
Additionally, a study on gender issues in the United States shows that a majority of Christians believed that men should be the main provider of the family and they should be the ‘spiritual head of the household.’ This reinforces the idea of male domination over women. Such teachings can be seen as a reflection of the limited perspective at the time in which the bible was written, and one likely created by a patriarchal society.
However, with Christianity being one of the oldest religions in the world, it is important to consider how it has evolved over the centuries. There have been movements towards more equitable gender conceptions, with the rise of female clergy and the emergence of feminist theologians.
Ara Wilson, a professor of gender studies at Brown University and scholar of religion, remarks that there has been a “renewed recognition of the need for women-affirmative theology within traditional Christianity.” This suggests that it is possible to read and interpret the bible in ways that are both progressive and inclusive for all genders.
Furthermore, progressive Christian denominations have pushed for reforms in the language of their worship, the introduction of LGBT-affirming policies, and female representation in the clergy. This inclusion of gender-equality in Christianity shows that it does not have to be necessarily seen as a patriarchal institution.
All in all, religion undeniably plays a major role in social values and individual behavior. Some view Christianity as inherently patriarchal— seeing its theoretical framework, teachings, and practices as oppressive to certain gendered minorities, while others point to the progressive movements within Christianity that prove that the religion is capable of being more inclusive.
Gender Equality in the Bible
When it comes to Christianity, it is absolutely crucial to consider the language of religious texts such as the Bible. Most religions, and Christianity included, use the Bible to inform their teachings, rituals, and values. While language and interpretation of religious texts can vary depending on one’s denomination, it is impossible to deny the influence that the Bible holds.
An analysis of the Bible reveals some narratives highlighting women in leadership roles or as active agents in their own lives. One example is that of Esther, who, against her adopted father’s counsel, bravely petitions the king to save her people from destruction. Such stories within the Bible suggest that the religion may not be as patriarchal as some may think.
Similarly, the New Testament is filled with stories of women doing remarkable things to support the teachings of Jesus and to share faith with others. This demonstrates that the role of women in Christianity is not necessarily one of submission and domestic servitude.
Moreover, Mary, the mother of Jesus, is commonly seen as a strong figure within Christianity. Often depicted as a symbol of love and strength, Mary’s power is recognized in many aspects of religious storytelling. In this way, it allows for respect and admiration for women in Christianity—a move away from patriarchal values.
The Role of Women in Church Practices
The importance of women as spiritual leaders within Christianity cannot be overstated. In Protestant denominations, women can be ordained as pastors and they are increasingly seen offering sermons, leading prayers, and heading committee meetings. In Catholic churches, nuns take on the role of leadership in many ways and are now more present than ever.
Feminist Christians argue that more should be done to support female leadership in church settings and advocate for women’s voices to be included in the decision-making process. They argue that truly progressive religious practices must equally consider the needs of all people.
A movement called Women Clergy in the Church serves as an example of the efforts being made to improve gender parity in Christianity. As religion scholar Beverly Harrison states, “we [women] inhabit a world where the old hierarchies of male dominance have been replaced by a new set, with women in dominant and equal positions.” This shift in the church power structure paves the way for a reevaluation of the Christian religion and its relationship with patriarchy.
The Impact of Traditional Values on Gender Roles
The role of traditional values in shaping gender roles within Christianity is difficult to ignore. Some of the language and even some of the practices within Christianity are congruent with traditional gender norms. This can include the concept of male dominance, the idea that the father is the head of the household, and that there are traditional ‘roles’ associated with men and women.
These traditional values, while not condoning oppression, can still be used as a platform to enforce certain expectations on members of society. This could be evident in the way that people are expected to dress a certain way, how they are supposed to interact with one another, and even how they are expected to pursue certain relationships. For instance, the idea of the ‘nuclear family’ is one that is very rooted in patriarchy, which can make it difficult for families who do not fit this mold to find acceptance within the church.
Overall, traditional values can be interpreted in a number of ways. While some may use them to support oppressive gender roles, others may use them to advocate for equality.
The Role of Feminism
Feminism has played an important role in challenging the gender roles imbued in traditional Christianity. For example, many feminists believe that scripture does not have to be interpreted in an oppressive way, and that it is possible to identify gender justice within the faith.
The rise of feminist theology is an example of this, wherein feminist scholars work to reevaluate religious teachings from a feminist perspective. This includes questioning traditional interpretations of scripture, questioning oppressive gender roles, and encouraging diversity of thought.
Additionally, it should be noted that there are some aspects of Christianity that empower women- particularly in the role of leadership. Many women are using their positions of influence to promote equality and advocate for social change.
In this way, instead of seeing Christianity as inherently patriarchal, feminists instead argue that patriarchy is something that must be challenged and overcome.
A Movement Towards Equality
Overall, the relationship between Christianity and patriarchy is complex—one that is constantly evolving and changing. While the notion of male-dominance is certainly present in many aspects of Christianity, there is also a movement towards inclusion, equality, and respect.
This movement is possible due to the ongoing dialogue within the faith, as well as the hard work of various feminist Christian groups. As religion scholar Ruth Barton states, this work “calls for the creation of a faith, rooted in scripture and tradition, which does not rely on patriarchy for its authority and which does not limit human experience or potential by gender.” With this goal in mind, Christianity can continue to move towards more gender-inclusive practices.
