Journal: Eikon
Volume: EIKON 06:1 (Spring 2024)
Article: Feminism As A Critical Social Theory: Implications For Christians
Author: Neil Shenvi

Eikon 6.1 (Spring 2024) p. 41

Feminism As A Critical Social Theory: Implications For Christians

Neil Shenvi

Dr. Neil Shenvi has an AB in chemistry from Princeton University and a PhD in theoretical chemistry from UC Berkeley. He is the author of two books, Why Believe?: A Reasoned Approach to Christianity (Crossway, 2022) and Critical Dilemma: The Rise of Critical Theories and Social Justice Ideology (Harvest House, 2023), and is widely recognized for his writing on critical theory. He can be reached on Twitter at @NeilShenvi or through his website www.shenviapologetics.com.

And

Pat Sawyer

Dr. Pat Sawyer has a BA in psychology from UNC-Chapel Hill, an MA in communication studies from UNC-Greensboro, and a PhD in educational studies and cultural studies from UNC- Greensboro and is published in the academy and in various popular outlets. His PhD is in the critical tradition and analyzes social justice pedagogy in higher education. He is the co-author of two books: Critical Dilemma: The Rise of Critical Theories and Social Justice Ideology (Harvest House, 2023) and Disney and Apologetics: Exploring the Moral Power and Theological Significance of Disney Stories (High Bridge Books. 2023). Pat is on the editorial board of the peer-reviewed education journal, Philosophy, Theory, and Foundations in Education. He is married and has three children and can be reached on Twitter (X) @RealPatSawyer

Eikon 6.1 (Spring 2024) p. 42

I. Introduction

With cultural conversations increasingly centered on the radical proposals of critical race theory and queer theory, discussions of gender and feminism seem almost obsolete. However, a deeper analysis reveals that contemporary feminism is a critical social theory which shares the same basic framework as its more extreme ideological cousins.

In this article, we provide a very brief historical overview of feminism, an explanation of how it falls under the umbrella of critical theory, a discussion of the overlap between contemporary feminism and evangelical egalitarianism, and a biblical response to both feminism and anti-feminist “red-pill” movements.1

II. The History Of Feminism

Many feminists and historians analyze modern feminism in terms of three waves: the first began with the Seneca Falls Convention of 1848, the second arrived in the 1960s around the time of the Equal Rights Amendment, and the third began in the 1990s.2 We recognize that wave distinctions in feminism can be overstated and too neatly defined; nevertheless the prevalence of their usage compels us to employ them and give some brief explana...