Asking The Tough Questions: Is There Equality In Christians For Biblical Equality? -- By: Jeff Bolton

Journal: Priscilla Papers
Volume: PP 03:4 (Fall 1989)
Article: Asking The Tough Questions: Is There Equality In Christians For Biblical Equality?
Author: Jeff Bolton


Asking The Tough Questions:
Is There Equality In Christians For Biblical Equality?

Jeff Bolton

Writer and member of CBE’s Twin Cities chapter

The commitment to equality to be found in Christians for Biblical Equality (CBE) as an organization will hinge on our individual approaches to equality.

One approach is to view CBE as a feminist organization. But in the popular sense of the word, is CBE “feminist”? If it is, this column can serve as my official notification of resignation from CBE. I am not a feminist. But before you use this paper to cover your bird cage bottom or line the garbage can, listen to my reasoning.

“Feminist” and “feminism” are words that have become polluted by their use and abuse in the secular world. The words feminist and feminism have come to mean more than their original definition. If someone were to call me a feminist in the true definition of the word, I would proudly accept the title. I believe in the social, political, and—more importantly— the Biblically-based equality of all in Christ. But I can not accept the title of feminist because of what it seems to have become in the minds of the secular world and, unfortunately, in the minds of many Christians.

“Feminist” and “feminism” have become words used simply to define a new oppression, not a new equality. The feminists of the world do not seem to want equality, but unshared power. Strident feminists seem to advocate a change simply based on redefining the elitist power structure. And, like Russia throwing out the elitist Tsarist system for the equally elitist Communist system, the new oppression can only become worse. Unbridled power corrupts.

Would being a “feminist” organization help CBE? Does a “feminist” slant or view help CBE? I would say emphatically not.

Remember: We are CHRISTIANS FOR BIBLICAL EQUALITY, not Christians for Biblical Equality Focussing on Women’s Issues. And with our particular focus on equality, we need to direct our views to the biblical equality of all. This means that we seek Bible-based equality for women— along with men, Blacks, Hispanics, Orientals, poor and any other group.

If we are concentrating only on women’s rights and women’s needs, then we will miss the needs and rights of the men in our group and in Christ’s Body. By focusing on one group we denigrate the

other groups.

Some of the women CBE members will have to face up to the fact that although in Christ, we are equal (Galations 3:28) through our faith, there are men, different races, dif...

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