1. The importance of motherhood. I am tired of people and society in general degrading the significance of the woman's role as mother. Many people act as if motherhood is an unimportant, insignificant role that women are forced into due to their low societal value. Nothing could be further from the truth. Mothers have more impact on their children than any other human being. Women, don't let anyone downplay your role as Mom.
2. Equal doesn't mean the same. Intrinsic value, social equality, economic equality, political equality, etc. None of these are to say that men and women are the same. There are many obvious, measurable, and scientifically identifiable differences ranging from DNA, to biology, to hormonal chemistry, to sexual, to psychological differences. Don't relegate women to be the same as men. There is a difference!!
3. Economic Exploitation. It bothers me when I hear that women are paid less for the same job when they have the same or more experience, education, or training. I understand to some degree how business and economics works, but I also understand what manipulation and taking advantage of others looks like. Be fair.
4. Sex-Trade. The obvious exploitative nature of the sex industry (pornography, 'adult' stores/movies, prostitution, strip clubs, etc) is appalling and grieving. The fact that a civilized society that claims to value women allows such things to take place is absolutely astounding. It's not free speech its exploitation.
5. Abortion. The fact that females (not to mention males) are killed daily in our nation from this so-called medical procedure should drive everyone to call to an end to this infanticide. Time & space would prevent me from addressing the fact that so many people have abortions simply due to the fact they have come to find out that their child is a girl. It's not a choice, it's a murder.
6. Dress & appearance. Largely influenced from our sex saturated society and drawing from the 'adult' industry, Hollywood, 'beauty' pageants, and much of the modeling industry we have promoted a culture that leads our young girls to dress provocatively and sexually, drives young women (and sometimes old) to anorexia and bulimia, and leads to sexual immorality along with teen pregnancies, single mothers, and depression among women to name a few. I am against the objectification of women.
7. Sexual assaults & violence. Also arising out of our sexualized culture which makes females the object of male sexual satisfaction is the alarming reality of sexual & domestic violence. With the death of chivalry (males treating females with honor, dignity, and respect) came the illegal but pervasive concept that men could impose their will on women. (Check out the books: "Wired for Intimacy" and "Hooked" for more information.) This is a real problem.
8. Transgender. The fact that women are biologically different transcends one's personal opinion about what their gender happens to be at any given time. Ones perceptions may be fluid, but reality is reality. Our existence should be about aligning our perceptions with what is true and real. Males claiming to be females is an affront to rational and ethical society (not to mention biology). Gender dysphoria is considered a disorder for this reason. The impact of this goes beyond bathroom usage or locker changing rooms, but places women at an unfair and unjust disadvantage in sports, the Olympics, and many work place settings. There is a very real difference in the role of men and women, biologically, emotionally, & even spiritually. This cultural trend is robbing women of what it means to be female in the truest sense.
9. Combat positions. Putting women in active combat positions like the front lines of engagement is wreck-less, irresponsible, and unwarranted. Again, females are equal to but not the same as males. It is not a promotion of equality to put women in active combat positions... it is the social degradation of female distinctiveness.
10. Women in ministry. Biblical context is important in this discussion. The Old Testament includes women in leadership like Miriam (Exodus 15:20), Deborah (Judges 4:4-5), Huldah (2 Kings 22:12-20), Noadiah (Nehemiah 6:14), and others. The New Testament also includes some examples of women in ministry and leadership like Anna (Luke 2:36-38) and Phoebe (Romans 16:1-2). Acts 2:17-18 gives us the promise that God will pour out His Spirit on male and female and they shall all prophesy (preach). For more food for thought check out the following article by Dr. Craig Keener. Taking one verse and eclipsing the rest of the tenor of Scripture is bad exegesis.
For the reasons above, I am now a feminist... although NOW has rejected my application for membership.
