"The Bible is sexist and oppressive towards women."

Anyone who has carefully studied the Bible knows that the opposite is true. The Bible teaches a high view of women—that they are equal to men, made in God’s image, and should be treated with love and respect. No amount of simplistic scripture twisting by anti-theists can change this fact. There are certainly passages about women that are difficult to understand, but they must be interpreted in light of the following points:

1

The Bible teaches that men and women are completely equal, made in God’s image. Although God gave them unique physical characteristics, along with different roles in marriage and ministry, men and women are equal in value and importance (Genesis 1:26-27, Galatians 3:28). Any interpretation that devalues women is unbiblical.

2

The Bible strongly opposes misogyny, prejudice, (Philippians 2:3, Matthew 7:1-2, 1 Timothy 5:1-2), sexism (Galatians 3:28), and oppression (Luke 4:18). Every verse that condemns the general mistreatment of others, also condemns the mistreatment of women.

3

Proverbs 31 opposes the idea that women are somehow weak, helpless, or worthless. It teaches a high view of women— that they should be strong, dignified, wise, kind, hard working, selfless, respected by their husbands, and shouldn’t derive their value from physical beauty.

4

Christianity can’t be dismissed as sexist or oppressive by pointing to examples of Christians mistreating women. If a Christian man treats a woman poorly, he does so contrary to the teachings of the Bible. In order to accurately critique Christianity, you have to examine the Bible rather than the behavior of it’s disobedient followers.

5

Women played key roles in God’s redemptive plan and are spoken of highly in the Bible. Mary, Esther, Rahab, Priscilla, and Deborah are just a few of the many women God used to accomplish his will. The New Testament points to them as heroes of the faith.

6

Husbands are commanded to love their wives sacrificially, the way Christ loved the church and gave his own life for her (Ephesians 5:25, Colossians 3:19). This means every husband must put his wife’s needs and desires above his own, seeking her best interest. The Bible’s high standard for husbands gives men a framework for how to treat their wives and leaves no room for selfishness or abuse.