Doesn’t Christianity Denigrate Women?
A Closer Look at the Story of God and Women
Throughout history, Christianity has been both praised and criticized for its treatment of women. Many see the church as a place that has silenced, oppressed, or diminished the role of women. It’s a fair concern—after all, haven’t we seen harmful patterns in both history and modern church culture? But does this mean Christianity itself is inherently misogynistic? Or is there a deeper story—one that reveals how Jesus and the gospel have actually elevated women in radical ways?
Starting at the Beginning: Women in God’s Story
To answer this question, we need to go back to the beginning. In Genesis 1, we see a foundational truth:
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” — Genesis 1:27
Both men and women were created in the image of God, called to work alongside Him in cultivating the earth. As Rebecca McLaughlin points out in Confronting Christianity, humanity was given a threefold role: to rule, relate, and create. Women were never seen as inferior in God’s design.
But then Genesis 3 happens. Sin fractures God’s perfect creation, leading to broken relationships and power struggles. As a result, history is filled with the mistreatment of women. But does the Bible endorse this? Not at all. As McLaughlin states,
“The Bible does not endorse what it reports…but it does present a realistic picture of how human beings treat each other and, in particular, how we wield power.”
This is key: Scripture records the ways humans have failed one another, but it also points to a better way—a way that Jesus Himself lived out.
Jesus and Women: A Radical Shift
In the ancient world, women had little status. They were often treated as property, excluded from education, and given no voice in public life. Yet Jesus shattered these cultural norms time and time again:
✅ He taught women in a time when religious education was reserved for men (Luke 10:38-42).
✅ He spoke to and defended women who were outcasts (John 4:7-26; John 8:1-11).
✅ Women were the first witnesses to His resurrection—an extraordinary detail in a culture that didn’t accept women’s testimony in court (Matthew 28:1-10).
If Christianity truly oppressed women, why would Jesus’ ministry be so full of their presence, participation, and leadership?
Does Christianity Restrict Women Today?
Some passages in the Bible about women and their roles (such as 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 and 1 Timothy 2:12) have been widely debated. But context matters. These verses must be read alongside the larger biblical narrative that affirms the value and leadership of women:
📖 Deborah was a judge and leader of Israel (Judges 4).
📖 Priscilla was a teacher of theology (Acts 18:24-26).
📖 Phoebe was a deacon and trusted messenger of Paul’s letters (Romans 16:1-2).
Women have played key roles in spreading the gospel throughout history. The early church was majority female, and Christian activism was a major force in women’s rights movements.
“True Christianity flips the script on the marginalization of women…giving them equal status before God with a whole new role to play of witnessing to the gospel of Jesus and loving others in His name.” — Rebecca McLaughlin
Christianity, at its core, is not about oppression but redemption. The question is, are we living that out in our churches today?
Let’s Talk About It: Discussion Questions
Have you ever struggled with the way Christianity has been portrayed in its treatment of women?
What stands out to you about how Jesus interacted with women in the Bible?
In what ways has Christianity empowered women historically and today?
How do we reconcile difficult passages about women in Scripture with the broader story of Jesus?
How can we, as a community, reflect the heart of Jesus in affirming and uplifting women today?
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