Continuing in our Rejecting Modern Idols series, today, we move to another topic. In the Old Testament, we see a repeated pattern of God’s people adopting various forms of pagan idolatry which always led to judgment. Today, we see a similar pattern in the rise of modern secular ideologies that even infiltrate the church. One such ideology is feminism. Feminism, at its core, rejects the God-ordained roles of men and women, leading to confusion and disorder.

Early in the narrative of the fall, we see God’s judgment on the woman in the form of rebellion against her husband.

Your desire shall be contrary to your husband, but he shall rule over you. —Genesis 3:16

The latest version of the ESV translates this passage as “contrary to your husband” rather than “for your husband” based on the context of relational conflict indicated by the curse. The context suggests a power struggle rather than affection. This interpretation is supported by the similar use of “teshuqah” in Genesis 4:7, indicating opposition, making “contrary to” the more fitting translation.

In our modern society, feminism, in its quest for “equality,” has distorted the true nature of manhood and womanhood. Instead of recognizing and celebrating the unique roles and strengths that God has given to each gender, feminism demands sameness, erasing the beautiful distinctions that God has designed. This modern idol elevates personal autonomy and self-fulfillment above all else, disregarding the wisdom and order of God’s creation.

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. —Ephesians 5:22-23

The Bible is clear about the complementary roles of men and women. These roles are not a matter of superiority or inferiority but are about fulfilling the unique purposes God has for each gender.

Whether it be the corporate structure, the government, mainline Protestant denominations, Beth Moore, or the Southern Baptist Convention refusing to reject churches with women pastors, feminism views these roles as oppressive and outdated, advocating for a social model where gender roles are fluid and interchangeable. This rejection of God’s design leads to a host of issues, including the weakening of men and the breakdown of the family unit.

God makes this clear in his revelation to Isaiah—when women usurp the role of men, it is never a good thing. Isaiah’s warning to Israel is a reminder of what happens when God’s order is turned upside down:

My people—infants are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, your guides mislead you, and they have swallowed up the course of your paths. —Isaiah 3:12

When women rule and children become their oppressors—which, let’s face it, is exactly what is happening in every societal structure in our world today, from church to government to the corporate world—it is a sign of societal collapse. Feminism, by encouraging women to take on roles that God has not designed for them, and by promoting weak, effeminate men, leads to this very disorder. It undermines the authority and responsibility that men are called to uphold and causes confusion and instability within the family and culture at large.

But what about the call for empowerment and equality? True empowerment does not come from rebellion but from submission to God’s will. In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul outlines the divinely inspired order of headship: God over Christ, Christ over man, and man over woman. This order is not about dominance but about harmonious relationships and responsibilities.

But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God. —1 Corinthians 11:3

God’s design calls for men to lead with love and sacrifice, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her. This is the true model of leadership—one that protects, provides, and cherishes. Feminism, however, encourages men to abdicate their God-given roles, leading to a generation of men who are passive, weak, and effeminate. This is a direct result of rejecting God’s design and embracing the lies of modern culture.

Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. —1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Men are called to be strong and courageous, to stand firm in the faith, and to act with sacrificial love and integrity. This is the antithesis of what feminism promotes. Instead of strong, godly men, feminism produces men who are unsure of their identity and purpose. Again, this leads to a breakdown in families, as women are left to fill roles they were not designed for, causing stress and imbalance.

And of course, feminism promotes the idea that women can and should do everything that men can do, disregarding the unique and valuable roles that women have in nurturing, supporting, and managing the home. With this worldview, it’s no wonder so many women are okay with men competing against them in sports. And this devaluation of traditional femininity leads to a culture where motherhood and homemaking are viewed as less important and careers and personal achievements are elevated above the God-given role of being a wife and mother.

Here’s a prime example:

Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. —Titus 2:3-5

This passage from Titus shows us the importance of older women teaching younger women to embrace their God-given roles. Feminists, however, teach the opposite, encouraging women to pursue careers and personal fulfillment at the expense of their families. This leads to a generation of women who are unfulfilled and families that are broken.

In rejecting these modern idols, we must affirm the truth of God’s Word and the sufficiency of His design. We must uphold the sanctity of His created order and the hope of redemption for all who turn to Him.

The ultimate expression of God’s design is found in the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ. He did not come to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many. This is the model for both men and women—to love and serve one another in the roles that God has designed for us.

And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. —Hebrews 10:10

In embracing God’s design, we find true freedom and fulfillment. Reject the lies of feminism and embrace the truth of God’s Word. Only then will we see a restoration of godly men and women who fulfill their roles and bring glory to God.