Ep.1032: Is the Bible Behind the Times on #MeToo?
Biblical perspective on the treatment of women in light of the #metoo movement
CHAPTERS
Theme Scripture: Judges 21:25
(For more on the story of our guest, Amy, see Episode 829: "What Happens When Life Gets Broken?") The world has changed on every level and in every way. As those things which were hidden and covered up in our society are being revealed we begin to see aspects of our social order in a different light. The very new social media cry of #metoo is a classic example of this. Never before has it been made so public, that so many men have taken advantage of so many women and the deep suffering many of these women continue to carry. This social conversation has prompted vital healing as well. Now some questions. Where does Christianity fall in the spectrum of these events? Many say the Bible promotes the disrespect and abuse of women – would that make Bible-believing Christians supporters of evil? With the good this movement brings, are there any dangers that come with it? What should we as Christians do?
Looking at what has been revealed through the #metoo movement, we see obvious tragic events and trends. Too many men (especially in positions of authority) seem to think it is just fine to objectify, harass and abuse women as part of their routine behavior. Well, it is not acceptable, it is not okay upon occasion, and it is not even tolerable as part of some imagined “gray area” of judgment. The outcry against these things is needed and welcome. Nothing will ever change unless the agents of change are plainly recognized as credible catalysts for establishing better thinking and respectable behavior.
As Christians, we need to address the issues of this world through the eyes of biblical understanding and approaching #metoo is no different. Many would say the Bible is "anti-woman" and therefore should not be a credible source on these matters. To counter this perspective, let’s touch on Jesus' own behavior regarding the treatment of women. The biblical fact is that he treated women with equal respect to men. One quick example is his conversation with a Samaritan woman by a well in John 4:7-26. First, Jesus spoke to a woman who was a stranger, and this was not common. Second, this woman he conversed with was a Samaritan, a social outcast. Others would have avoided her, but Jesus did not. Third, he spoke to her regarding spiritual truths. Jesus told her he was the Messiah. Up to this point in time, this was a truth he had not yet spoken to anyone! Jesus deeply respected women in the same way as he respected men, and as Christians we are obligated to do the same.
So is the #metoo movement a bandwagon we should be jumping on? That's a big question that requires a big answer, so please check out our July 30, 2018 podcast, “Is the Bible Behind the Times on #MeToo?” We discuss subtle behavioral patterns that can bring men down a road of inappropriateness, as well as what the "women not being over men" theme in the New Testament is all about. We also deal with the necessary cautions Christians should have in place with social media movements, including this one.
Just had to write you about this week’s podcast to say thank you. That was SO good and so relevant and so needed. Since last fall when this #MeToo movement started, I have heard many times men say “you can’t say anything to a woman anymore without it being taken the wrong way.” And I love your response to that “well then you are doing it wrong!”
I also never thought about it before how those little things that we say to someone can build up over time to create the victim mentality. That is so true and can be applied to more things than this. It applies to gossiping or judging others when we cannot read their hearts. We may not know what they are going through and our words can slowly build up (or chip away) to help create their self-perception.
Even though you have said it before in other podcasts, somehow (for me, at least) this felt like such a good description of God’s intention for the relationship between men and women.
This is such a powerful podcast I would like it to be required listening for all people! I look forward to the kingdom when everyone not only hears the truth of what God’s word really says and understands it!
Again, thank you and Lord bless!
Hi, Chris – thank you so much for your commentary. We appreciate the feedback and were happy to do a podcast that has such relevance today. We learned a lot in preparing for it and hope it is a blessing to others. – Christian Questions
I can see where the first scriptural example from Judges can relate to how husbands should treat their wives. If a man is willing to throw his wife to the “pigs,” then he shouldn’t have married her (or marry at all?). A husband should love his wife as Christ loves the Church, i.e. be willing to lay down his life for her. (It brings to mind the shooting in Las Vegas when a man used his own body to shield his wife, and died for it.)
Great points! Thank you! – Christian Questions