I'm curious as to why the term 'feminist' has such a negative connotation in so many circles. Even among women (some who consider themselves 'good Christian women') there are those who emphatically, even vehemently, disassociate themselves with the term or the cause. To me, I relate
feminism to equality, justice, human rights, individuality, acceptance. Who can be against those qualities? So what's the flip-side? Inequality, injustice, lack of human rights, nonacceptance. Who wants to be for these? I just don't get it.
 

Feminism is a word that seems to be tossed about in both negative and positive ways. I have read many books lately that call wives to embrace parts of the message of feminism, but also remember God's plan for husbands to be "heads." I enjoyed the comments by Rev. Winger. It made me think about what the basic idea of feminism is. Thanks!

Melanie A., Galloway, Ohio
 

Through college at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn., and seminary at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, I took my rights as a woman for granted. There was little to struggle against in those institutions as they are way ahead of mainline society. Once I was called and ordained, the reality of being female in a male-dominated world hit me like a ton of bricks. I also have being a first call pastor and being a "pipeliner" (and therefore "young") going against me.

Overall, the response has been positive by my congregation. But there are enough who still have problems with me being female and young that life as a pastor is much bumpier for me than for my husband (also pipeliner on first call). There is one parishioner who has told me to my face that they will never see me as an authority figure because they are older than my parents.

Scariest thing about that statement is that it was made by another woman. Sisters, by the grace of God we have come this far along the way, but our journey is not over.

Randele A., New Albany, PA
 

A feminist is a woman who does what she feels God has called her to do — even if it is staying home and taking care of her children, her home, and her husband. She does not feel it necessary to justify the fact that she is influencing her children by being loving, nurturing and self confident that what she is doing is important to the future of the nation and the
world.

Rosemary