“Is Christianity A Patriarchal Religion? Yeah, kinda.”

Saturday, May 10, 2025

Critics of Christianity often accuse the entire religion of being a patriarchal religion, saying that it de-values and denigrates women and gives men privileges which they don’t deserve. So, here’s a question for us to consider honestly: Are they right?

The answer is partially yes and partially no. They are correct that Christianity is a patriarchal religion. That simply means that it relates to a patriarch—a father. And of course, God is that Father.

But to the rest of the claim—the one about de-valuing women, etc.—God’s own words retort with a strong ‘no.’

While critics would claim that men are given preference in the historical narratives, the reality is that plenty of women are given the chance to prove themselves faithful, and they do it (Jochebed, Miriam, Ruth, Priscilla, Deborah, Phoebe, etc)! Additionally, there are plenty of men and plenty of women who prove un-faithful—whose faithlessness and selfishness ruins the lives of those around them. Overall, the stories are surprisingly balanced, portraying both men and women as mixes of good and bad. While critics would claim that men are privileged in the early church, both genders play important roles there and in Christ’s life—as prophetic voices, as evangelistic pioneers, and as generous servants.

I realize that many of these responses gain no credence with a world that is decidedly bent on opposition to the Bible. But I still find encouragement in God’s grace and his appreciation for both men and women in Scripture. And I’m truly, deeply grateful to God for the faithful women, both then and now, whose lives have shone brightly as lights in this dark world so that others might glorify our Father who is in heaven (cf. Mt. 5:16).

- Dan Lankford, minister

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