What is androcentrism?

Response

Androcentrism refers to a focus on men, encompassing behaviors, circumstances, and cultures that revolve around or are dominated by a male perspective. Androcentric societies tend to diminish the feminine viewpoint and undervalue female contributions. When females are acknowledged, their achievements are often belittled or dismissed. Androcentric behavior can be deliberate or unintentional, overt or subtle.

Many argue that we currently inhabit an androcentric world, where the accomplishments, interests, and successes of women have historically been overshadowed in a predominantly male-dominated culture. It is highly probable that our world is indeed androcentric. Modern societies prioritize everything except simplicity, fairness, integrity, righteousness, humility, and behavior that aligns with God’s will, resulting in a plethora of societal ills. Androcentrism is just one of many symptoms indicating a world that is severely ailing and in need of God.

What does the Bible say about androcentrism?

As androcentrism highlights male achievements and interests at the expense of the female perspective, it contradicts biblical teachings. The Bible does not support, approve, or promote androcentrism. On the contrary, women often play pivotal roles in biblical accounts—women whose faith, virtue, nobility, courage, and resolve are commended, women who were chosen by God as instruments of good in a troubled world:

Eve: Being the first woman, wife, and mother, Eve was promised an offspring who would be the redeemer destined to defeat Satan “and I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.”, (Genesis 3:15). This prophecy marked the beginning

God’s fulfillment was seen when a child was born to a virgin in the town of Bethlehem.

Sarah: The wife of the patriarch Abraham and the mother of Isaac, Sarah is known for her great faith. “Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.”, (Hebrews 11:11), and the godly commitment she demonstrated toward her husband (1 Peter 3:5-6).

Rahab: Many who are unfamiliar with Scripture would be surprised to learn that one of the Bible’s most notable heroines was a prostitute (Joshua 2:1-24). Despite her ignoble past, Rahab is remembered for her faith and courage. “By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.”, (Hebrews 11:31). She also appears in the genealogy of our Lord Jesus Christ. “and Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;”, (Matthew 1:5).

Deborah: Israel’s first and only female judge, Deborah led God’s people in a time of peril and was instrumental in bringing about their enemy’s destruction (Judges 4—5). Because of her strong, nurturing leadership, Deborah was hailed as “a mother for Israel”. “The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, Until that I Deborah arose, That I arose a mother in Israel.”, (Judges 5:7, NLT).

Esther: Beautiful, courageous, diplomatic, and determined, this faithful Jewish girl became queen of Persia and used her position to save her people.Her influence helped to prevent a heinous plan to slaughter God’s people. Her captivating story is found in the Old Testament book that bears her name.

Ruth: A woman of impeccable character, loyalty, courage, and devotion, this Moabite widow captured the hearts of the people in Bethlehem and is listed in the genealogy of King David and our Lord Jesus Christ. Her narrative unfolds during the period when Israel was governed by judges, chronicled in the Old Testament book named after her.

Abigail: The wife of a wealthy rancher named Nabal, this beautiful woman was as wise as her foolish husband «Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail: and she was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb. », (1 Samuel 25:3). When Nabal defamed David and his men, the future monarch of Israel vowed swift, bloody retribution. Recognizing that such impulsive action would tarnish David’s reputation, Abigail promptly intervened and averted tragedy. Following Nabal’s death, Abigail became David’s wife. The extraordinary account of this woman is recorded in 1 Samuel 25.

Mary: Out of all the young women in Israel, God favored an unmarried virgin and selected her to bear and raise His only Son, Jesus (Luke 1:28-38). Mary had the highest honor of bringing God’s Anointed One into the world.

Mary Magdalene: After Jesus expelled seven demons from her «and certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, », (Luke 8:2), Mary of Magdala became one of our Lord’s devoted followers, witnessed His crucifixion, and was the first to see Him after His resurrection.Raised from the dead (John 20:11-18). It could be said that Mary Magdalene was among the first to celebrate Easter.

Mary and Martha: Along with their brother Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead (John 11:1-44), these two sisters were cherished friends of Jesus and His disciples. Mary and Martha’s home in Bethany provided a refuge of friendship and safety from the conflicts of the Jewish religious authorities.

While this compilation does not cover all the prominent women in Scripture, these exemplary figures of faith demonstrate that the Bible acknowledges and honors the accomplishments of women.

Is the Bible androcentric?

The Bible is not androcentric; rather, it is Christocentric, with Christ as the central focus. The Bible narrates His story; every page speaks of Him. Despite the erroneous assertions made by some critics, the Bible is not anthropocentric, centered on humanity, nor is it androcentric. To illustrate this truth, let us refer to Luke 24. Shortly after Jesus’ crucifixion, two disciples encountered the risen Lord on their way to Emmaus. Observe how the Lord Jesus connected the entirety of the Scriptures to Himself:

That very day two of them were journeying to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, discussing all these things that had occurred. While they were conversing and debating, Jesus Himself approached and accompanied them. However, they were prevented from recognizing Him. He asked them, “What are you discussing with each other as you walk along?” They stood still, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, replied, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who is unaware of the events that have taken place there in these days?” He asked them, “What things?” They answered, “About Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be sentenced to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened.”

As a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death and crucified him. However, we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Moreover, it is now the third day since these events occurred. Additionally, some women from our group astonished us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, and upon not finding his body, they returned reporting that they had seen a vision of angels who declared that he was alive. Some of our companions went to the tomb and confirmed the women’s account, but they did not see him.” He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Commencing with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself (Luke 24:13-27;ESV, emphasis added).

From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible focuses on our Lord Jesus Christ—His first coming, His second coming, His future reign from His throne in Jerusalem, His ultimate victory over Satan, His incomparable teachings, His supernatural miracles, His unparalleled love for sinners, His deity, His humanity, and, of course, His death, burial, and resurrection that are foundational to the gospel message. Any sincere study of the Scriptures reveals that God’s Word is Christocentric.

Political correctness has attempted to blur the differences between women and men, and this is unfortunate, for God made us male and female for a number of reasons. We can be different yet equal. We can be different, and, together, we are better for the differences. With that said, no man should make a woman feel as though she is inferior or a second-class citizen. Despite advertising campaigns, the fashion industry, and the illusions of pop culture, a woA person’s value is not solely determined by external beauty or the ability to attract the opposite sex. God does not want women and their achievements to be belittled.

The Bible encourages us to practice humility and service instead of focusing on male dominance. Just as the Lord Jesus humbled Himself for our sake, we should regard others as more important than ourselves and look out for the well-being of our brothers and sisters (Philippians 2:1-7).