What is egalitarianism?

Answer

The broadest interpretation of egalitarianism is that all individuals are inherently equal and should be treated accordingly. When utilized as a doctrinal term in Christianity, egalitarianism carries a more specific meaning, indicating that God does not intend to establish distinctions between men and women in matters of spiritual leadership. The former definition is rooted in Biblical Christianity, which serves as the foundation of Western civilization, while the latter is contradicted by Scripture. All individuals are equal in moral and spiritual terms, possessing equal worth, and should be presented with the same opportunities. However, concerning spiritual authority, God has assigned distinct roles for the two genders, a principle known as complementarianism.

Supporters of doctrinal egalitarianism often highlight issues such as women in the pastorate. They argue that all Christians are equal in the sight of Christ, regardless of race or gender “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”, (Galatians 3:28); thus, God’s plan is for males and females to hold the same positions in spiritual roles. While Scripture indeed proclaims the inherent moral equality of all individuals and condemns favoritism “My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.”, (James 2:1,9) “but if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.”, (James 2:1,9). This equality extends to males and females in terms of morality, spiritual worth, and humanity “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he th

Genesis 1:27 states that although God created male and female in His image, it does not make them identical in every single way.

The ultimate example of this concept is the Trinity itself. All three Persons of the Godhead are equal: morally, spiritually, in power, in divinity, etc. However, there is submission within that equality as each divine Person fulfills a different role. This does not imply that one Person of the Trinity is more moral or more important than the others. It simply means each has a part to play. Similarly, God intended the unique abilities of men and women to be used according to a mutually balanced design.

The debate between complementarianism and egalitarianism allows for broad interpretations of where the lines of that design are to be drawn. A biblical, complementarian view does not promote the stereotype that wives are to be homebound, barefoot, pregnant, powerless, and ignored. Nor does it mandate differences between men and women in arenas such as politics or the workplace. Scripture supports every social and economic aspect of egalitarianism, treating men and women as equally capable and valuable persons. However, forms of egalitarianism that obliterate all distinctions between the sexes are not biblical.