Christian Egalitarianism (derived from the French word égal, meaning equal or level) is a recent adaptation of the historic moral doctrine of Egalitarianism, which holds that people should be treated as equals, in some respect. Its chief use thus far in Christianity has been to describe a theological view advocating gender equality and equity in Christian churches and in Christian marriage. Ultimately, Egalitarianism holds that all human persons are equal in fundamental worth, moral status. Egalitarianism can refer to moral as well as factual theories. ... Egalitarianism can refer to moral as well as factual theories. ...

Introduction

For the first 19 or 20 centuries after the Resurrection and Ascension of Christ (according to Christian belief), institutionalized Christianity was very unfavorable to women. It has prescribed a gender-based hierarchy that places woman under man's authority in the church (and often elsewhere), and in Christian marriage assigns leadership and control to the husband. Women have been commanded by pastors and priests to submit to men's authority in the church and in marriage. They have been excluded from church leadership that gives women any kind of authority over men. Look up Resurrection in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... The Christian doctrine of the Ascension holds that Jesus bodily ascended to heaven following his resurrection. ... Ancient Christian Marriage symbol: two gold rings and Greek letters chi (X) and rho (P) for Jesus Christ // The Christian views of marriage historically have regarded marriage as ordained by God for the lifelong union of one man and one woman. ...

Only since the 1970s have more moderate views emerged. Today they are known as the Complementarian and Christian Egalitarian views of women and men. It is interesting that the centuries-old secular egalitarianism moral doctrine has roots in Christianity's historic belief: 1970 (MCMLXX) was a common year starting on Thursday (the link is to a full 1970 calendar). ... Complementarianism is a view of the relationship between the genders that differs from Gender egalitarianism in that it believes that each gender is distinct and has, at least in some setting, different yet complementary roles. ... Egalitarianism can refer to moral as well as factual theories. ...

• that both women and men were created in the living image of God (Imago Dei)
• that God loves all people equally, irrespective of their individual differences in gender, race, status, position, etc.^[1]

Egalitarian Christians' interpretation of scriptures and spiritual leaadings bring them to the conclusion that the manner and teaching of Jesus abolished discrimination against racial minorities, slaves, and women, in both the church and marriage. That notion is believed to be affirmed by the Apostle Paul when he forbade such discrimination by the authority of Jesus Christ: Imago Dei is taken from the Latin meaning the Image of God. This concept and theological doctrine states that human beings are created Gods image and therefore have inherent value independent of their utility or function. ...

There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28}

Christian Egalitarians take that verse at face value, understanding it to acknowledge the elaborate system of inequalities existing since shortly after the Creation. But the Founder of Christianity, Jesus Christ, abolished those systems for all eternity. Within his church, "in Christ," is the one sanctuary, the one oasis, the one protected place where there are no secondary distinctions of race, national origin, slavery, or gender discrimination. All are ONE in Christ."

Illustrative of efforts to institutionalize this notion are these excerpts from the organizational Statement of Faith of a current Christian organization:

• We believe in the equality and essential dignity of men and women of all ethnicities, ages, and classes. We recognize that all persons are made in the image of God and are to reflect that image in the community of believers, in the home, and in society.
• We believe that men and women are to diligently develop and use their God-given gifts for the good of the home, church and society.^[2]

References

This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... February 10 is the 41st day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... Christians for Biblical Equality (CBE) is an organisation that, based on its interpretation of the Bible, advocates equality of sexes, races, ethnic and social groups. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... February 11 is the 42nd day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ...

See also:

• Christians for Biblical Equality an egalitarian organization
• Christian Views About Women
• Christian views of marriage

Christians for Biblical Equality (CBE) is an organisation that, based on its interpretation of the Bible, advocates equality of sexes, races, ethnic and social groups. ... Ancient Christian Marriage symbol: two gold rings and Greek letters chi (X) and rho (P) for Jesus Christ // The Christian views of marriage historically have regarded marriage as ordained by God for the lifelong union of one man and one woman. ...

External links

• Christians for Biblical Equality, probably the key promoter of Christian Egalitarianism
• The Council for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, probably the key promoter of Complementarism, a dissenting view}