Feminism: A New Faith or a Rival to Christianity?

Feminism has grown into a powerful force, shaping the lives of many women. Some argue that it has become a belief system, much like a religion, with its own set of rules and values. Carrie Gress, a fellow at the Institute for Human Ecology at Catholic University of America, believes that feminism is not just a movement but a rival to Christianity. Gress points out that feminism has its own "commandments, " "virtues, " and even "sacraments. " She traces these ideas back to the early 1800s, attributing them to Percy Bysshe Shelley and his in-laws, Mary Wollstonecraft and William Godwin. According to Gress, these principles include contempt for men, rejection of monogamy, and involvement in the occult. The idea that feminism resembles a religion is not new. A 2015 article in The Atlantic compared the feminist movement to religious fundamentalism, noting the dogmatism and zealous fervor it shares with religious extremists. Similarly, Senegalese feminist Diakhoumba Gassama described feminism as her religion, guiding her moral and personal choices. Gress argues that feminism promotes a false promise of fulfillment through autonomy and careerism, detaching women from family and relationships. She believes this has led to a cultural devaluation of children and traditional family roles. Gress suggests that restoring these roles, not rigidly but purposefully, could help reverse the current trends and benefit both men and women. Critics of feminism often highlight its emphasis on anger and contempt, which they argue is not conducive to a happy, healthy life. Gress believes that understanding and embracing traditional roles can help women find true fulfillment and happiness.