Misogyny, often defined as hatred or contempt for women, takes many forms in today’s culture—some blatant, others subtle and culturally accepted. While society attempts to address these issues through activism and policy, it frequently overlooks the root causes of misogyny and its true antidote. This article seeks to expose twelve modern practices that the Bible defines as misogyny, revealing how they undermine the dignity and flourishing of women. More importantly, it offers the biblical path to honor and restoration—a path rooted in God’s commands, which provide the foundation for a world where women are valued, protected, and cherished as image-bearers of God.
1. Irresponsible Men Creating Life Without Commitment
- Example: A man engages in casual sex, knowing the act may lead to conception, but without any intention of marrying or committing to the mother or child.
Biblical Critique: This behavior demonstrates selfishness and a blatant disregard for God's design for sex, which He ordained to exist within the covenant of marriage (Genesis 2:24, Hebrews 13:4). Scripture clearly teaches that fathers bear the responsibility to protect and provide for their families (1 Timothy 5:8). Engaging in actions that could lead to parenthood without the intention of commitment is both exploitative and dishonoring to the woman, directly contradicting Christ’s call to love sacrificially (Ephesians 5:25). Furthermore, it places the child in a vulnerable and unstable situation, violating God’s command to care for the defenseless (Psalm 82:3-4).
When the man remains unmarried, the woman is often left in a precarious position, where she may feel pressured into believing there is no alternative but to take the life of her unborn child. While it is true that women are also responsible for their decisions, I am challenging men to take accountability. Men must stop creating such devastating circumstances by refraining from engaging in sexual activity unless they are within the covenant of marriage. This is not only a matter of personal morality but also a reflection of God’s call to live with integrity, love, and responsibility. Men who father children but fail to provide emotional, financial, or spiritual support (Marriage) often leave women and children to face significant hardships alone. Society frequently normalizes or excuses this behavior, framing it as an unfortunate reality rather than a moral failing.
Scripture condemns such neglect, teaching that providing for one’s family is a core responsibility of manhood (1 Timothy 5:8). A father’s failure to protect and care for his children and their mother demonstrates a lack of love and reflects the selfishness of sin (Ephesians 5:25, Colossians 3:21). God’s design for family calls for fathers to nurture and guide their children, and neglecting this duty is a direct violation of His commands, leading to broken families and societal harm.
2. Commitment-Free Relationships
- Example: A man and woman engage in a relationship based purely on physical attraction or convenience, without any intention of marriage, leading to emotional damage and undermining the sanctity of marriage. Furthermore, sex outside of marriage (fornication) is an act of dishonor, as it involves taking liberties with someone who may one day be another person’s spouse, violating the principle of purity and respect for the future marriage covenant. This behavior demonstrates selfishness and a lack of regard for God’s design for relationships, contributing to broken trust and damaged lives.
- Biblical Critique: Such unions treat women as objects for gratification rather than partners in a God-ordained covenant (Malachi 2:14). God's design for marriage reflects Christ's sacrificial love for the church (Ephesians 5:31-32), requiring commitment and faithfulness. Commitment-free relationships dishonor this sacred design and often result in broken hearts, poverty, unstable families, and damaged faith (Proverbs 5:18-20).
3. Pornography Consumption
Example: A man uses pornography, reducing women to mere objects of sexual pleasure and fueling lustful desires that harm his spiritual, emotional, and relational well-being. The consumption of pornography fosters addiction by rewiring the brain’s reward system, creating an endless cycle of lust and dissatisfaction. This addiction often leads to relational disconnection, as genuine intimacy is replaced by a distorted, self-serving fantasy. The industry itself perpetuates exploitation, with many women coerced or trafficked into participation, further compounding the moral and social damage. Pornography does not merely harm the viewer; it feeds a global system of dehumanization and abuse.
Biblical Critique: Viewing pornography violates Jesus’ teaching that lustful thoughts are tantamount to adultery (Matthew 5:28). Pornography degrades women, who are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), by reducing them to commodities for personal gratification. This practice undermines God’s design for sexual intimacy, which He intended to be an expression of love, unity, and self-giving within the covenant of marriage (Hebrews 13:4). Instead of nurturing healthy relationships, pornography trains the mind to objectify others, warping the ability to view women with dignity and honor (1 Peter 3:7).
Furthermore, pornography consumption enslaves the heart and mind, as the addict becomes a servant to sin rather than a servant of righteousness (Romans 6:16). It erodes the trust and intimacy essential to healthy relationships, often leading to marital discord or infidelity. Beyond personal consequences, the global pornography industry fuels systemic evil, including human trafficking, exploitation, and the normalization of violence against women. These practices are an affront to God’s justice, as He calls His people to rescue the oppressed and defend the vulnerable (Proverbs 24:11-12, Isaiah 1:17).
Christians must confront this pervasive sin with both repentance and action. Fighting pornography requires renewing the mind through God’s Word (Romans 12:2), cultivating accountability within the church (James 5:16), and embracing the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome temptation (Galatians 5:16). It also demands advocacy against the systemic injustices tied to the pornography industry, standing as a voice for those exploited by its practices. By rejecting pornography, believers honor God’s design for purity, protect the dignity of women, and promote relationships rooted in love and truth.
4. Biological Males Competing in Women’s Sports
Example: Men identifying as women participate in women’s sports, leveraging inherent physical advantages such as greater muscle mass, bone density, and cardiovascular capacity. This unfairly displaces female athletes who have dedicated years of training to compete on a level playing field. Record-breaking performances by biological males in women’s categories not only rob female athletes of scholarships, awards, and recognition but also discourage young women from pursuing athletic careers altogether, undermining decades of progress toward gender equity in sports.
Biblical Critique: Gender confusion contradicts God’s creation of male and female as distinct and complementary, with each reflecting His image in unique ways (Genesis 1:27). God’s design for men and women includes physical and biological distinctions that are integral to their purpose and roles in creation (Genesis 2:18-24). When biological males compete in women’s sports, they erode fairness, deny women opportunities to excel in their God-given strengths, and impose unjust disadvantages on those God calls us to protect and honor.
Additionally, God calls His people to pursue justice and equity, defending the rights of the vulnerable and ensuring fairness in all areas of life (Proverbs 31:9, Micah 6:8). Allowing biological males to compete in women’s sports undermines these principles, creating a system where women are denied the rewards of their labor. The irony is that gender activists often claim that gender and biological sex are distinct concepts; if this were true, it would provide even greater justification for preserving women’s sports for biological females, maintaining fairness and respect for their achievements.
Beyond the immediate unfairness, this practice reflects a broader cultural rejection of God’s created order. By embracing confusion over gender, society undermines not only women’s opportunities but also the truth of God’s Word, which is the foundation for justice and flourishing. Christians are called to stand for truth, to advocate for policies that protect women’s dignity, and to speak against systems that perpetuate inequality under the guise of inclusivity. Allowing women to compete without unjust interference reflects the biblical principles of fairness, justice, and respect for God’s design.
5. Sexual Harassment and Abuse
- Example: Men exploit their positions of power to harass or abuse women physically, emotionally, or sexually, causing lasting harm. Having grown up in Hollywood, I am acutely aware that this behavior is rampant in the film industry. I recall a friend whose daughter was eager to become an actress. A member of my family, who works in the film business, sat her down and explained plainly the harsh realities of what pursuing such a career often entails for women. Thankfully, that conversation helped her decide against it, sparing her from potential exploitation in an industry notorious for such abuses.
- Biblical Critique: Sexual harassment and abuse are acts of coercion and violence that contradict the biblical call to protect and cherish women as fellow heirs of God’s grace (1 Peter 3:7). Such behavior demonstrates a heart filled with sin and corruption (Jeremiah 17:9) and violates the command to love one’s neighbor as oneself (Matthew 22:39). God’s justice will not overlook such wickedness (Psalm 11:5).
6. Dismissing Women’s Contributions
- Example: Men belittle or ignore the valuable insights, leadership, or contributions of women, assuming superiority based on gender rather than respecting individual gifts.
Biblical Critique: Scripture affirms the God-given wisdom and gifts of women. To dismiss women’s contributions is to reject God’s purpose in creating men and women as partners in His work (Genesis 2:18). Such attitudes undermine the unity of the body of Christ, where every member is vital (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Women have played pivotal roles in God’s redemptive story, such as Deborah, who provided godly leadership to Israel (Judges 4:4-5), and Priscilla, who taught Apollos alongside her husband Aquila (Acts 18:26). To affirm their contributions today, the church and society must recognize and encourage the unique gifts women bring to families, communities, and the body of Christ.
Practical Examples:
In the Church: Women can serve in significant ways such as teaching other women and children (Titus 2:3-5), participating in acts of mercy, or exercising administrative gifts to support the church’s ministry. Churches can intentionally involve women in planning outreach events, contributing to missions efforts, and discipling younger believers, following the examples of women like Lydia, who supported Paul’s ministry (Acts 16:14-15).
In the Family: Husbands and fathers are called to honor their wives and mothers, valuing their counsel and wisdom in leading the household (Proverbs 31:26, 1 Peter 3:7). Men can affirm women’s contributions by partnering with them in raising children, respecting their work inside and outside the home, and recognizing their indispensable role in building strong, godly families (Proverbs 31:10-31).
In the Workplace: Employers can demonstrate biblical justice by ensuring women receive fair wages and opportunities for growth. Valuing women’s insights and leadership in professional settings reflects God’s call to treat all people with dignity and equity (Proverbs 31:16, 31).
In Society: Communities can celebrate the achievements of women by elevating their voices in civic and cultural discussions, advocating for justice on their behalf, and actively opposing practices that demean or exploit them. Supporting women’s education and development equips them to fulfill their God-given potential and glorify Him in all they do.
When women’s contributions are valued, the body of Christ functions as God intended, with every member using their gifts to serve His purposes (Romans 12:4-8). Honoring women in these practical ways fulfills God’s call to respect and affirm their integral role in His kingdom work.
7. Media Objectification of Women
Example: Entertainment industries frequently depict women in degrading roles, reducing them to objects of physical desire or symbols of vanity. Movies, music videos, advertisements, and even social media often emphasize women’s worth based solely on their physical appearance or sexuality. This sends a destructive message that a woman’s value lies in how she looks or how she can satisfy others, ignoring her intellect, character, and unique contributions. These portrayals not only harm women’s self-perception but also fuel a culture of exploitation, feeding into issues like pornography and human trafficking.
Biblical Critique: Objectifying women in media reflects a culture of impurity, contrary to God’s call to holiness (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5). By reducing women to commodities, these depictions distort the truth that women are image-bearers of God, created with dignity and purpose (Genesis 1:27). Christians are called to dwell on what is pure, lovely, and commendable (Philippians 4:8), and consuming or promoting content that devalues human dignity directly opposes this calling. Moreover, such portrayals perpetuate harmful stereotypes that normalize sin, including lust, greed, and exploitation. They also contribute to systemic misogyny by teaching society to see women not as people with intrinsic worth but as objects for gratification. As followers of Christ, we are called to challenge these narratives, celebrating the value of women as God designed them and refusing to engage with media that glorifies their objectification.
8. Economic Exploitation of Women
Example: Women around the world are often underpaid for equal work or exploited in industries where they are vulnerable, such as human trafficking, sweatshops, or domestic labor. In some cases, women are forced to endure unsafe working conditions, denied basic benefits, or are treated as disposable assets rather than valued employees. These injustices disproportionately affect women in low-income regions, perpetuating cycles of poverty and oppression. Even in developed nations, wage gaps and lack of opportunities for advancement reveal systemic inequalities that diminish women’s contributions and create economic barriers to their flourishing.
Biblical Critique: Economic exploitation of women violates God’s commands for justice, fairness, and the protection of the vulnerable (Proverbs 22:22-23). Scripture repeatedly emphasizes the responsibility of employers and leaders to act with righteousness, ensuring fair treatment and wages for workers (James 5:1-5, Colossians 4:1). Exploitation not only reflects greed and corruption but also denies the truth that every person, including women, is made in the image of God and deserving of dignity and respect (Genesis 1:27). Isaiah 1:17 calls God’s people to “seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause,” emphasizing a proactive commitment to defending the rights of the oppressed. Failing to address these injustices perpetuates systemic sin, fostering a culture that values profit over people. Christians are called to advocate for ethical practices, hold exploitative systems accountable, and champion the rights and well-being of women as an act of obedience to God’s commands. By honoring God’s principles of justice, we can help create workplaces and economies that uplift and honor women, reflecting God’s care for all His children.
9. Unjust Divorce Practices
- Example: A man divorces his wife for selfish reasons, abandoning her and often leaving her in financial and emotional turmoil.
- Biblical Critique: Divorce for trivial reasons is a betrayal of the marriage covenant, which reflects Christ’s unbreakable commitment to His church (Matthew 19:6). Scripture teaches that God hates divorce when it arises from selfishness or faithlessness (Malachi 2:16). Such actions fail to love and honor the wife as commanded in marriage (Ephesians 5:25).
10. Harmful Cultural Practices
- Example: Practices such as female genital mutilation or denying education to girls perpetuate oppression and deny women their God-given rights.
- Biblical Critique: These practices violate God’s call to love and protect the vulnerable (Psalm 82:3-4). Denying education or mutilating the body contradicts the dignity God bestows on every person (Genesis 1:27). God’s law calls for justice, mercy, and respect for all human life (Micah 6:8).
11. Women Having Abortions (Half of Which Are Girls)
Cultural Practice: In many societies, abortion is celebrated as a right or a means of empowerment, framed as a choice that liberates women from unwanted pregnancies. However, this narrative often ignores the harsh reality that half of these unborn children are girls, whose lives are tragically ended before they can even begin. This practice is particularly egregious in cultures where female children are considered less valuable than males, leading to widespread sex-selective abortions. Furthermore, women who choose abortion frequently do so under immense societal pressure, fear of financial hardship, or lack of support from the father or family. Rather than empowering women, abortion often leaves lasting emotional, psychological, and spiritual scars, as well as an unspoken grief over the life that was taken.
Biblical Critique: The Bible unequivocally affirms the value and sanctity of every human life, beginning at conception (Psalm 139:13-16, Jeremiah 1:5). Abortion destroys an innocent life, an act that Scripture equates with shedding innocent blood—something God deeply abhors (Proverbs 6:16-17). Beyond the destruction of life, abortion reflects a broader cultural disregard for the dignity of women, both born and unborn. The decision to abort is often a symptom of systemic failures: men abandoning their responsibilities, families offering condemnation instead of support, and societies promoting self-interest over sacrificial love. God calls His people to defend the weak, protect the vulnerable, and rescue those being led to death (Proverbs 24:11-12).
This issue also highlights the irony of feminist advocacy for abortion, which ultimately results in the loss of countless female lives. True empowerment lies not in taking the life of the unborn but in fostering a culture that upholds the sanctity of life and provides care, compassion, and practical support for women facing crisis pregnancies. The church has a unique responsibility to model God’s love by offering refuge, resources, and redemption for women who feel trapped by their circumstances. In doing so, we fulfill God’s command to affirm life at all stages and reflect His heart for justice and mercy (Micah 6:8).
12.. Pornographic Creation and Exploitation
- Cultural Practice: The creation of pornography, often involving women who are exploited or coerced, perpetuates a culture of objectification and abuse. In many cases, it is directly tied to human trafficking, where women are forced into these roles against their will. Even milder forms, such as platforms like OnlyFans, normalize the commodification of women’s bodies for financial gain, encouraging men to view women as objects of lust rather than as individuals with inherent dignity.
- Biblical Critique: The Bible calls for sexual purity and condemns any practice that dehumanizes or exploits others for personal gain (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, Matthew 5:28). Platforms and industries that profit from pornography treat women not as image-bearers of God (Genesis 1:27) but as commodities, violating the command to love and honor one another (Romans 12:10). The link between pornography and human trafficking adds further weight to its condemnation, as God calls His people to defend the oppressed and care for the vulnerable (Isaiah 1:17, Proverbs 31:8-9). Even so-called "consensual" participation in platforms like OnlyFans feeds the sin of lust, fosters a culture of impurity, and erodes respect for women as whole persons. The creation and consumption of such content are grievous sins that degrade individuals, relationships, and society as a whole.
The best way to fight against misogyny is to honor God's commands, as His Word provides the ultimate blueprint for valuing and honoring women. God’s law affirms the equal dignity of men and women as image-bearers (Genesis 1:27) and calls for men to treat women with love, respect, and sacrificial care, particularly in the context of marriage (Ephesians 5:25). By obeying God’s commands, societies would reject practices that exploit or devalue women, such as abuse, objectification, and inequity, and instead cultivate an environment where women are protected, cherished, and empowered to use their God-given gifts. In such a world, women would flourish as they are respected as vital contributors to families, churches, and communities, reflecting the beauty of God’s design. Upholding God’s commands produces relationships based on mutual love and service, eliminating the root causes of misogyny and replacing them with a culture of honor and justice that ensures women are treated as co-heirs of God’s grace (1 Peter 3:7), creating a world where all thrive together.
In conclusion, the examples of modern misogyny highlighted in this article underscore the brokenness of a world that has strayed from God’s commands. Misogyny, in all its forms, reflects a failure to honor the dignity and worth of women as image-bearers of God. The Bible provides a clear and compelling antidote: a return to God’s design, where men and women are called to love one another selflessly, respect one another’s roles, and protect the vulnerable. By honoring God’s commands, we not only combat the injustices of misogyny but also create the conditions for true human flourishing. A society rooted in God’s principles of justice, purity, and love becomes a place where women are valued, cherished, and free to thrive as co-laborers in God’s work.
As Christians, we are called to live out these truths in our homes, churches, and communities, modeling a countercultural way of honoring women. This involves challenging harmful practices, standing up for the oppressed, and embodying the love of Christ in every relationship. When God’s commands are upheld, the beauty of His design shines forth, offering hope and healing to a world desperate for truth and redemption. Let us commit to this path, trusting that obedience to God’s Word will transform not only our lives but also the world around us for His glory.