(MP3 duration: 4hrs)

Feminism is often portrayed as empowering women, and the women’s rights movement has indeed achieved a number of positive changes for them. In recent decades, however, feminism has taken a different direction by attacking traditional marriage and gender roles. Many Orthodox Christians have been influenced by feminism to such an extent that they believe there is little or no difference between the genders, and have a distorted understanding of the roles of men and women in marriage. Although there are a number of reasons for the breakdown of marriage, the family, and society in general, the most significant reason is feminism. In the words of St John Chrysostom: “The love of husband and wife is the force that bonds society together.” 

In this talk Father Kosmas first examines many contemporary opinions regarding feminism. Using the Holy Scriptures, the holy canons, and the writings and advice of various saints and contemporary elders, he outlines the Orthodox Church’s teaching on gender differences and the roles of men and women in marriage. By the end of the talk the listener will understand that the essence of feminism is actually a hatred of men, traditional marriage, the family, and true womanhood. 

The following questions are also discussed: how do feminists react to women who choose to stay at home to look after their families? How did Elder Paisios contradict the feminist view that there is no real difference between men and women? Why are more and more women choosing to marry men who want to be providers and protectors of the family? Why are many women afraid to openly denounce feminism? 

Other points covered in this talk include: the feminist ‘dogma’ that women had no freedom for thousands of years until the recent feminist revolution; television’s portrayal of men as dumb, incompetent, lazy and immature; how an increasing number of women are rejecting the feminist propaganda that they are superwomen who can do everything; the daughter of a famous feminist who rejected her mother’s brainwashing; and how feminists do all in their power to hide from women the truth about the dangers of oral contraception.