Baptizing Feminism

As evangelical patriarchy rises in the United States, Baptizing Feminism brings to the forefront a bold evangelical and Christian feminist movement rising again from silenced, faithful women, and feminist movements in history. Their urgency challenges the patriarchal biblical beliefs of evangelical leaders, churches and networks fundamentally impacting women and girls, as they take a stand for their God given gifts, dignity and equality in all aspects of life.

Film Summary:
In the 1960s-70s, networks of spirited evangelical and Christian feminists emerged in the shadow of the secular feminist movement. With the Bible in hand, theological training, and a fiery, faith-fueled feminism, they carried the blazing torch of powerful women leaders in the Bible and throughout history who fought for social justice and women's biblical equality and agency.

Their rising influence in evangelical networks challenged patriarchal interpretations of Bible scriptures, and soon became a grave threat to the gospel truths held by evangelical leaders. In a dramatic, sweeping backlash, powerful evangelical leaders and networks joined forces against these feminist foes and launched modern-day patriarchy movements that claim the Bible calls for a masculine Christianity, one that relegates men as God's leaders and protectors, and women-- many say-- to traditional and submissive roles. Fueled by collaborative partnerships and their political networks, impactful marketing, church planting enterprises, Christian conferences, and publishing and media networks, their gender role teachings soon dominated the very core of American evangelicalism, having a significant impact on American politics, evangelism, society and women and girls.

But the story doesn't end there. A new generation of faithful evangelical and Christian feminists have emerged questioning the rise of these contemporary patriarchal churches and networks, and their theologies and intentions. Many have taken a stand as a #Metoo and #Churchtoo movement skyrocketed within the church against growing epidemics of sexual abuse and cover-ups, domestic violence, and a culture of of sexism and silencing women. With the call of God and the Internet—where evangelical gatekeepers can no longer silence them—bold, feisty, and fearless, these devout feminists, including a rising team of bloggers, podcasters, activists, authors, theologians, historians and scholars, demanded the God-given equality and dignity for girls and women.

Baptizing Feminism spotlights a heated, timely and urgent debate today in American evangelicalism and Christianity about what the Bible says about the roles of women and men. The documentary opens a new chapter in the history of faithful feminists, following in the wake of silenced and forgotten women throughout the Bible and Christian history.

The documentary brings evangelical and Christian feminism into the forefront, and reveals the importance of these feminist voices rising in a new era against powerful patriarchal church leaders and networks.