Few ideas in our modern world are as provocative—or as damaging—as the claim that “we don’t need men.” This phrase, often heard in radical feminist circles, is more than a catchy slogan. It’s a worldview that denies the God-given design for men and women, undermines the dignity of both sexes, and ultimately leads to confusion and brokenness. As Christians, we need to understand why this message is not only false, but also harmful, and how the Bible offers a better, more beautiful vision for men, women, and the relationships between them.

1. Where Did This Idea Come From?

The roots of the “we don’t need men” mindset can be traced to the rise of secular feminism. While early feminists fought for basic rights and protections for women—many of which were just and necessary—the movement has evolved. Today, some branches of feminism reject any distinction between men and women, or even see men as unnecessary or harmful to women’s flourishing.

This rejection isn’t just about social roles; it’s about God’s design. As one Christian writer put it, “At its root, feminism is built upon a foundation completely devoid of God. The feminist movement is woven with the same sin Satan committed in the beginning. A rebellious heart that pridefully says, ‘I don’t need you, God. Thanks, but I’ll do things my way’”.

2. What Does the Bible Say About Men and Women?

From the very beginning, the Bible teaches that men and women are equally valuable, both made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). This is the foundation for human dignity—male and female, both precious to God.

But the Bible also teaches that men and women are different, with distinct roles and purposes. In Genesis, God creates Adam first, then Eve as “a helper fit for him” (Genesis 2:18). This isn’t about one being better than the other; it’s about complementarity. God designed men and women to work together, each bringing unique strengths to the relationship, the family, and the world.

The New Testament echoes this. Husbands are called to lead their families with sacrificial love, just as Christ loved the church. Wives are called to respect and support their husbands (Ephesians 5:22-33). Both are called to mutual submission and service, reflecting the love and humility of Jesus.

3. The Lie of Radical Independence

The idea that women don’t need men (and, by extension, that men don’t need women) is not just unbiblical—it’s unworkable. God’s design is for interdependence, not isolation. When God created Adam, He said, “It is not good that the man should be alone” (Genesis 2:18). This wasn’t just about companionship; it was about fulfilling God’s purposes together.

Radical independence—whether from men or women—leads to loneliness, confusion, and ultimately, brokenness. Studies have shown that despite decades of feminist progress, women today report lower levels of happiness and life satisfaction than in previous generations. The promise of fulfillment apart from God’s design has proven empty.

4. Equality Does Not Mean Sameness

A key confusion in our culture is the belief that equality means sameness. But the Bible teaches that men and women are equal in value and dignity, even as they are different in role and function.

  • Both are image-bearers of God (Genesis 1:27).

  • Both are co-heirs of salvation in Christ (Galatians 3:28; 1 Peter 3:7).

  • Both are called to rule over creation (Genesis 1:28).

But their roles, especially in marriage and the church, are distinct. This isn’t about superiority or inferiority; it’s about God’s wisdom in creating us to complement one another.

5. The Beauty of Complementarity

When men and women embrace their God-given roles, something beautiful happens. In marriage, the husband’s loving leadership and the wife’s respectful support create a partnership that reflects Christ and the church. In the church, men and women serve together, each using their gifts for the good of the body, while honoring the different roles God has assigned.

Complementarity does not mean rigid stereotypes or the suppression of women’s gifts. It means recognizing that our differences are by design, and that we flourish when we work together as God intended.

6. The Harm of Rejecting God’s Design

When we reject God’s design for men and women, we see the consequences all around us:

  • Broken families and fatherless homes.

  • Confusion about identity and purpose.

  • Hostility and suspicion between the sexes.

  • A loss of respect for both men and women.

Radical feminism, in seeking to elevate women by diminishing men, actually harms both. It tells women they must become like men to be valuable, and tells men they are unnecessary or even dangerous. This is not the message of Scripture.

7. What About Abuse and Sin?

Some argue that traditional gender roles have led to abuse and oppression of women. Sadly, there is truth to this. Sin distorts God’s good design. Men have abused their strength; women have been mistreated or silenced. But the answer is not to throw out God’s design—it’s to return to it, redeemed by Christ.

The Bible calls men to love, protect, and honor women, never to dominate or abuse them (Ephesians 5:25-28; 1 Peter 3:7). It calls women to use their gifts for God’s glory, not to be passive or voiceless. Both are called to mutual respect and service.

8. The Gospel’s Radical Message

Jesus elevated the dignity of women in a culture that often devalued them. He welcomed them as disciples, spoke with them publicly, and entrusted them with the message of His resurrection. The early church included women as vital members and co-laborers in the gospel.

Paul’s letters, while upholding distinct roles, also subvert the culture’s expectations by commanding husbands to love their wives sacrificially and by addressing women directly as responsible, valued members of the church and family.

9. Why We Need Each Other

The truth is, men and women need each other. Not just for procreation, but for the fullness of life God intends. In marriage, in family, in the church, and in society, we are designed for partnership, not competition.

  • Men need the wisdom, insight, and support of women.

  • Women need the strength, leadership, and protection of men.

  • Children need both mothers and fathers, each offering unique gifts and perspectives.

To say “we don’t need men” is to deny God’s good gift. To say “we don’t need women” is equally false and destructive.

10. A Better Way Forward

So what should Christians do in a culture that often pits men and women against each other?

  • Affirm the equal value and dignity of men and women as image-bearers of God.

  • Embrace the beauty of our differences and the wisdom of God’s design.

  • Reject both the demeaning of men and the suppression of women.

  • Model healthy, loving, Christ-centered relationships in our homes and churches.

  • Speak the truth in love, offering hope and healing to those hurt by the lies of our culture.

God’s Design Is Good

The claim that “we don’t need men” is not just a feminist lie—it’s a rejection of God’s wisdom and love. The Bible offers a better way: men and women, equal in value, different by design, working together for God’s glory and our good.

Let’s celebrate and honor both men and women, not by tearing one down to lift the other up, but by embracing the roles and relationships God has given us. In Christ, we find our true worth, our true identity, and the joy of living as God intended—together.

“God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:27).

Let’s return to God’s design, trusting that He knows best, and find the peace and fulfillment that only He can give.