A Christian Woman’s Perspective on the American Eagle Controversy

With a nation divided once again over a cultural issue, this time over the Sydney Sweeney American Eagle ad, where should Christians plant their feet? Especially as a Christian woman, what perspective should be held? Both sides offer convincing arguments, and both have their points, but if we are to live in the world but not of it (John 17:16), how must we then answer as ambassadors of the Kingdom of God? 

Sex Sells or Sells Out? 

The age-old term of, “sex sells” is a key factor of this controversy, but in many ways, it has been overlooked by many Christians in order to celebrate a straight woman as spokesperson, as opposed to brands such as Bud Light hiring those of the LBGTQ+ community as spokespersons in recent years. But are Christians turning a blind eye to the provocative, sexualized pictures just because she is straight? Are they trading one reasoning for another because one appears easier to swallow?  To truthfully reply to that question, the eye of the beholder must search their own heart, motives, and considerations to properly answer, it is not a blanket answer by any means. 

In order to really find the root ambition of most  actions that stir controversy, including this one, one must follow the bread crumbs back to the economic gain, for it is all about what will yield the most profit monetarily in the end, regardless of ethics or morals. American Eagle’s stock went up 10% after this ordeal, which speaks for itself that money is to be made when drama is afoot, and while people tear each other apart online, stockholders are laughing all the way to the bank. Greed, lust, prejudice, and perhaps even envy enter into the pool of consideration surrounding this, but are as humans are we so quick to identify the planks in our neighbor's eyes that we forget the planks in our own eyes? What if instead of tearing each other down, we sought truth in order to build one another up? 

The Harm of Division 

The core ambition of division of this kind is not a tool that encourages, inspires, or uplifts anyone, rather, it isolates, enrages, and incites an, “us and them” mentality. Biblically speaking, no side is getting it right and both are spinning their wheels attempting movement forward to no real avail. 1 Corinthians 1:10 reminds us:

“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” (NIV)

Where Paul’s words resonate here is to offer us a reminder that issues will be brought forward that light a fire within us to take a stand or fight for a certain outlook, but we must not be so short-sighted as to be deceived to potential loss of relationship with our brothers and sisters in the aftermath. In the end we answer individually to Christ, and our stance and position ought to be to make every attempt to follow Him faithfully in action and in speech. When both sides are flawed, for humans are flawed and sinful, there is no real right or wrong side. As Christians we can take a third, rarely considered route in offering that this is another example of distracting division. Christians also have the opportunity to extend truths that offer unity, something our depraved world desperately needs. 

The Truth of Femininity 

True femininity is something to be praised, sought-after, and cherished, but it must be properly defined to be celebrated correctly. From woman’s dawn in Genesis 2:10 through the creation of Eve it is clear that God intended a woman to be a fierce, suitable, captivating marvel. Eve is not merely a companion for her husband, rather a, “`Ezer” which is the Hebrew word for, “help.” The help is not limited to chores and aid, but is the same word used later in the Bible for shield (Psalm 33:20), intercessor (Psalm 20:2), and provision (Psalm 146:5).

True femininity does include a gentle, soft, approach, but my no means is it lesser or frail. Proverbs 31 extends the essence of a woman after God’s own heart:

  • V11-12 Reliable, dependable, trustworthy 

  • V13-14 honest, wise, discerning

  • V16- investor

  • V17- strong work ethic, willingness for work

  • V18-19 skilled 

  • V20- charitable, kind, generous 

  • V21- planner, insightful 

  • V22-23- a credit to her family 

  • V25- beauty that is far beyond the surface 

  • V26- wise and teachable 

  • V27- thoughtful and not lazy 

  • V28-29- self-respecting, honorable

  • V30- respectful and honoring to the Lord 

  • V31- worthy of celebrating 

True characteristics of Biblical femininity are outlined in these verses, and although no woman is perfect, these are qualities to pursue and ones to ask the Lord for His help to attain. It is possible with HIs help to possess such qualities, and to act and react from the heart posture of these attributes. 

Final Thoughts 

As Christians we ought to not be so concerned with petty, flash in the pan disagreements, but instead to keep our minds on our own offerings to this world. How are we interacting with others? How are we living and teaching the Gospel in action and not just with words? How are we showing and not telling? What we will find is the more we extend from those places the more impact we will see in the long run. As woman, Biblical womanhood is embracing a true call to the intention of our gender and to accept the redemption of our humanity though Christ.  As the human race we all are in desperate need of a Savior. Through accepting Him, our genes, our souls, our sins, and our total beings are washed in the red of His blood poured out, and through that we are redeemed. 

New Tirzah author: Cally Logan

FemininityGuest Contributorgreed, lust, prejudice, envy, truth, building upComment