The premise of the 2017 Movie "Created Equal" is that a Catholic woman wants to be a Catholic Priest. However, the Catholic Church won't allow her to attend the seminary and complete the training. So, she decides that she is going to sue the Catholic Church and force them through the law to allow her to attend the training.

Now, several issues are covered in this movie. Such as Feminism, Equal Rights, Separation of Church and State, and gender roles according to religion. These are some hot topics, so let's dive in.

Firstly, I believe that women are made differently than men. We have different strengths and weaknesses. This isn't to say that women can't do jobs that men do or that women aren't as good as men.

I just feel like the employers should judge based on skill set. I don't believe that a person's race/gender should be factored in unless the job specifically needs a certain look to be filled (i.e. acting). If a woman has the necessary skills and is proficient at her job, and there isn't a better fit from another equally skilled applicant, she should be given the job. The same is true for men.

The main thing is that we are different. Our emotional makeup is different. The way that we think, process things and are physically built. Also, our purposes on earth are different.

We have different roles in life, especially when it comes to religion. I believe that women are placed in the submissive role and that men are placed in the assertive role.

I don't believe that the Bible gives women the biblical authority to be in a position of power over men (1 Corinthians 11:3, 1 Timothy 2:11-14). This doesn't mean that God doesn't value women or use them to prophesize (Acts 21:9) and witness. It all just goes back to being created differently with different purposes in life (1 Corinthians 11:8-9).

Ok, now that we know where I am coming from, let's see if we can explore some answers for the many questions that hit me when watching this movie.

1. Is the reasoning used by the Catholic Church solid and the claim to tradition strong enough to justify their opposition to a female priest?

Well, in the movie their reasoning was "Jesus Christ didn't appoint a woman as an apostle" and their claim to tradition was that it had always been men in the positions of power. While both of these are true, I don't believe these are the strongest arguments. I personally feel that the Church should have focused more on what exactly the Bible says about women and authority.

Also, if you watch the movie, the plaintiff's attorney (Aaron Tveit) completely tears down the arguments of tradition and Jesus not appointing women as apostles, therefore stronger arguments are necessary.

2. Does Feminism have a leg to stand on or is this an issue that shouldn't have anything to do with woman power?

Of course one of the underlying themes in this film is feminism and women wanting women to succeed. Just watch how the defendant's attorney shows the bias of the psychiatrist who evaluated Alejandra's capacity to be an applicant to the seminar (discrediting her in the process).

But should those themes be a part of this discussion? I don't think so. I believe that this isn't a matter of equal rights, but a matter of God-given roles in life. It's about the fact that God appointed that authority to men and not to women.

3. Should the separation of Church and State play a role in whether legal action can actually be taken in this case?

There is a very fine line here. But overall, I believe that the justice system should have stayed out of it. I think this is something that should have been researched and proven outside of the courts, as it is a religious matter.

4. So, who is right? The woman or the Catholic Church?

I believe the neither are right based on their claims. I believe that God has made it clear that women shouldn't be in those positions of authority, but I don't believe that the Catholic Church's reasons (as mentioned above) were right. Nor do I believe that the woman was right for believing she was called to be a priest.

Overall, this movie gave me the opportunity to dig into what the Bible says about our roles in life and I am glad I watched it. If you have an opinion on the matter, feel free to share. I would love for y'all to dig into the answers biblically and see what God has to say about these issues!