True and False Empowerment

Some stories have recently made news regarding young women auctioning off their virginity in order to put themselves through college or otherwise achieve wealth. One involved a student from California, the other, a young woman from Italy. The California student, who went by the pseudonym Natalie, was reported to have said that she felt "empowered". The auction was to take place on the website for a legal brothel in Nevada. "Natalie", 22, hoped to get a masters' degree in marriage and family therapy.
A mens' magazine model from Naples, Italy, also decided to sell her virginity. Raffella Fico, the 20 year-old, hopes to become an actress and would use the money from the winning bid for acting lessons. Adding to the uproar over this story is the fact that her brother was reported to have told a magazine that Rafella is a devout Catholic. Many Catholics and other Christians were offended by this statement.
Adding to the debate is the fact that feminists seem to be somewhat divided over the issue of prostitution, as well as the adult entertainment industry. Many radical feminists are very vehemently opposed to legalized prostitution, feeling that it puts women in a place of being inferior to men. Another very real concern is that extreme coercion, if not actual force, is often involved. Some, on the other hand, feel that the legalization of prostitution would prevent much of the exploitation that takes place. Still, others think that feminists ought to embrace prostitution because they believe it gives them freedom of choice over their sexuality. With these varying opinions within the feminist movement, it's hard to tell whether the pro or anti positions will ultimately prevail.
Some on the pro side cite religious fundamentalism as the reason for opposition to prostitution and "adult entertainment". In their view, people who oppose prostitution are narrow-minded bigots with no real respect for women. They see Christianity as oppressing rather than liberating women, despite the Bible's inclusive treatment of women. Sadly, their impression of women in Christianity is tainted by very unhealthy expressions of the faith. As a Christian, I find it very sad indeed that some cannot see that an early Church worldview towards women (as opposed to modern fundamentalism) is far more empowering than seeking to be valued as a sex object.
How does the Bible empower women? One of the first examples can be found in the description of the ideal wife in Proverbs 31. Far from the "barefoot and pregnant" image that some have, this is a woman who cares for her home AND provides for her family. Seeking the common good rather than putting one's own needs first was a foundation of Biblical society. This view of the woman's unique place in Biblical society is detailed on author Elizabeth Fletcher's website. This is a balance that many seem to aspire to but have a hard time maintaining in our hectic present day. Having an income of one's own is not only allowed in the Bible, but encouraged.
Jesus' earthly life and ministry brought about a new role in the lives of women. Some of his earliest followers were women, who He taught as He did the male disciples. He also interpreted Jewish laws concerning divorce in a way that protected women against being divorced by their husbands for wrongful or frivolous reasons. It also seems that the early Church had several women who were in leadership positions such as Prisicilla, the wife of Aquila; Phoebe; and Apphia, all of whom were contemporaries of St. Paul
Far from being oppressive of women by nature, Christian teachings provide more hope and empowerment for women than prostitution or other practices that demote women to a lower status. After all, both men and women were created in the unique image of God. All of us are given unique talents and abilities that help us to fulfill our earthly purpose. Any "empowerment" that's based on devaluing the uniqueness of a person for their sexual abilities isn't really empowerment, but chauvinism.