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Women, Sex and the Church: A Case for Catholic Teaching
The contributors to Women, Sex, and the Church challenge the common misconception that Catholic teachings are anti-women and anti-sex. Instead, these women explore how controversial teachings on abortion, sex, marriage, contraception, and reproductive technologies evidence the Church's love of women.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 5, 2018
Women, Sex and the Church is well written and insightful book on the Catholic Church and her teachings on women and sex. This book is divided into multiple essays which each address a topic on the Church's teachings on femininity and sexuality. Topics addressed include: abortion, premarital sex, marriage, contraception, infertility treatments, the reasoning for an all male priesthood and an essay exploring the role of women both in the private and public settings.
The points made in this book are all well cited and provide strong arguments against modern secular and feminist claims that the Church is anti-woman and anti-sex. Through the sciences as well as through theological insight these essays explore and address how the Church is actually very pro-woman and how the Church in her wisdom encourages the protection of human dignity through the promotion of teachings which reverence the beauty and power of sex and provide for the common good of each individual and society as a whole.
"What is pro-woman? A pro-woman sexuality is one that looks honestly at the female body and the female heart. It does not deny a woman's natural desire for or response to sex, but instead recognizes its beauty within the proper context. A pro-woman sexuality is one that honors both women and sex, and prescribes ways to safeguard their dignity and inherent value. The joy of being a Catholic woman is that we have these safe-guards and moral standards outlined in our faith. And even more, we have the sacramental grace to aid us in our commitment to them." (pg 77)
I would recommend this book to anyone who wishes to further understand the Catholic Church's teaching related to women, family and sexuality. For those who agree with the Catholic Church in these areas but want to learn more, it provides a wonderful explanation of each of these issues and includes a bibliography which provides a wealth of information to explore in further study. For those who do not currently agree with some (or all) of the Church's teachings regarding sex and women, the arguments provided in these essays would be helpful in further understanding the reasoning behind each teaching as well as demonstrations on how these teachings can be the answer to many of the social problems which continue to plague our society. As the conclusion states: "The Church has always been well regarded, inside and out, for her commitment to the poor, to those who are materially and spiritually burdened. Sociologist and economists of all stripes are now beginning to see the sense in Church teaching on sex and marriage as well." (pg 185)
The points made in this book are all well cited and provide strong arguments against modern secular and feminist claims that the Church is anti-woman and anti-sex. Through the sciences as well as through theological insight these essays explore and address how the Church is actually very pro-woman and how the Church in her wisdom encourages the protection of human dignity through the promotion of teachings which reverence the beauty and power of sex and provide for the common good of each individual and society as a whole.
"What is pro-woman? A pro-woman sexuality is one that looks honestly at the female body and the female heart. It does not deny a woman's natural desire for or response to sex, but instead recognizes its beauty within the proper context. A pro-woman sexuality is one that honors both women and sex, and prescribes ways to safeguard their dignity and inherent value. The joy of being a Catholic woman is that we have these safe-guards and moral standards outlined in our faith. And even more, we have the sacramental grace to aid us in our commitment to them." (pg 77)
I would recommend this book to anyone who wishes to further understand the Catholic Church's teaching related to women, family and sexuality. For those who agree with the Catholic Church in these areas but want to learn more, it provides a wonderful explanation of each of these issues and includes a bibliography which provides a wealth of information to explore in further study. For those who do not currently agree with some (or all) of the Church's teachings regarding sex and women, the arguments provided in these essays would be helpful in further understanding the reasoning behind each teaching as well as demonstrations on how these teachings can be the answer to many of the social problems which continue to plague our society. As the conclusion states: "The Church has always been well regarded, inside and out, for her commitment to the poor, to those who are materially and spiritually burdened. Sociologist and economists of all stripes are now beginning to see the sense in Church teaching on sex and marriage as well." (pg 185)
October 28, 2019
I found this entire collection to be more "this is what radical feminists believe" more than the actual Catholic teachings.
I understand the format: Each essay begins with the apparent worldview on each topic, from reproductive issues (i.e., contraceptives and fertility) to the work/home balance. I learned a lot about radical feminists, but I don't think those views are anything near what your average woman/feminist actually believes. I found them to be presented more for the shock value than an actual basis for comparison.
The most informative essay was the one on fertility, which offered natural, Church-okay'ed methods to infertility treatments. The author herself went through it, and you can tell that she knows her stuff. The rest of the essays read like dissertations, which isn't inherently bad, but not exactly what I came here for.
But, it does challenge the core of modern-day feminism. It discusses the harmful effects of the sexual revolution a lot, even in those sections that aren't outwardly about sexuality. Because at its root, this "freedom" has caused more problems than solutions, and that affects nearly every facet of today's society.
I understand the format: Each essay begins with the apparent worldview on each topic, from reproductive issues (i.e., contraceptives and fertility) to the work/home balance. I learned a lot about radical feminists, but I don't think those views are anything near what your average woman/feminist actually believes. I found them to be presented more for the shock value than an actual basis for comparison.
The most informative essay was the one on fertility, which offered natural, Church-okay'ed methods to infertility treatments. The author herself went through it, and you can tell that she knows her stuff. The rest of the essays read like dissertations, which isn't inherently bad, but not exactly what I came here for.
But, it does challenge the core of modern-day feminism. It discusses the harmful effects of the sexual revolution a lot, even in those sections that aren't outwardly about sexuality. Because at its root, this "freedom" has caused more problems than solutions, and that affects nearly every facet of today's society.
October 28, 2024
Clear, wise, charitable, resolved. A worthwhile pairing with her most recent book, The Rights of Women.
June 5, 2022
An insightful collection of essays attesting to the beauty of the Church's picture of feminism: beginning with human dignity and relationships to others, based in feminine genius and not trying to imitate men in an attempt to gain economic or professional success at the cost of one's nature.
December 5, 2017
This was an interesting set of essays. Even though I’m catholic there was some interesting perspectives. Also the opposing view points didn’t change my mind, but gave me something more to think of and wonder. It is important to know how others feel to understand their positions. I’m glad I read these essays.
June 4, 2018
Great discussion and arguments for current women's issues. Definitely needs to be spread around to counteract erroneous thoughts concerning women's fertility, motherhood and roles in the church in society today.
Highly, highly recommended.
Highly, highly recommended.
November 13, 2020
Interesting series of articles broadly developing topics surrounding women in relationships with men, each other, and God.
March 28, 2014
4 stars because this book is beautifully and elegantly written, explaining the Church's sexual teachings and views on women in clear, intelligent, and compassionate terms. Moments of these chapters were truly inspiring--the Church embraces a "women are different" brand of feminism that argues women have a valuable perspective/contribution to make by virtue of their femininity and this is an idea, if you accept a male/female gender binary, that can be extraordinarily empowering to the average woman. That said, as a Catholic woman who finds herself on a similar footing with the secular feminists that this text often rails against, I also wanted, at times, to throw this book against the wall. I guess that's why what I appreciated most about this book was its references to Catholic dissidents and those theologians who challenge these teachings without ever denying/challenging the inherent Catholicism of those dissidents and theologians. While the Church hierarchy may be consistent and unified in its teaching, the Church itself, "the body of Christ," is far more diverse, struggling and seeking their individual paths among their fellow faithful.
February 9, 2017
This collection of essays from Catholic women explain perfectly how the Catholic Church's most controversial teachings actually function to protect the equality and dignity of all women from the toxic patriarchal culture of which many modern-day feminists have (perhaps unknowingly) assimilated in order to promote their individualist brand of feminism. It was a stimulating read.
May 4, 2012
A very useful book addressing questions of interest to many contemporary readers. The essays cover all the major questions people have about women and the Catholic Church and are consistently even-handed and well-written. Buy it for the college-age Catholic woman who is not sure what to make of her Church. It could be the difference.
Professors take note, it could even make a great textbook for a college course about women and the Church, though you would obviously want to supplement it with other readings, many of which could be found in the bibliography of this book.
Professors take note, it could even make a great textbook for a college course about women and the Church, though you would obviously want to supplement it with other readings, many of which could be found in the bibliography of this book.
January 4, 2012
This is a compilation of essays by highly-qualified contributors about the Catholic Church's teaching about issues related to women, including abortion, contraception, sex, infertility treatments, and even balancing work and family. There were two chapters that were so good I marked them and asked my husband to read them. On the back cover, Kimberly Hahn calls it a "tour de force" and that nails it. A great read and it gets my highest recommendation.
February 16, 2025
By far my favorite book on New Feminism. It presents a great case for why the Catholic Church is an institution that cares about women, despite what our mainstream culture says. I find myself returning to this book whenever I want a refresher on the Church and women's issues. Definitely would recommend!
January 7, 2013
A very enlightening text that confidently explains the Catholic Church's teachings about sex, birth control, abortion, & the priesthood, among other things, as they impact women.
August 30, 2016
Gives a clear picture of what the Catholic faith's teachings are, which is what I was looking for. Interesting perspective.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews