How do you reconcile feminism with Catholicism?
First you reconcile John Paul II with Catholicism.
You start with the assumption that John Paul II was indeed a real pope (not an anti-pope) and that Benedict XVI (also a real pope) is in the process of declaring him to be a Saint, not merely a saintly person. This will lead to the recognition that John Paul II was not a heretic, and thus you will know that you can reconcile him with the rest of Catholicism, though it may take some time.
Then you take that time.
And when you are done, you will look to the side and see that–by the Great Saint Anne!–you’ve reconciled feminism with Catholicism!
+1
Also, St. Edith Stein.
I need some more dots please (not because I disagree, but because I am learning). Resources will be fine
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Forgive me if this is too basic. I’m not sure how much of John Paul II you’ve read.
A good starting point is Evangelium Vitae, where he explicitly called for a form of feminism.
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_25031995_evangelium-vitae_en.html
After this I would suggest Mulieris Dignitatem…
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_letters/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_15081988_mulieris-dignitatem_en.html
And his Apostolic Letter to Women
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/letters/documents/hf_jp-ii_let_29061995_women_en.html
I recommend reading these directly rather than popular books on the subject, because they frequently oversimplify and suggest that “New Feminism” is all about being a good stay at home mom, when that’s not what John Paul II actually said.
I really wish I could agree with you, and that I could publicly explain why I’ve never felt JPII was on my side. That said, I’m a crazy Catholic feminist.
Thanks for the list. I’m really interested on the life of John Paul II and his theologies.
I’ve been influenced by my friend to have this feminist ideology. Let’s see where it takes me after reading these.