Published : 2020-11-10

New feminism of John Paul II. Critical evaluation from a Catholic-feminist perspective

Abstract

It seems quite obvious that the so-called new feminism, clearly associated with the teaching of John Paul II, is not particularly enthusiastically received by the feminist authors of the mainstream feminism. The article begins with examples of criticism of the new feminism undertaken by two outstanding feminist theologians, Elżbieta Adamiak and Elizabeth Johnson, in order to assess the legitimacy of the allegations they make, both from the perspective of feminist postulates as well as the tradition and teaching of the Catholic Church. The text also tries to show the deepest reasons for the discord between the new feminism and the mainstream feminism. It sees them, above all, in free adopting of the post-enlightenment idea of freedom as total autonomy by the mainstream authors and the resulting undervaluation of traditional female values such as dependence, weakness, receptivity and sensitivity. However, the article also shows common points between the papal teaching on women and gender differences, and the views of the feminist authors. Finally, the text indicates some starting points for further reflection on the key questions of feminism: who is in such a way that stereotypical feminine values are noticed and highly valued? It also raises the question of whether the new approach to gender difference has a chance to contribute to building a healthier anthropology that sees humans not only in their greatness and strength, but also in weakness, fragility and dependence?

Keywords

theological anthropology ; sex differences ; feminist theology ; new feminism ; John Paul II antropologia teologiczna ; różnica płciowa ; teologia feministyczna ; nowy feminizm ; Jan Paweł II



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