Gender essentialism in Catholicism claims that masculinity and femininity are fixed, divinely ordained traits. This belief fuels rigid hierarchies, from Theology of the Body to online “Theobros” and “Tradwives” who push outdated gender roles. Even Mary’s image has been weaponized to enforce purity and submission. But Catholic history is more complex—full of diverse depictions of Mary, queer saints, and traditions that challenge rigid binaries. A faith that embraces human dignity in all its forms is not weaker, but stronger.
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“The whole of human history does not contain a single instance of a group becoming more civilized unless it has been absolutely monagomous, nor is there an example of a group retaining its culture after it has adopted less rigorous customs.”