Is Feminism Good or Bad?

 

by CAPP-USA

 

What is Feminism?

Feminism is a broad movement advocating gender equality in political, social, and economic spheres. It encompasses various perspectives (Christian, secular, radical), but at its core, it seeks to challenge and dismantle gender-based discrimination and promote equal opportunities.

Feminism has its historical origins in the 18th century in efforts largely centered on advocating for women’s education, intellectual equality, and basic legal rights. These efforts laid the foundation for 19th- and 20th-century feminist movements that pushed for voting rights, property rights, and broader gender equality.

What is Radical Feminism?

Radical feminism holds that patriarchy is the core system of oppression and is deeply embedded in society.

This requires dismantling and fundamentally restructuring society, rather than simply reforming laws and policies. It challenges or rejects institutions that uphold patriarchy (e.g., marriage, traditional family structures).

Radical feminism seeks to erase differences between men and women turning them into rivals, not collaborators…and certainly not communions of love.

What Does the Church Say About Feminism?

1. IT REJECTS RADICAL FEMINISM

 

The Catholic Church distinguishes between legitimate feminist concerns, such as equal rights and dignity, and radical feminist ideologies that oppose Church teachings on gender, family, and human nature. “[E]quality of dignity does not mean ‘sameness with men“. (Pope St. John Paul II)

Men and women “are not meant to be rivals.” (Pope Francis)

“An exaggerated feminism, which means that women become like chauvinists, does not work.” (Pope Francis)

“Mention can also be made of a certain feminism which looks on motherhood as exploiting women and as an obstacle to her full realization.” (Synod on the Family Report, 8)

“I certainly value feminism, but one that does not demand uniformity or negate motherhood.” (Pope Francis, 173)

“No response to women’s issues can ignore women’s role in the family or take lightly the fact that every new life is totally entrusted to the protection and care of the woman carrying it in her womb.” (Pope St. John Paul II)

2. IT SUPPORTS THE GOALS OF FEMINISM

 

The Church recognizes the dignity, equality, and contributions of women while upholding differences in their roles.

“[W]e must…see in the women’s movement the working of the Spirit for a clearer recognition of the dignity and rights of women.” (Pope Francis, 54)

“Greater efforts are needed to eliminate discrimination against women in areas that include education, health care and employment.” (Pope St. John Paul II)

“There should be no doubt that on the basis of their equal dignity with men ‘women have a full right to become actively involved in all areas of public life, and this right must be affirmed and guaranteed, also, where necessary, through appropriate legislation.'” (Pope St. John Paul II)

“The feminine genius is needed wherever we make important decisions.” (Pope Francis)

“[E]quality of dignity does not mean ‘sameness with men”. (Pope St. John Paul II)

The Church Calls for a New, Christian Feminism

Christian feminism advocates for gender equality while remaining rooted in Christian faith and biblical principles. It encourages women’s participation in society and the Church without rejecting traditional values of family and motherhood.

Pope St. John Paul II made “a heartfelt appeal that everyone, and in a special way States and international institutions, should make every effort to ensure that women regain full respect for their dignity and role.” (Letter to Women)

Christian feminism also recognizes women’s rights and concerns while affirming their unique gifts, particularly in family, motherhood, society and faith.

“[I]t is necessary to counter the misconception that the role of motherhood is oppressive to women, and that a commitment to her family, particularly to her children, prevents a woman from reaching personal fulfilment, and women as a whole from having an influence in society.” (Pope St. John Paul II)

CORE BELIEFS OF CHRISTIAN FEMINISM

 

Equal Dignity and Worth of Women and Men – Christian feminism affirms men and women are equally made in God’s image and should have the same dignity, opportunities, and rights. It challenges cultural and historical inequalities without rejecting God’s design for gender and family.

We must recognize “the unique role which women have in humanizing society and directing it towards the positive goals of solidarity and peace.” (Pope St. John Paul II)

Biblical Basis – Christian feminism highlights how Jesus uplifted women in ways that defied cultural norms:

• Jesus spoke to and taught women (John 4:7-30, Luke 10:38-42)
• Women were the first witnesses to His resurrection (Matthew 28:1-10)
• The early Church had female leaders, such as Priscilla, Phoebe, and Junia (Romans 16)

Empowering Women in the Church – It advocates for greater roles for women in the Church, challenging restrictions on women’s leadership while affirming biblical teachings on spiritual authority.

“The Church gives thanks for all the manifestations of the feminine ‘genius’…she gives thanks for all the charisms which the Holy Spirit distributes to women…she gives thanks for all the fruits of feminine holiness.” (Pope St. John Paul II, 31)

“The church is a spouse. We have not developed a theology of women that reflects this…that is the Marian principle, which is the principle of femininity (femineidad) in the church, of the woman in the church, where the church sees a mirror of herself because she is a woman and a spouse.” (Pope Francis)

Support for Women’s Rights in Society – Christian feminism supports equal pay, education, protection from violence, and healthcare access while maintaining pro-life views and family values.

“The challenge facing most societies is that of upholding, indeed strengthening, woman’s role in the family while at the same time making it possible for her to use all her talents and exercise all her rights in building up society.” (Pope St. John Paul II)

“In transforming culture so that it supports life, women occupy a place, in thought and action, which is unique and decisive. It depends on them to promote a ‘new feminism’ which rejects the temptation of imitating models of ‘male domination’, in order to acknowledge and affirm the true genius of women in every aspect of the life of society, and overcome all discrimination, violence and exploitation.” (Pope St. John Paul II, 99) 

Bottom Line

The Church calls for a “new feminism” that upholds equal dignity while respecting the natural differences and roles of men and women. It is rooted in a correct understanding of the human person.

“[O]ur time in particular awaits the manifestation of that ‘genius’ which belongs to women”. (Pope St. John Paul II, 30)

The Catholic Church supports women’s dignity and social participation but criticizes secular and radical feminism for promoting abortion, gender ideology, and the rejection of complementarity between men and women.

“As you reflect on the role of women in the promotion of human rights…correct any misconception that Christianity is simply a collection of commandments and prohibitions. The Gospel is a message of joy which encourages men and women to delight in spousal love”. (Pope Benedict XVI)

Christian Feminism vs. Secular & Radical Feminism

 

ASPECT	CHRISTIAN FEMINISM	SECULAR FEMINISM	RADICAL FEMINISM
View of Gender	Men and women are equal in dignity but have different roles	Gender differences are social constructs	Gender is a tool of oppression by patriarchy
Role of Religion	Works within Christianity to promote equality	Often neutral or critical of religion	Views religion as oppressive to women
Approach to Family	Supports family and motherhood as valuable callings	Often neutral on family roles	Often critical of marriage and motherhood as patriarchal institutions
View on Abortion	Pro-life, valuing both mother and unborn child	Generally “pro-choice”	Strongly “pro-choice”, seeing abortion as a key feminist issue