“The Hour of Woman” and Edith Stein: Catholic New Feminist Responses to Essentialism

Abstract

This article examines how Edith Stein’s philosophical and theological anthropology is foundational to the “new feminism” that both Paul VI and John Paul II called for in the wake of the Second Vatican Council. In particular, this article shows how Stein helps to respond to Simone de Beauvoir’s argument that taking women’s biology into consideration leads to essentialism with political implications. This article outlines main themes in the new feminism, and gives a brief overview of the ideas about the “hour of woman” and the “feminine genius” pronounced by popes Paul VI and John Paul II. This article then describes and analyzes Stein’s psycho-physical theory of the human person. Finally, this article considers the importance of Stein’s thought for feminist theology, with brief application to the issue of the ordination of women to the priesthood.

Gender Equality Theology and Essentialism: Catholic Responses to Gender‐Based Violence and Inequality in Papua New Guinea

“…Hermkens 2007; Jolly 1996, 1997). Some scholars are convinced that the Catholic Church's teachings have reduced and constituted what it means to be a woman ‘to an essence that is determined by female biology’ (Köhler‐Ryan 2020:1). This is exemplified in Pope John Paul II's 1995 ‘Letter to Women’, in which he calls upon women as mothers and wives.…”

“…This is exemplified in Pope John Paul II's 1995 ‘Letter to Women’, in which he calls upon women as mothers and wives. However, this gender essentialism, as well as Catholic women's subordinate position and character, has been challenged by feminist theologians in various ways (for example Bal 2001; Köhler‐Ryan 2020). At the same time, laypeople have also interpreted Catholicism in progressive and, or egalitarian ways (see for example Fedele 2013; Hermkens et al 2009).…”

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“…The psycho-physical theory of totality developed among experts and realized that people who experience mental disorders, because they feel difficult, anxious or hesitant to face something, actually affect their physical condition [9]. In sports activities, to achieve high achievements, certain psychological aspects are needed; For example, in archery, athletes must be able to focus well, calmly, confidently, and with high concentration despite noise and wind disturbances.…”