New Feminism / Feminine Genius Jasmine Winchester Feminism v. New Feminism Feminism- the belief that women should be allowed the same rights, power, and opportunities as men and be treated in the same way, or the set of activities intended to achieve this state New Feminism- a form of Christian feminism that emphasizes the integral complementarity of men and women, rather than the superiority of men over women or women over men, while advocating for respecting persons from conception to natural death Cambridge Dictionary The Introduction of New Feminism ● New Feminism was introduced by Pope John Paul II through his letter, Mulieris dignitatem (On the Dignity and Vocation of Women) in which he spoke directly to women ○ “A woman, as well as a man, must understand her fulfillment as a person, her dignity and vocation, according to the richness of the femininity [...] as an expression of the ‘Image and likeness of God’ that is specifically hers” ○ ‘A woman’s dignity is closely connected with the love which she receives by the very reason of her femininity; it is likewise connected with the love which she gives in return. The truth about the person and about love is thus confirmed.” ● Pope John Paul II links this term to the “genius” of women (aspects of the female person that make her unique to men): the ideas of female sensitivity, maternity, receptivity, and generosity The Introduction of New Feminism (cont’d) ● Chapter I - Introduction ○ Purpose of New Feminism: understanding the differences between males and females; importances female dignity and vocation ● Chapter II - Woman-Mother of God ○ Every human is created and called for full union with God with Mary’s being “‘the most complete expression of this dignity and vocation.” ● Chapter III - The Image and Likeness of God ○ The human person is considered to be the peak of creation; we are mutually “self gifts” that offer continual life in both a physical and divine sense ● Chapter IV - Eve ○ Men and women both suffer equally as a result of Original Sin; therefore, it cannot be said that one raise is deemed superior to the other; when a woman is diminished, a man is diminished and vice versa The Introduction of New Feminism (cont’d) ● Chapter V - Jesus Christ ○ Instances of Christ’s encounters with women in the Gospels; the love and respect he offers them must be translated in today’s society ● Chapter VI - Motherhood ○ Through the gift of marriage, women have a special role, and only a woman’s structure (physical and spiritual) is capable of bringing life, an aspect that must be met with gratitude and appreciation ● Chapter VII - The Bride of the Church ○ A wife or any woman for that matter is not subject to the will of any man ● Chapter VIII - “The Greatest of These is Love” ○ Elaborates on the feminine genius aspect of new feminism in saying moral and spiritual strength are rooting in embracing femininity and the support of all women ● Chapter IX - Conclusion ○ Overall gratitude is expressed to women in their assumption of “a common responsibility for the destiny of humanity” Critical Concern - Women and Society ● As stated by the Sisters of Mercy, there are beliefs centered in female education, health, and spirituality ○ Pertaining to New Feminism - the Sisters of Mercy advocate for the rights of all women when they face repression and inequality in society ● The female person is authentic in her “genius”: we all have talents, personalities, gifts, and roles in society ● The Sisters also see womanhood in its truest form, the body and soul of a woman are not sources of limitation and inequality ● Jesus approached women with openness, tenderness, and respect because these are actions necessary to achieve God’s plan for salvation and His love The Church’s Stance Pope Benedict XVI ● Pope Benedict is known to some as the greatest feminist ● His writings in is work, Holy Women, expresses his gratitude for the feminine genius seen throughout history ○ Works of women have resulted in countless victories for the “People of God”; Pope Benedict elaborates on 17 of these holy women including St. Hildegard of Bingen, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Joan of Arc The Church’s Stance (cont’d) Pope Francis ● Shows respect for all women especially those who work through struggles and trauma in disadvantaged areas ○ Praises female apostolic communities ○ Has halted the Vatican II Council’s negative and submissive interpretations of female roles in the Catholic Church ● Unlike many previous popes, Pope Francis has discusses controversial issues that will include women on a grander scale in the Catholic Church ● Has a firm belief in discernment and an openness to the spirit of all The Church’s Stance (cont’d) Scripture ● “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion” (Genesis 1:26) ● “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth” (Genesis 1:28) ● “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” (Isaiah 1:17) ● “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me” (John 17:22-23) Works of Mercy Coupled with New Feminism ● Instruct the Ignorant ○ Many people, including myself, have limited knowledge on New Feminism and the genius of women. It is important to educate others on this topic, thus promoting female equality along with female uniqueness. By working with others, a mutual understanding can be achieved and women can reach the stance we have been striving for. ● Forgive All Injuries ○ Throughout history, we are all aware of the numerous injustices women have experienced and are still experiencing throughout the country and around the globe. The Church calls us to forgive those who have wronged us in the past and work not against them, but with them in the hopes of a brighter future and societal gain. Statement by Helen Alvaré Solutions and Outreach ● Leadership Conference of Women Religious ● Women’s Consultation Group ● International Women’s Day ● Women’s Ordination Worldwide ● The Catholic Feminist Podcast My Viewpoint ● It is important to acknowledge the feminist beliefs and stance, both secular and religious, since education and discussion with both men and other women on this issue may eliminate some of the stigma surrounding New Feminism and the true genius of women. We can then be advocates for ourselves and each other which is crucial at this point in our lives especially as we are nearing adulthood. ● Thankfully, I have not been a part of any difficult situations as a woman of color, but I have heard about experiences from other women who have been through such experiences unfortunately. ○ Amazon, Audible, and Disney Executives ● Hearing such experiences has allowed me to view New Feminism through a more personal lens, affirming for me its reality and how we must work together to promote female equality in society today. Sources ● http://catholicleader.com.au/people/guest-writers/celebrating-blessed-john-p aul-iis-new-feminism ● http://mural.uv.es/nocermo/alvare.htm ● https://www.ncronline.org/blogs/simply-spirit/francis-and-feminism ● https://www.osv.com/OSVNewsweekly/ByIssue/Article/TabId/735/ArtMID/1 3636/ArticleID/4314/New-feminism-shines-light-on-true-genius-of-women.as px ● https://theimaginativeconservative.org/2014/09/benedict-xvi-feminist.html ● https://w2.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/letters/1995/documents/hf_jp-ii _let_29061995_women.html ● https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALccgl4Molk ●.