THE FEMINIZATION OF THE CHURCH?

More and more, it seems that the Catholic Church in tone and practice is becoming the province of women.  I would extend this observation to the whole of Western civilization as well.

Now I am aware that these states are controversial to be sure.  I believe I will catch quite a bit of flack over this post.  So be it!

But there definitely seems to be a trend at work in the Church.  I recently read excerpts from a book by Dr.Leon Podles entitled, The Church Impotent:  the Feminization of Christianity. 

Dr. Podles suggests that the Church can trace this feminine trend as far back as the beginning of the 1800s, with the dawning of the Industrial Revolution.  He theorizes that large numbers of men went to work in mines, mills and factories usually far removed from home and provincial parishes.  The women stayed behind and began introducing a feminine character within their churches. 

Dr. Podles further proposes for serious consideration the fact that the Victorian Era saw the rise of church nurseries, Sunday schools, quilting circles, ladies’ sodalities and teas, soup kitchens, and a host of charitable initiatives directed at the poor and downtrodden.

Dr. Podles may or may not be correct in his analysis of the beginning of this feminizing trend with the Church, but what is certain is the fact that women have firmly established their presence within parish life, especially with regard to the various ministries related to the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy.

On any given weekend, Greeters, Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist, Lectors, Cantors, Music and Choir Directors, even Altar Servers are predominately women.  Not that I believe there has been a conscious effort to drive men away from these ministries, but rather most men are quite comfortable in accepting the idea that such ministerial service is particularly suited to women who are by nature more nurturing than men.

But the feminine influence is not only apparent in terms of ministry, it seems that the very definition of Christianity itself has changed. 

Frankness and boldness in the proclamation of the Gospel truths are out.  Sensitivity and passivity are in.  Catholics nowadays are expected to be gentle, non-judgmental, sensitive and caring.  Greater attention is paid to fostering family life than to personal career advancement and accomplishment. 

The virtues of the Christian believer are now considered to be calmness, politeness, and a openness to everyone without exception. 

For the most part, it has been a quiet revolution of sorts.  Yet, it is harder and harder for men to find a comfortable foothold in their churches anymore because they must conform themselves into an atmosphere of gentility and sensitivity which is quite foreign to the male mind set.  A case in point:  it’s quite intimidating for a man to hold hands in a circle, to emote in public, or to imagine falling deeply in love with another man (even if his name is Jesus).

One need only listen to the undertone of much of what Pope Francis has to say about living the Gospel to realize that the days of Pope Leo the Great, and Pope Pius IX are over indeed!

Catholicism today is of a softer, gentler brand. 

Perhaps, my views are founded upon very stereotypical constructs regarding men and women.  However, one must admit that the image of the Church as the Militant Defender of the Gospel, the days of having “lions” in our pulpits have come and gone, probably forever.

I admire those men who still remain faithful to the practice of their Catholic Faith.  I just wonder how comfortable we make men feel when we immerse them in what is clearly a continually feminine milieu.

My thoughts on the matter.  What thinkest you?