Abigail Favale’s The Genesis of Gender: A Christian Theory is a timely and thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between gender and the Christian understanding of human nature. Favale, an academic and a convert to Catholicism, provides a nuanced and scholarly critique of contemporary gender theories while grounding her insights in a Christian framework that affirms the goodness of the human body, sexuality, and identity. In this review, I will examine how Favale’s arguments relate to Catholic psychology and the development of a healthy, integrated identity.
The Theoretical Framework
At the heart of The Genesis of Gender is Favale’s engagement with the radical shifts in our culture’s understanding of gender. She charts the philosophical and cultural movements that led to the modern gender theories of fluidity, self-identification, and the decoupling of gender from biological sex. Drawing on sources from feminist theory, postmodern philosophy, and secular psychology, Favale critiques the ideological assumptions that drive these contemporary views, such as the idea that gender is purely socially constructed or that it can be entirely self-determined.
In contrast to these contemporary theories, Favale presents a Christian anthropology that begins with the belief that human beings are created by God, male and female, with inherent dignity and purpose. She argues that gender is not a mere social construct, nor is it an arbitrary label that one can change at will. Rather, it is deeply embedded in the human body and reflects God’s design for complementarity and relationship. This grounding in the Christian understanding of creation provides the foundation for the author’s thesis: gender, in its essence, is part of God’s plan for the human person, and to live in accordance with this plan is to embrace the fullness of one’s identity.
Catholic Psychology and Gender Identity
One of the key insights of The Genesis of Gender is its connection to Catholic psychology, particularly in the area of identity development. Catholic psychology emphasizes the holistic integration of the person—body, mind, and soul—while respecting the objective truth of human nature as revealed through divine revelation. In the context of identity development, Catholic psychology teaches that a healthy sense of self emerges when the individual recognizes both their created nature and their vocation to live in communion with others, especially through the lens of their sexuality and gender.
Favale’s analysis of gender identity aligns with these principles. She critiques the modern, secular approach to gender identity, which often emphasizes subjective feelings and personal choice, detached from the biological and relational realities of being male or female. This individualistic approach, Favale argues, contributes to confusion and psychological distress, as it separates identity from the objective truth of the body and the larger story of salvation. In contrast, a Catholic understanding of gender affirms that identity is formed not in isolation but in relationship to God and others. It is through the recognition of one’s inherent dignity as a son or daughter of God, with the gendered nature given by Him, that true identity flourishes.
Favale also speaks to the importance of understanding gender within the context of vocation—how one is called to live out their identity in a way that serves the good of others and the fulfillment of God’s plan. This resonates deeply with the work of Catholic psychologists who stress the developmental importance of finding one’s identity through healthy attachment, understanding one’s role in the family and community, and discovering one’s unique gifts and mission in the world.
Healthy Identity Development in Light of Gender
The connection between Favale’s work and Catholic psychology becomes even clearer when we examine the role of gender in healthy identity development. Catholic psychology emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance, integration, and wholeness in the formation of a strong identity. A person’s understanding of their gender, as Favale argues, plays a significant role in this process. A person who is able to embrace their created gender in relation to their biological sex is more likely to develop a coherent sense of self, grounded in both objective truth and a healthy relationship with others.
Favale’s critique of the modern “gender revolution” and its impact on mental health dovetails with Catholic psychological teachings on the importance of living in accordance with one’s natural identity. Numerous studies have shown that individuals who experience gender dysphoria or who undergo gender transitions often struggle with high rates of anxiety, depression, and regret. From a Catholic perspective, these psychological struggles may stem from the tension between a person’s lived experience and their deeper, inherent identity—an identity that is not self-constructed but divinely designed.
Favale’s book encourages readers to reflect on the role of the body in the formation of identity and the importance of affirming the goodness of one’s gendered nature. This reflects Catholic psychology’s emphasis on the body-soul unity: the body is not a mere vessel or a secondary aspect of the self, but an essential part of who we are. Our bodies, in their male or female form, carry meaning, purpose, and truth that cannot be divorced from our psychological and spiritual development.
Integrating Faith and Psychology
What makes The Genesis of Gender particularly valuable is its integration of faith and reason—specifically, its ability to bridge theology, philosophy, and psychology in a way that is accessible and engaging. Favale’s writing does not simply offer a critique of modern gender theory; it also offers a vision of what it means to be fully human and fully oneself in light of Christian teaching. By rooting gender identity in the context of divine creation, she opens up a framework for understanding gender that is both psychologically sound and theologically rich.
Catholic psychology, with its focus on human dignity, vocation, and the integration of body and soul, aligns with Favale’s call for a recovery of a Christian anthropology that recognizes the truth about gender. Rather than succumbing to a reductive view of gender as a social or psychological construct, Favale advocates for a view of gender that is rooted in the deep reality of the body and its relation to the Creator. This understanding supports healthy identity development, which is rooted not in the rejection of the body or the denial of gender but in the affirmation of one’s identity as male or female, as a unique reflection of God’s image.
Conclusion
Abigail Favale’s The Genesis of Gender offers a robust Christian perspective on the complex issues surrounding gender identity in contemporary society. Her work is deeply relevant to Catholic psychology, as it affirms the dignity of the human person, emphasizes the importance of living in accordance with God’s plan, and highlights the significance of gender in the healthy development of identity. By encouraging a return to a more integrated and holistic understanding of human nature, Favale’s book provides a valuable resource for anyone seeking to navigate the challenges of gender and identity in a way that is both psychologically sound and spiritually fulfilling. For Catholics seeking to understand gender through the lens of faith, The Genesis of Gender offers a deeply insightful and transformative vision of what it means to be authentically human.
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