In Praise of Woman- Theological Considerations

IN PRAISE OF WOMAN Volume -1 This book buries the myth that a man claiming to write on woman is asking for trouble. Written by a Catholic priest, it speaks eloquently of the competency of a celibate man to handle the issue with care, precision, discernment and deep understanding. The author takes a close look at the issue and explores it from every possible angle to get to the core of the problem. The author's unique opportunity at the confessional wherein women open up and pour out their hearts to a trustworthy person, his years as director of retreats and courses for sisters besides being a regular professor of moral theology at several theological institutes for women stand him in good stead to give full justice to the topic. DrFelix Podimattam is one of the best-known moral theologians in India and outside. Besides his full time job as a professor, he finds time to write books at an amazing rate. He has authored 85 books. Besides his Master's degree in Political Science from the University of Mysore, he holds a Licentiate in Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, and subsequently a Doctorate in Moral Theology from the Alphosian Academy, Rome, His post-doctoral studies were pursued in Washington, DC, U.S.A. At Present he is professor of moral theology at St. Francis Theological College, Kottayam, Kerala. CONTENTS PREFACE INTRODUCTION CHAPTER ONE. MISUNDERSTANDINGS SURROUNDING NATURE OF WOMAN 1. Sexism 1.1. The Psychology of Sexism 1.1.1. The Development of Inferiority Feelings in Individuals 1.1.2.The Spread of Inferiority Feelings to Certain Groups in Society 1.1.3.The Need for Status in an Organized Society 1.1.4. Patterns of Reaction to Internal Feelings of Inferiority 1.1.5.Some Theories as to Why Women Accept Subordinate Status More Easily Than Men 1.2. Sexism in Society 1.2.1. Sexism in People's Lives 1.2.2.Sexism in Education 1.2.3. Sexism in Employment 1.2.4.Sexism in Family Life 1.2.5.Sexism in Politics and Public Life 1.2.6.Sexism in Age 1.2.7.Sexism in India 1.3. Sexism in the Church 1.4. Critique of Sexism 1.4.1. Alleged Reasons for the Superiority of Men 1.4.1.1.BiologicalReasons 1.4.1.2.Psychological Reasons 1.4.1.3.Sociological Reasons 1.4.1.4.Economic Reasons 1.4.1.5.Biblical Reasons 1.4.1.6.Other Reasons 1.4.2. Tragic Consequences of Sexism 1.4.3. No Classification of the Sexes 1.5. Man and Woman Are Equal 1.5.1. Arguments for the Equality of Man and Woman 1.5.2. Equality is Not Sameness =1.5.3. Partnership between Man and Woman 1.5.3.1.Definition of Partnership 1.5.3.2.Conditions for Partnership 1.5.3.3. Historical Instances of Partnership 1.5.3.4.Meaning of Parity of Partnership 2. Radical Feminism 2.1. Definition of Feminism 2.2. Varieties of Feminism 2.3. History of Feminism 2.4. The Feminist Critique 2.5. Feminism in the Ecclesial Context 2.6. Critique of Radical Feminism 2.7. Pastoral Considerations CHAPTER TWO. PROPER UNDERSTANDING OF NATURE OF WOMAN 1. Positive Theology of Woman 1.1. Revelation and Women 1.2. Christ and Women 2. Systematic Theology of Woman 2.1. Mystery of the Image of God 2.2. Mystery of Complementarity 2.2.1. Man and Woman Are Complementary 2.2.3.Spiritual Aspects of Complementarity 2.3. Mystery of Bipolarity 2.4. Mystery of Relationality 2.4.1. Man and Woman as Mystery of Love 2.4.1.1.Sexuality as Drive towards Interpersonal Relationship 2.4.1.2.Sexuality as Medium of Love 2.4.1.3.Sexuality as Creative of Love 2.4.2.Relationship between Man and Woman as Fundamental to Human Existence 2.4.3.Healthy Interaction with Woman as a Must for Man to Achieve Wholeness 2.5.Mystery of Procreation 2.6.Woman as Mother 2.6.1.Insights from Philosophy 244 2.6.2.Insights from Psychology 2.6.3. Insights from Sociology 2.6.4.Insights from Biology 248 2.6.5.Insights from Spirituality 2.6.6.Insights from Authority 2.6.7.Insights from Witness of Mothers 2.6.8. A Tribute to Mother 2. 6.9. Critique of Traditional Role of Motherhood 2. 6.10.Pastoral Reflections 2.7. Woman as the Homemaker CHAPTER THREE. A NEW LIFE PLAN FOR WOMAN CONCLUSION END NOTES INDEX