Introduction: Overview of the Book

This chapter introduces the main arguments, methodology, and theoretical foundation of the book, together with an overview of the social background, research gap, and contribution to the literature. The book is a critical investigation of what has been called “gender ideology” (GI) in the Catholic Church as a moral panic, and of its alleged serious threats to humanity, family, children’s welfare, and human dignity. Both Pope Francis’s synodality and inductive synodal theology, and sociological perspectives on gender, gender theory, gender diversity, and LGBTQI inclusivity are explored. The chapter outlines the major areas of conflict between the proponents of GI, led by Catholic bishops and moral theologians, and advocates of gender diversity, led by pro-gender sociologists, feminists, activists, and LGBTQI leaders, seeking to find common ground for synodal dialogue and inculturation.