Separating the Wheat from the Chaff in the Catholic Church’s “Gender Ideology”: A Sociological-Synodal Analysis

Applying Pope Francis’s synodal theological approach and sociological arguments, this chapter aims to unpack fact from fiction in the Catholic Church’s concept of “gender ideology.” It specifically clarifies the nature of gender, ideology, gender theory, and feminist gender theory in sociology. It argues that the Catholic Church’s adoption of a strictly philosophical approach to morality is a primary factor in the misconception of the true nature of the sociological and feminist views on gender and gender theory that are present in gender ideology. It recommends a synodal dialogue between Catholic moral theologians and gender sociologists and feminists to reconcile conflicting views and achieve inculturated synodal moral teachings.