12 Comments

I appreciate this so much Emily-

“the Church does not call us to recommit ourselves to what is simply “traditional.” Rather, she calls us to recommit ourselves to “fidelity to the Gospel vision,” (Letter to Women, 3).”

Expand full comment

I've thoroughly enjoyed this whole series! Thanks so much for taking the time to cover this topic so comprehensively. I especially love the note at the end of this conclusion about Tradition vs. traditional. I recently listened to a podcast episode where the hosts explored how our concept of "traditional" male and female gender roles in modern times are actually Victorian/ post-industrial revolution, and could be traced back ideologically to Jean Jacques Rousseau during the Enlightenment. I found it humorous (ironic?) considering that many who ascribe to "traditional" gender roles today might take umbrage if they knew these ideas stemmed from a time where secular humanism can trace its roots. It was quite a fascinating listen, and definitely calls into question our affinity for looking backwards to some time in history where mankind peaked, as though those times were devoid of their own issues.

Expand full comment

Do you mind sharing the podcast episode you referenced? I would like to listen to it. Thanks!

Expand full comment

Absolutely! I hope you enjoy it! It was an episode of a podcast called The Literary Life". https://open.spotify.com/episode/1yk0WDXQddVWD1aqXbSUmv?si=1mnSCFU9QfugY63K4LTm3w

Expand full comment

Such excellent writing, Emily! You do such a great job answering these propositions from the manosphere with educated, theological, and historical intelligence! It feels so difficult to discuss these ideas with the fan-boys because they simply refuse to engage on an intellectual or historical level, or just hand pick their church quotes it is becomes so frustrating so quickly. The Theology of the Body really gives us an understanding of our anthropology, not a formula, but a better way of being human.

Expand full comment

I feel like I should be paying you much more than $6/ month for this kind of wisdom. Thank you for this 💛

Expand full comment

I listened through once and really need to take time to read and/or listen again! The “rich young man” comparison is so appropriate. It struck me when watching “Shiny Happy People” that so many just want to be told what to do. We want a nicely laid out manual for getting our families to heaven. And since God Himself won’t speak to us in words we can easily hear, we allow charismatic individuals (whom we believe to be God’s voice) tell us what to do. It’s a cop out, and a very detrimental one.

Thankfully we have the Scriptures, writings like TOB, and the graces of the Sacraments—which we should be giving much more weight to than the words of any Catholic celebrity.

Thank you, Emily, for sharing your knowledge and wisdom with us!

Expand full comment

Yes yes yes. Gorgeous and full of (nuanced and non-prescriptive) truth! Thank you for the effort you’ve put into this series!

Expand full comment

Excellent as always!

Expand full comment

I listened and now will read and listen again! I get so interested in something you are saying that sometimes I’m not listening but thinking! Thank you 🙏

Expand full comment

Thank you so much for this!

Expand full comment

This is exquisite! Thank you so much for doing this series!! 🫶🏻

Expand full comment