John Paul on "Woman"
John Paul views women as key players in a true and authentic transformation of culture. He says, ‘Women first learn and then teach others that human relations are authentic if they are open to accepting the other person: a person who is recognized and loved because of the dignity which comes from being a person and not from other considerations, such as usefulness, strength, intelligence, beauty or health. This is the fundamental contribution that the Church and humanity expect from women. And it is the indispensable prerequisite for an authentic cultural change’ (Evangelium Vitae 99). This, in a nutshell, is his view of woman’s basic vocation: women only find themselves by giving love to others through this special awareness and sensitivity for human beings in all circumstances (Mulieris Dignitatem 30).
At the heart of the matter, he is saying that "woman is first and foremost a mother" and it is in this way that she may be a catalyst for change. Addressing women he says, "You are called to bear witness to the meaning of genuine love, of that gift of self and of that acceptance of others…which ought also to be at the heart of every interpersonal relationship. Motherhood involves a… unique contact with the new human being developing within that gives rise to an attitude towards human beings; not only towards her own child, but every human being, which profoundly marks the woman's personality" (Evangelium Vitae 99).
By examining woman from an anthropological and theological perspective, he determines that physical and spiritual motherhood lived authentically may bring about a lasting change in society and culture. This type of influence may be most effective in the family, but is also needed through woman’s participation at all levels of society. Woman’s God-given feminine traits of self-gift, empathy and entrustment of the ‘other’ are meant to be used at the service of the Church and society, especially within the family. This nurturing of the human person at all levels is a primary means that God uses in intermingling with the world.
John Paul builds a case that women recognizing and living from their true vocation may have a formidable impact on all interpersonal relationships, be it as mother, wife, sister, daughter, friend or colleague, which will then in turn be the basis for a cultural transformation. He sees this as occurring through the use of what he terms the "genius" of women: her mission of motherhood and her mission to society. As we explore these areas, our hope is to educate and exhort women to act on their specific mission, so that they may ultimately affect society, for the better, for Christ.
At the heart of the matter, he is saying that "woman is first and foremost a mother" and it is in this way that she may be a catalyst for change. Addressing women he says, "You are called to bear witness to the meaning of genuine love, of that gift of self and of that acceptance of others…which ought also to be at the heart of every interpersonal relationship. Motherhood involves a… unique contact with the new human being developing within that gives rise to an attitude towards human beings; not only towards her own child, but every human being, which profoundly marks the woman's personality" (Evangelium Vitae 99).
By examining woman from an anthropological and theological perspective, he determines that physical and spiritual motherhood lived authentically may bring about a lasting change in society and culture. This type of influence may be most effective in the family, but is also needed through woman’s participation at all levels of society. Woman’s God-given feminine traits of self-gift, empathy and entrustment of the ‘other’ are meant to be used at the service of the Church and society, especially within the family. This nurturing of the human person at all levels is a primary means that God uses in intermingling with the world.
John Paul builds a case that women recognizing and living from their true vocation may have a formidable impact on all interpersonal relationships, be it as mother, wife, sister, daughter, friend or colleague, which will then in turn be the basis for a cultural transformation. He sees this as occurring through the use of what he terms the "genius" of women: her mission of motherhood and her mission to society. As we explore these areas, our hope is to educate and exhort women to act on their specific mission, so that they may ultimately affect society, for the better, for Christ.