The Genesis of Gender: A Christian Theory

When I read Abigail Favale's first book about her faith journey a couple years back, it served as a tangible reminder of how unexpected the Holy Spirit direct influence can be - both in our individual lives, and in the world and culture at-large. Dr. Favale brings an amazing perspective to the topic of gender identity. It's a combination of scripture, theology, philosophy, psychology, pop-culture insight and human empathy that's only possible in an honest discussion from a person committed to highlighting the truth, beauty and goodness of creation. I gave up a lot of hope in a lot of things when I was working on a thesis about Margaret Sanger in grad school. What was the point of calling out how insane that philosophy was when it's clear the world wants to go insane. 25 years later, reading a book like this I am reminded whose world this actually is and that God will always illuminate the paths back to Him no matter how distant we stray. Thanks to Abigail for putting the time and work into this. I'm sure it will help many people understand how we got to where we are - and how we can navigate through what is sure to be crazier times to come.

Abigail Favale brings historical and theological reflections together in a way that makes for profound reflection. As an evangelical Christian, it has proven really helpful to read thoughtful Catholic reflections on one of the toughest topics of our time. This is not an exegetical argument for a Christian understanding of sexuality and gender, but Favale brings deep theological reflections to the surface in a way that makes a compelling case. An extraordinarily helpful contribution to this discussion.

When I heard Abigail Favale interviewed on Pints with Aquinas, I instantly knew I had to buy her book! I've been looking for good Catholic resources on understanding gender and womanhood, and I just haven't been able to find anything--or, I've only found books written by Catholic men, which is fine but, as Abigail points out, men and women are different! Would absolutely love to hear more from her. My first question (also explored by Matt Walsh in his recent documentary) was, "What is a woman?" Abigail answered it with wit, wisdom, and cold hard facts. My next question is, "What does it mean to strive for ideal womanhood?" I only wish the book was long enough to answer that, because something tells me the author would have some fascinating things to say. Well, I'll have to wait for the next book!

Abigail Favale provides a profound Christian perspective regarding today's gender theory. It is Christian because it is grounded in both Christian truth and Christian compassion.

Génesis of gender provided a clear explanation of the philosophical and theoretical foundations behind modern gender views. Favale contrasts these views with the Theology of the Body in a way that allows the reader to understand its dichotomies and which one is based on truth. A must read for all!

Dr. Favale has a unique intellectual background that enables her to speak to the current cultural confusion in the area of gender and sex with clarity and purpose. She has great sympathy for the project of feminist thought but also the philosophical tools to offer a compelling critique of some excesses in the area of feminist - intersex- and gender theory. What she establishes with some clarity is our cultural need for a more robust philosophy of nature to offer clarity in an area that can either undermine or affirm the beauty of being a person. Dr. Favale is a much needed voice of reason in an area of thinking dominated by murky and conflicted reasoning.

What is a Christian view of gender? When is affirmative care reductionist? Could affirmative care affirm misogyny? Favale has given me so much food for thought and done it in an accessible, loving and profoundly informed manner. As I read, I’m rejoicing to be a woman. Highly recommended.

This book is carefully researched and rests on the results of hard and honest thought. It is also approachable even for the laymen. It nevertheless is important for any scholar in the field of human sexuality, for it provides an important critique to the modern (and mythological) zeitgeist that has brought us to where we are in this nation in terms of our thinking about sexuality and most especially in terms of our willingness to carve up our children in our attempt to prove that nonsense really is truth.

We’ll worth the read. A good overview of how we got to where we are today and a reminder of the goodness of God.