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Introduction: A Silence That Cries Out to Heaven
We live in times of confusion. Words that once had firm meanings—man, woman, family—now seem to dissolve into a mist of ambiguous concepts. Meanwhile, many shepherds maintain a bewildering silence. Fear? Diplomacy? Blindness? We do not know. But what we do know is that the truth remains, and whoever seeks it will find it, for “the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).
Today, we are going to dive clearly and charitably into one of the most urgent topics of our time: gender ideology. We will do so in the light of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and Sacred Scripture, guided by the living Tradition of the Church. Our purpose is not to condemn, but to illuminate and accompany, offering a practical guide to resist the storms of error and live in the truth of the Gospel.
1. What Is Gender Ideology?
Gender ideology claims that biological sex (being male or female) does not necessarily determine gender (masculine or feminine identity), which is instead a social construct each person can define for themselves. According to this view, there are no essential differences between man and woman; everything is fluid, relative, and changeable.
This ideology has infiltrated public policies, education, media, laws, and even ecclesial environments. It is presented as a “liberation,” but in reality, it proposes a deeply materialistic and nihilistic vision of the human being.
The theological root of the error is clear: it denies that God created humanity “male and female” in His image and likeness (Genesis 1:27).
“Does not the potter have power over the clay?” (cf. Romans 9:21). In the Christian vision, we do not invent ourselves; we receive our existence as a gift.
2. What Does the Catechism of the Catholic Church Say?
Although it does not explicitly mention the term “gender ideology” (as it was promulgated in 1992, before its widespread expansion), the Catechism provides very clear principles to judge it in the light of faith:
- Sexual identity is a gift from God: “Man and woman have been created, which is to say, willed by God: on the one hand, in perfect equality as human persons; on the other, in their respective beings as man and woman.” (Catechism, n. 369)
- Sexual difference is willed by God: “Sexuality affects all aspects of the human person in the unity of his body and soul. It especially concerns affectivity, the capacity to love and to procreate, and in a more general way the aptitude for forming bonds of communion with others.” (Catechism, n. 2332)
- Chastity and respect for the body are mandatory: “Everyone, man and woman, should acknowledge and accept his sexual identity.” (Catechism, n. 2333)
The Catechism teaches that despising one’s biological sex or attempting to change it is an attack against the integrity of the person and the will of God.
3. A History of Rebellion: Cultural and Philosophical Roots
To understand why gender ideology has triumphed in just a few years, we need to look at its history.
- 19th century: philosophers like Marx and Engels claimed that sexual differences were social constructs imposed by the system of private property. The class struggle needed to extend to a struggle against the family.
- 20th century: the atheistic existentialism of Simone de Beauvoir (“One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman”) and the psychoanalysis of Freud planted the idea of a sexuality liberated from any natural or divine norm.
- 1990s: queer theory (Judith Butler) promoted the idea that gender is totally independent of biological sex and can be changed at will.
This process was neither casual nor spontaneous. It was a deliberate cultural program to destroy the traditional Christian family—the vital nucleus of any healthy society—and redefine human nature according to ideological criteria.
4. Why Do Many Bishops Remain Silent?
Many shepherds fear being labeled “intolerant,” “homophobic,” or “reactionary.” They fear losing media favor, being persecuted by the state, or even being marginalized within the Church itself.
Others have been confused by a false charity, which confuses loving the sinner with justifying the sin. However, true love entails telling the truth with gentleness and firmness.
Jesus Himself gave us the example:
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.” (John 15:18)
The true shepherd does not abandon his sheep when wolves come, even if it costs him his life.
5. Practical Guide for Catholics: How to Resist Gender Ideology
a) Solid Formation
Get informed, study the Catechism, read Church documents such as:
- “Letter to the Bishops of the Catholic Church on the Collaboration of Men and Women in the Church and in the World” (2004)
- “Male and Female He Created Them”, from the Congregation for Catholic Education (2019)
Do not be deceived by emotional slogans! Ignorance is the first step toward ideological slavery.
b) Fortitude in Testimony
Do not be afraid to respectfully express the truth about man and woman. Do not conform to the fashions.
When you educate your children, participate in public debate, or simply converse with friends, be a witness to the truth with charity and courage.
“Be as shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16)
c) Prayer and Penance
The struggle is not only intellectual: it is spiritual. The confusion of our time is the work of the evil one, “a liar from the beginning” (John 8:44).
Pray daily for the conversion of hearts, offer sacrifices, and remain united to Christ through the sacraments.
d) Active Defense of the Family
Support schools, associations, parishes, and movements that promote the Christian vision of family and sexuality.
The Christian family is the first trench where gender ideology is fought!
6. Hope Amidst the Battle
Even though the panorama may seem grim, Christ has overcome the world (cf. John 16:33). The truth will not be destroyed, because it is stronger than any lie. The Church has endured worse storms and has emerged purified and more radiant.
What is left for us is to be faithful, small instruments in God’s hands, sowers of truth and love, even if we do not see the immediate fruits.
Let us remember the words of St. Paul:
“Proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching.” (2 Timothy 4:2)
Conclusion: Being Light in the Darkness
Gender ideology is a historic challenge for today’s Christians. It is not enough to lament or hide. We must go out to meet the world, be light and salt amid a confused and wounded world!
The truth about man and woman is not a burden, but a joyful liberation. Living according to the truth makes us fully human, fully children of God.
So, do not be afraid. You are not alone. The Church, the Catechism, Sacred Scripture, and Christ Himself, Risen and victorious, are with you.
“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
