All world religions have dedicated substantial thought and consideration towards regulating a body of morals and norms, particularly regarding sexuality and gender roles. Christianity, and principally, the Catholic denomination, advocates the delegation of roles to both genders while confirming equality. This essay will explore the Catholic perception of gender and sexuality whilst outlining any changes in the interpretation of the Holy Bible so as to adhere to social values over time as well as addressing conflicts that have risen within this community.
As stated in the New Living Translation Bible: "God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." (Genesis 1:27) This alludes to the difference between men and women from the rest of the created life forms as unique and distinctive, and assigns both males and females a certain kind of dignity and value that is not given to God's other creations. [10] In value, men and women are equal on the premise that they are image bearers of God. [7] The Bible elucidates in its early chapters that man and woman were made to complement one another and affirms that "there is neither male nor female if [they] are one with Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:27).
The Holy Bible is very clear of the expectations and divisions between men and women in the home and church, and because of these expectations, God has allocated certain roles for both to fulfil. These differences are irrespective of value or ability, but are rather, God's approach for authority and order in the home. [8] This complementarian view of the male/female relationship expounds that while men and women are equally valuable, they are created with complementary purposes so that they might satisfy what the other lacks. [8] Although Catholics generally uphold a view of parity among both genders, there is a common view that, as Christ is the head of the Church, males are the head of the family.
