A Theology of Love

Prepared by Anj Cayabyab,

Luis Genato, Mikaela Gonda

WHAT IS
RESTRICTIVE
TRADITIONAL
MORALITY?
The traditional notions of binary gender and sexuality (e.g., male/female,
heterosexuality/homosexuality, masculinity/femininity) are not universal or absolute
and can be transformed, blurred or redefined depending on historical, social, and
cultural contexts. People's lived experiences of gender and sexuality may challenge or
expand these binaries, highlighting the diversity and complexity of these
phenomena.

HISTORICAL
MISOGYNY
St. Augustine of Hippo's ideas about
women are very limited, and he
suggests that women are useless if
they don't bear children. This limited
view portrayed women as objects to
fulfill men's sexual desires and bear
offspring.

Martin Luther's views on women were

highly limited to serve only men's interests.
He thought that women had two roles -
either to be wives or prostitutes denying
other roles that women could perform in
the society.

Some figures within history tended

to exploit the Bible’s text to justify
their misogynistic views, perceiving
women as inferior to men. This point
of view is incorrect and the actual
message of the Bible is far from
that.
DEALING WITH RESTRICTIVE
TRADITIONAL MORALITY
Christianity emphasizes humanization
and becoming whole in Jesus.
Sexual behavior is secondary to
brotherhood in Christ.
Sexual behavior is not something central
to the message of Christianity, and what
is more important is being brothers and
sisters under Christ. The idea of
humanization and becoming whole again
under Jesus is a more compelling story
than the sexual drive or sexual attraction.
Sexual behavior or sexuality is on the side
when it comes to the good news of the
Kingdom of God.

WHAT TEACHERS CAN DO

For teachers, it is essential to engage
in ongoing reflection about their
own values and beliefs. As they
teach students about morality, they
should encourage critical thinking
and self-reflection and create a safe
space for students to ask questions.

Teachers should also seek out additional

resources to deepen their understanding of
the Church's teachings on sexual morality.
This can be particularly helpful for teachers
who may feel uncertain or conflicted about
particular issues. The Church has many
resources available, including encyclicals,
pastoral letters, and catechisms.

Ultimately, teachers must balance the Church's

teachings with their own conscience and
understanding of morality. They must approach the
issue with compassion and sensitivity, recognizing
the diversity of beliefs and experiences among
their students. By modeling empathy and respect,
they can create a positive learning environment
where students feel valued and heard.