8.135. What’s wrong with Catholic women being feminists too?
This question assumes that feminism is compatible with Catholic truth—when in fact, it is a diabolical inversion of God’s order. Feminism, even in its “moderate” forms, promotes rebellion against divine roles, hatred of motherhood, equality at the cost of complementarity, and the dethronement of Our Lady as the model woman. No form of feminism—first wave, second wave, or “Catholic feminism”—can coexist with the true Catholic Faith.
Feminism is fundamentally anti-Catholic, because it rejects the divine order of creation. It began not as a call for justice, but as a revolution against authority, hierarchy, and family—all of which reflect the order God built into the world.
A woman cannot be both Catholic and feminist, because the Catholic woman submits to God’s will, honors her role as woman, and imitates the Blessed Virgin Mary—who never demanded “equality,” never protested “patriarchy,” and never sought the altar or the pulpit. She is Queen of Heaven precisely because she embraced humility and obedience.
Feminism, by contrast, exalts pride, rebellion, equality without order, and the rejection of spiritual motherhood.
Even so-called “Christian feminism” is poisoned by the same principles: it subtly teaches that women are “oppressed” unless they imitate men, speak in Church, or demand power. That is not Catholicism—it’s spiritual mutiny.
| Category | Traditional Catholic Womanhood | Feminism (Including “Catholic” Feminism) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Role of Women | Complementary to men; distinct vocations | Equality = sameness; roles must be interchangeable | Feminism denies God-ordained difference |
| Dignity | Comes from God; lived in humility, purity, obedience | Measured by power, autonomy, and public visibility | Real dignity is spiritual, not political |
| Model Woman | Mary: lowly, obedient, hidden, exalted by God | Eve: rebellious, dissatisfied, seeking control | You cannot be a feminist and Marian at the same time |
| Motherhood | Holy vocation; path to sanctity | Optional lifestyle; even “oppression” | Feminism despises motherhood unless it’s voluntary and secondary |
| Authority | Accepted with reverence: father, priest, husband, Church | Viewed with suspicion or resentment | Feminism breeds rebellion—not holiness |
| Church Roles | Sanctify the world through prayer, service, and vocation | Demand altar access, voting rights, preaching | The altar is not a place for political agitation |
| Marriage | Mutual self-gift; headship of husband honored | Equality in decision-making; submission rejected | Scripture and tradition uphold male headship in the home |
| Fruits | Saints, vocations, strong families, joyful obedience | Confusion, contraception, divorce, rebellion, barrenness | “By their fruits you shall know them” (Matt. 7:16) |
Summary:
There is no such thing as “Catholic feminism.” There are Catholic women and there are feminists—but the two are in conflict at the root.
Feminism, at its core, is rebellion. It says:
“I will not serve,” “I will not be subject,” and “I will define my own identity.”
Catholic womanhood says:
“Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done unto me according to Thy word.”
The Church does not need more women trying to be men. It needs more women like Mary, Monica, Joan, Clare, and Therese—who changed the world through silence, prayer, obedience, and love of Christ.
Feminism ends in pride and ruin. True Catholic womanhood ends in sanctity and Heaven.