Integrating Spirituality and Psychology: Insights from St. John Paul II

Do you know the limitations of St. Thomas Aquinas’ “pre-microscope” view on gender, and how it is still influencing the Church today? In this special episode on the feast of Pope St. John Paul II, Dr. Greg unpacks why JP2’s teachings on gender, identity, and what it means to be human are exactly what the Church—and the world—needs right now. 

Discussed in this episode:

• The limitations of Aquinas’ “pre-microscope” view on gender and how it still influences erroneous views of gender roles;
• The “truth bomb” of JP2 that reshapes our understanding of gender, identity, and the dignity of the human person;
• The shift from a “pre-microscope” to “post-microscope” view of gender and why it matters;
• JP2’s teachings as a foundational response to today’s trans and gender identity confusion;
• Why mutual submission between men and women is essential to true equality;
• How Protestant approaches to gender often swing between extremes: complementarianism vs. egalitarianism;
• The Catholic response is a “both/and” approach in contrast to “either/or” pendulum swings;
• How JP2’s insights into human dignity answer today’s questions on gender and identity;
• Why Pope St. John Paul II is considered the most impactful Catholic psychologist of the 20th and 21st centuries;
• Why JP2’s teachings serve as a lighthouse through today’s “isms” and ideological shifts;
• Why understanding true human dignity is essential to addressing gender confusion.

Resources mentioned or relevant: 

• The Personalism of John Paul II by Dr. John Crosby 
• Person and Act by Pope St. John Paul II 
• Please share your feedback and questions: drgreg@catholicpsych.com
• Previous podcast series on the psychology of JP2:
  • Episode 180: The Psychology of JP2: A Bold Proposal
  • Episode 182: Delving Deep into the Human Experience
  • Episode 183: The Lead Domino Effect: Transformation Begins with a Blueprint
  • Episode 184: Secrets to Succeeding in Marriage
• Learn more about gender complementarity:
  • Blog article: Celebrating the Differences of Men and Women
  • Blog article: God Created Us to Need Each Other
  • Episode 149: A New Approach to the Gender Crisis
  • 4-part series on Gender Fluidity or Complementarity?
• Mulieris Dignitatem – JP2’s apostolic letter on the dignity and vocation of women
• Witness to Hope by George Weigel – An in-depth biography exploring John Paul II’s life, influence, and vision
• Learn more about the Theology of the Body:
  • Man and Woman He Created Them (original text by JP2)
  • Theology of the Body Explained by Christopher West
  • TOB Books and Resources by Jason Evert
  • Theology of the Body Institute 
• Need help? Schedule a free consultation to discuss your next best step; 
• Feeling called to help others? Learn more about our Certification program (CPMAP): CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism;
• Sign up for Being Human, our weekly newsletter, to stay up to date on the exciting developments at CatholicPsych;
• Visit our website to read the CatholicPsych blog, shop in the CatholicPsych bookshop, or discover other resources we have available;
• Download The Integrated App for access to free audio exercises, courses, prayer resources, and more;
• Become a member of the Integrated Life Community to get access to every course Dr. Greg has created, plus the opportunity to participate in Integrated LIVE’s - weekly, Mentor hosted Q&As covering topics like boundaries, communication, trauma, forgiveness, and more!
• Follow: 
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatholicPsych 
  • Instagram: @catholicpsych 
  • X: @CatholicPsych

Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you!

Rate, review, and subscribe

Please help us in our mission to integrate the Faith with Psychology by hitting subscribe and also sharing this podcast with your friends.

Please consider rating or leaving a review of our show. It helps us reach other Catholics just like you who want to become more integrated, whole, and happy human beings.

For Apple podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate 5 stars, and choose “write a review.” Then type your sincere thoughts about the show!

If you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on any episodes. Subscribe to the podcast now!