Lived Experience and the Search for Truth: Revisiting Catholic Sexual Morality
Apr 5, 2025
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Deborah Savage, a theology professor specializing in St. John Paul II's anthropology, teams up with Robert Fastiggi, an expert in ecclesiology and moral theology. Together, they delve into the tension between subjective and absolute truths in Catholic sexual morality. They analyze personal narratives of those who strayed from church teachings, emphasizing the Church's role in guiding individuals back to fulfillment. Highlighting the interplay of gender identity and morality, they advocate for compassionate discourse in understanding personal and ecclesiastical truths.
The podcast explores the integration of lived experiences with Catholic teachings, using personal narratives to affirm traditional sexual morality.
It highlights the negative consequences of the sexual revolution, emphasizing increased loneliness and disillusionment, especially among young people.
The authors advocate for compassionate engagement with modern issues, utilizing Socratic questioning to encourage reflection on personal experiences in relation to Church teachings.
Deep dives
The Structure and Purpose of the Book
The book discusses the structure and purpose of its chapters, emphasizing the integration of lived experiences with theological truths. The authors begin with theoretical foundations derived from Catholic teachings and gradually transition to personal testimonies, showcasing how these experiences align with traditional Catholic sexual morality. This method serves to address the skepticism some have toward church teachings by presenting real-life experiences that affirm those doctrines. The combination of rigorous academic theory and relatable personal narratives aims to resonate with contemporary audiences and facilitate a deeper understanding of Catholic values in modern life.
The Impact of the Sexual Revolution
The discussion highlights the adverse effects of the sexual revolution on contemporary society, particularly focusing on the emotional and relational upheaval it has caused. It argues that the sexual revolution has contributed to increased loneliness, disillusionment, and a breakdown of traditional relationships, especially among young people. The authors point to the disconnect between the promised liberation and the actual outcomes, noting how many individuals feel lost in a culture that encourages instant gratification rather than meaningful connections. This reflection serves to underline the necessity of upholding traditional moral teachings that promote human flourishing and genuine happiness.
The Role of Lived Experience
The book emphasizes the significance of lived experience as a lens through which individuals can interpret and understand their own identities and decisions. It suggests that personal narratives can illuminate the deeper truths of faith, revealing how traditional teachings on sexuality correlate with individual experiences of fulfillment. In particular, testimonials from individuals who have journeyed away from destructive lifestyles demonstrate how they found meaning and happiness through embracing Catholic principles. This perspective aims to challenge the notion that subjective experience alone defines reality, advocating for a balanced approach that values both lived experiences and the Church's moral doctrine.
Engaging with the Modern Context
A key point made in the conversation is the necessity of engaging with modern cultural contexts, particularly when addressing sensitive issues like gender and sexuality. The authors advocate for a compassionate and understanding approach to discussions about individual struggles with identity, emphasizing the importance of listening and building relationships. By using Socratic questioning techniques, they encourage individuals to reflect on their experiences critically and consider how these relate to broader truths about human nature as articulated by the Church. This method aims to foster a dialogue that ultimately leads individuals to recognize the value of traditional teachings in addressing contemporary challenges.
Theological Foundations and Natural Law
The book reinforces the importance of grounding discussions on sexuality and gender in sound theological principles and natural law. It argues that the Church’s teachings are not merely ideological constructs but are based on an understanding of human nature that reflects God's intention for humanity. The authors further contend that contemporary societal issues, such as gender dysphoria and sexual confusion, can often be traced back to misunderstandings rooted in flawed anthropologies and ideologies. By reclaiming a proper understanding of human dignity and purpose, the authors suggest that individuals can find true fulfillment and live in alignment with their created nature.
“What is truth?” Pontius Pilate scoffed at Jesus (Jn 18:38), and that’s how we think about matters today in our culture—subjectively: my truth, your truth, etc. To make the argument that there is a knowable Truth (with a capital T) that is written in the world and in our bones, theologians Deborah Savage and Robert Fastiggi examine a selection of autobiographical accounts of ‘lived experience.’ They take a number of personal essays written by those who have erred from the path of Catholic social teaching and sexual morality—in the dark forest of the world, to borrow from Dante—and their subsequent disappointments and suffering. They examine these narratives through the anthropology of John Paul II and the authority of the physical and social sciences, including medical doctors. So, there is Good News for all of us: if we find ourselves lost and unhappy in our errant meanderings, the Church can bring us home. We can always choose, as God reminded Cain gently (Gen 4:7), “sin is couching at the door; its desire is for you, but you may overcome it.”
The article we refer to by Leah Fessler, “A Lot of Women Don’t Enjoy Hookup Culture—So Why Do We Force Ourselves to Participate?” Quartz Online, May 17, 2016.
Robert Fastiggi’s previous appearance on Almost Good Catholics, three years ago (recorded in February of 2022, on the eve of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine):
