Barbra Bottaro, wife of psychologist Dr. Greg Bottaro, shares her insights on marriage and family life from a Catholic viewpoint. The couple explores the complex idea of mutual submission in relationships, challenging traditional gender roles in family leadership. They discuss the cultural challenges of viewing submission as a shared responsibility, and how mutual trust is crucial for effective decision-making. Their candid conversation sheds light on navigating conflicts while respecting each partner's contributions, emphasizing that family leadership is a partnership, not a solo endeavor.
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insights INSIGHT
Misogyny in the Church
Historical gender roles are rooted in interpretations of Genesis and Ephesians.
These interpretations, like Aquinas's view of male headship, impact current Church culture.
insights INSIGHT
Mutual Submission in Ephesians
St. Paul's emphasis on husbandly love addresses men's historical outward focus.
It seeks to correct the imbalance created by the Fall, not establish male dominance.
insights INSIGHT
Nuance of Mutual Submission
Mutual submission requires ongoing navigation and nuance in every moment.
It's a subtle dance of give-and-take, not a fixed set of rules.
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Karl Stern's "Flight from Woman" delves into the complexities of human relationships, particularly focusing on the interplay between reason and intuition. Stern argues that Western culture has prioritized reason over intuition, leading to an imbalance in how we understand and interact with each other. He explores how this imbalance affects men and women differently, highlighting the often-overlooked role of intuition in human experience. The book challenges traditional gender roles and encourages a more holistic approach to understanding human relationships. Stern's insights offer a critical perspective on the cultural forces that shape our perceptions of masculinity and femininity.
Mulieris Dignitatem
Mulieris Dignitatem
On the Dignity and Vocation of Women
Pope St. John Paul II
In "Mulieris Dignitatem," Pope St. John Paul II offers a profound reflection on the dignity and vocation of women. He explores the unique contributions of women to the Church and the world, emphasizing their essential role in the mystery of salvation. The document challenges traditional interpretations of women's roles, promoting a more nuanced understanding of their equality and complementarity with men. John Paul II highlights the importance of women's participation in all aspects of Church life and society. The document remains a significant contribution to Catholic feminist thought and continues to inspire dialogue on gender equality within the Church.
Summa theologica
Thomas Aquinas
The Summa Theologica is a comprehensive work divided into three parts. The first part deals with God, the creation of the world, angels, and the nature of man. The second part is subdivided into two sections: the first part of the second part discusses general principles of morality and law, while the second part of the second part addresses morality in particular, including individual virtues and vices. The third part, left unfinished by Aquinas, focuses on the person and work of Christ and the sacraments. The work also includes a posthumous supplement that concludes the third part and discusses Christian eschatology. Aquinas drew on Aristotelian and Augustinian influences and aimed to integrate faith and reason in his theological arguments[1][2][4].
This week, Dr. Greg is joined by his wife, Barbra, to explore the often-misunderstood concept of mutual submission in marriage. Together, they share how they navigate leading their family—the joys, the messiness, and everything in between. Don’t miss this candid discussion tackling the question: “Is Leadership of the Family a Man’s Job?”
Discussed in this episode:
Dr. Greg and Barbra Bottaro’s candid discussion on mutual submission in marriage;
Common misunderstandings about leadership roles in Catholic families;
Exploring the question: “Is leadership of the family a man’s job?”
Reflecting on the traditional narrative of “man as the head” and what it means today;
What “mutual submission” really looks like when there’s conflict or big decisions;
Practical examples of how they apply mutual submission in everyday family life;
Why mutual submission in marriage isn’t just an ideal, but a daily practice;
The cultural challenges of viewing submission as a shared responsibility;
How we’re called to heal outdated, often misogynistic, views in marriage;
Why mutual trust and dialogue are essential in decision-making;
Why submission doesn’t mean “one person always gets the final say.”
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