According to Aquinas, the distinction of sexes is essential for procreation, and inclination contrary to biological sex should be located in the emotional life based on past experiences.
Aquinas emphasized the importance of recognizing and respecting the signs of nature, including physical distinctions of male and female, to navigate issues related to gender and sexual identity.
Deep dives
Thomas Aquinas' perspective on transgenderism
Thomas Aquinas based his understanding of human nature on sacred scripture and faith. According to Aquinas, God created man in His image, both male and female, as a composite being of soul and body. The distinction of sexes is part of human nature, essential for procreation. While the spiritual nature of humans is not distinct according to sex, the bodily nature, including procreation, is connected to sex. Aquinas argued that the inclination contrary to biological sex should be located in the emotional life based on past experiences, not in the bodily construct or hormones. He emphasized the importance of evaluating desires according to the reality of one's sex, avoiding shame and embracing love and acceptance.
The significance of nature and revelation
Aquinas derived his anthropology from sacred scripture and emphasized the significance of nature and revelation in understanding human nature. He rejected the idea that the soul and body are separate entities, preferring a holistic view. He also confronted the modern notion that individuals can define their own reality and gender identity based on personal desires and experiences. Aquinas upheld the reality of human nature and the essential role of sex in procreation, emphasizing the importance of moral law and sexual morality.
The importance of recognizing nature's signs
Aquinas argued that recognizing and respecting the signs of nature, including the physical distinctions of male and female, is critical. By acknowledging and understanding these signs, individuals can avoid confusion and navigate issues related to gender and sexual identity. Aquinas maintained that sexual morality is grounded in nature and should not be dismissed or reshaped based on personal desires or cultural ideologies. He emphasized the need to harmonize human inclinations and desires with the truth of human nature as revealed by God.
Restoring sanity through the proclamation of the gospel
Aquinas' perspective provides a framework for restoring sanity and addressing the confusion surrounding gender and sexual identity. Upholding the reality of human nature and the complementary nature of male and female can help counteract the prevailing cultural ideologies that reject the concept of human nature and promote individual self-definition. By proclaiming the teachings of the Gospel, promoting understanding of human nature, and encouraging acceptance without compromising moral principles, individuals can move toward greater clarity and harmony in their approach to gender and sexual identity.
Thomas Aquinas, the Church’s greatest theologian, had lots to say about the nature of the human person. So what would he say about the modern transgender movement? We asked Father Hugh Barbour.
Cy Kellett:
What would Thomas Aquinas say about transgenderism? Father Hugh Barbour is next.
Cy Kellett:
Hello, and welcome to Focus, the Catholic Answers podcast for living, understanding and defending your Catholic faith. So much talk about transgenderism these days, and it finally occurred to us, I wonder what Thomas Aquinas would have to say about that? And so we decided, we’ll ask a Th...
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