Western Feminism Threatens Traditional Values, Scholar Warns
A prominent Catholic scholar has raised alarming concerns about how Western feminist ideology has evolved into what she describes as a secular megachurch that directly challenges traditional family values and religious foundations.
Dr. Carrie Gress, a distinguished fellow at the Institute for Human Ecology at Catholic University of America, argues in her forthcoming book that modern feminism has transformed from a social movement into a comprehensive belief system that mimics religious structures while promoting values fundamentally opposed to traditional Christianity and family life.
Feminist Ideology as Secular Religion
In her extensive research, Gress demonstrates how contemporary feminism has developed its own sacraments, virtues, rites, and evangelization methods. "In many respects, it can actually be seen as a megachurch," she explains. "It has taken on so many of the aspects of Christianity."
The scholar traces what she calls the "commandments of feminism" back to early 19th century romantic poets and philosophers, identifying three core principles: contempt for men, rejection of monogamy in favor of promiscuity, and involvement in occult practices.
Cultural Consequences
Gress warns that this ideology has created what she terms the "idol of female autonomy," teaching women that their greatest fulfillment comes from living independently of family structures. This mindset, she argues, has systematically devalued motherhood and traditional family roles.
"This is why we see so much of a boom in the pet industry," Gress observes. "Women are choosing to nurture pets in a way that they in the past would nurture their children."
International Recognition of Concerns
Gress's observations align with growing international recognition of feminism's religious-like characteristics. A 2015 Atlantic article noted the movement's "startling similarity to religious fundamentalism," while various public figures have openly described feminism as their personal religion.
The scholar emphasizes that contemporary feminist activism often embodies anger, rage, and contempt rather than genuine empowerment. "These are not movements or events that are showing happy, healthy, thriving women," she notes.
Path Forward
Gress advocates for a return to traditional understandings of complementary gender roles, arguing that when both men and women understand their distinct purposes, families and civilizations flourish. "That's really where you see major gains happen in the family, and in the culture and, ultimately, in civilization," she concludes.
Her research serves as a crucial warning about how foreign ideological movements can undermine the traditional values that have long served as the foundation of stable societies and strong family structures.