This book sociologically investigates the contemporary Catholic Church’s stance on gender diversity and “gender ideology” and explores ways to adapt the social science perspectives on sex, gender, and gender fluidity in the Church’s moral teachings, applying Pope Francis’s inductive synodal theology. Using the sociological theories on gender, moral panics, and morality and drawing on secondary literature, media reports, and church documents, it specifically unpacks the “gender ideology’s” alleged grave threats to humanity, family, children, and human dignity as moral panics as well as examines the Catholic morality of gender-enhancement treatment and sex change. Ultimately, this book aims to inculturate or adapt the contemporary sociological gender theory and research in the Catholic Church’s moral doctrines as a synodal response to the “signs of the times.” It therefore appeals to church authorities, moral theologians, LGBTQI leaders, as well as scholars and students of sociology, religion, and gender studies.
