Christian Raab, OSB - In Search of the Masculine Genius

Christian Raab, OSB - In Search of the Masculine Genius

Author: CatholicCulture.org September 12, 2025 Duration: 1:06:11

"When attention to the theological meaning of femininity is not accompanied by reflection on masculinity, men are left without a sense of the existential and sacramental significance of their own sex."

A reading of a fascinating essay originally published in the journal Logos, about the work of Walter Ong, SJ.

In the wake of an emphasis on the “feminine genius” as delineated by Pope St. John Paul II and others, this article attempts to develop a profile of the masculine genius. It supplements the teaching of Pope Francis on this subject in order to balance the more complete articulation of the feminine genius already provided by the Magisterium.

Drawing primarily from the work of Walter J. Ong, whose presentation is corroborated and buttressed here with other studies, this article demonstrates that the masculine genius includes a set of gifts that complement those of women, both in the natural order and in the order of redemption.

In Search of the Masculine Genius: The Contribution of Walter J. Ong full text: https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/librarypdf/Raab-Masculine-Genius.pdf

Text originally published by Logos: A Journal of Catholic Thought and Culture, Volume 21, Number 1, Winter 2018.

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Theme music: "2 Part Invention", composed by Mark Christopher Brandt, performed by Thomas Mirus. ©️2019 Heart of the Lion Publishing Co./BMI. All rights reserved.


Imagine having a great library of foundational Catholic texts, not just on your shelf but given a clear and engaging voice. That’s the experience offered by Catholic Culture Audiobooks. Voice actor James T. Majewski lends his talent to a rich collection of over one hundred recordings, transforming written classics into immersive listening. The selections have a particular emphasis on the profound works of St. John Henry Newman and the early Fathers of the Church, connecting modern ears to timeless wisdom. Within this podcast, you’ll encounter a varied tapestry of material-from papal encyclicals and personal letters to poetry, sermons, and complete book-length works. This includes significant titles like St. Augustine’s "De Doctrina Christiana" and St. Athanasius’s "Life of St. Anthony," all presented with thoughtful narration. It’s a resource for deepening understanding, enriching personal spirituality, or simply enjoying some of history’s most important Christian writings in a fresh, accessible format. Each episode is a direct production of CatholicCulture.org, created to make these essential works part of your daily routine, whether during a commute, a walk, or quiet reflection. The entire catalog serves as an auditory companion for education and spiritual growth, bringing the depth of Catholic tradition to life through the spoken word.
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