Description
Book SynopsisA breakthrough in the theology of parenthood, integrating Catholic social thought and social scientific studies of child well-being in order to offer a more diverse and inclusive interpretation The Catholic Church has a long and diverse history of tolerating various child-rearing arrangements. The dominant Catholic framework for conceptualizing parenthood, however, is highly influenced by concerns over sexual ethics and gender norms. While sexual and reproductive ethics are important, the present consensus that theological consideration of parenthood necessarily hinges on these matters diverts attention from actual parenting practices in their social and cultural contexts. In reality, kinship and caregiving are often negotiated in complex ways. In Beyond Biology, Jacob M. Kohlhaas uses a historical and interdisciplinary theological method that engages both analytically and appreciatively with tradition to sketch a broader Catholic anthropology of parenthood. Kohlhaas’s identification of interpretive options within the Catholic tradition creates room for meaningful, intellectually convincing, and theologically rich responses to challenges facing Catholic parents and families today. By marshaling the diversity of the Christian tradition and exploring contemporary research in the social sciences and humanities, Kohlhaas frames a theological conversation on parenthood as parenthood—considering the needs and well-being of children as well as the potentials and capabilities of adult caregivers. In his discussion, Kohlhaas considers adoption and nonbiological parenthood, fathers as primary caregivers and nurturers, caregiving by siblings and grandparents, and communal parenting and coparenting beyond the spousal pair. In Kohlhaas’s view, conceptions of parenthood should be guided by the meaning of Christian kinship rooted in baptism as well as concern for the actual caregiving capacities of adults and the needs of children.
Trade ReviewJacob M. Kohlhaas makes an intrepid and important foray into an alternative, anthropologically-based framework for a Catholic ethic of parenting. * Journal of the Society of Christian Ethics *
Table of ContentsPreface Introduction Part I: The Catholic Framework for Parenthood 1. Origins in Modern Catholic Teaching 2. The Focus on Sex and Gender 3. The Limits of Contemporary Discourse Part II: Toward an Expanded Vision of Parenthood 4. Repositioning Family and Parenthood 5. Rethinking Family Diversity 6. Reconsidering Kinship throughout History 7. Rereading Catholic Social Teaching Conclusion Bibliography Index About the Author
