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Our mission is twofold: to engage in interdisciplinary research in the pursuit of a theologically, philosophically, and scientifically robust account of the nature of man and woman; and to offer educational initiatives both within the university and in outreach to the wider Church and world. We explore who man and woman are —their identities, their geniuses, and their missions—and the implications of that for the family, the Church, and society.
We envision a Church and world renewed by men and women in full possession of a coherent understanding of who God meant them to be, equipped to live out their shared and complementary mission in the home and in the world.
“[We require] a more penetrating and accurate consideration of the anthropological foundation for masculinity and femininity.”
—Pope St. John Paul II, Christifideles laici, no. 50.
At no point in history has there been more confusion about what it means to be human — created male and female. Many people are confused about their God-given identity, which has clearly led to tragic consequences for humanity. In every generation, the Church has responded to heresies with clarity and truth. Today, the crisis surrounding the nature of the human person is the great heresy of the 21st century. Franciscan University has answered the call to contribute to the Church’s response.
The Church has already asked the right question: “Why did God make us male and female? And what are the consequences of that decision?” (Synod of Bishops, 1987) Yet no comprehensive and integrated answer has emerged. While secular academia boasts over 900 women’s and gender studies programs, not a single center exists to research and articulate the full truth of both man and woman, drawing on all fields of knowledge. This Institute is the first of its kind.
Humanity’s future depends on helping all men and women arrive at a deeper understanding of who they are. This is our chief aim.
The Institute’s mission is two-fold: research and education.
Research
We engage in interdisciplinary research into the nature of man and woman, their unique identities, their particular genius, their complementarity, and their mission in the Church and world.
Our research draws from theology and philosophy, as well as all the natural and social sciences. It is this scholarly inquiry, reflected in the widely published work of our research fellows across their respective disciplines, which fuels all academic and outreach educational activities.
Future plans include the launching of the first Journal of Man and Woman and an online library repository of the best articles and resources on man and woman.
Education
Franciscan University Students: We form the next generation of Franciscan students to have a proper understanding of their God-given masculinity and femininity. This begins by weaving the Catholic vision of man and woman into every aspect of the curriculum, infusing this vision into every program and course.
Secondly, we have launched a cross-curriculum degree program: a Minor in the Study of Man and Woman which includes courses in theology, philosophy, biology, psychology, neuroscience, sociology, and family studies. We are also pursuing the development of a graduate-level program that builds on this interdisciplinary approach. Finally, we offer an array of formation activities including public lectures, campus events, and faculty workshops.
The Church and the World: In addition to forming Franciscan University students, we organize and sponsor events, public conferences, and symposia to share the results of our research with the larger community.
We conduct targeted catechetical outreach activities, including webinars, an online certificate program, videos, and multimedia resources for catechesis and education. Topics addressed include the meaning of the human person and human sexuality, the significance of family life, and the need to encourage economic, social, and cultural institutions that more fully respect the human person, marriage, and family.
Together, research and formation help restore the clarity of God’s beautiful design and empower men and women to embrace who God made them to be.
The Institute is distinguished from other efforts in three important ways.
A Study of Both Man and Woman
We are studying both man and woman based on the conviction that they cannot be fully understood apart from each other. They are mutually revelatory because of their reciprocal complementarity.
Interdisciplinary Research
Our research is intentionally interdisciplinary. We are pursuing a comprehensive and integrated account of man and woman, rooted in both reason and divine revelation. Because the sexual difference of man and woman pertains to objective reality, it can be known by every discipline, employing the methods proper to each one. Thus, our research incorporates both theology and philosophy, as well as biology, neuroscience, psychology, the social sciences, and family studies.
Catechetical Outreach
In addition to forming the next generation of Franciscan University students, we are engaged in a purposeful effort to bridge the academy and the field by undertaking educational outreach to those who face directly the challenge of transmitting the Church’s teaching on man and woman: parents, schoolteachers, priests, catechists, youth ministers, and religious educators. The truth of man and woman must reach Catholics in the pews and become part of the New Evangelization.
“Why did God choose to make us male and female? And what are the consequences of that decision?”
—1987 Synod of Bishops on the Vocation and Mission of the Laity in the Church and in the World
Help us to continue our mission of joyfully proclaiming the truth of God’s beautiful design for man and woman.
In this time of cultural confusion, Franciscan University is standing firm and proclaiming this truth as part of its commitment to “Live the Truth.” The Institute is well-positioned to shape the culture, renew the Church, and form men and women so that they reach a deeper understanding of the true meaning of their masculinity and femininity. Our mission cannot be achieved without the generosity of donors who believe in the Church’s timeless teachings.
Join us in restoring clarity, confidence, and joy to this generation and the next.
Make a Gift
Director
Dr. Deborah Savage
Dr. Deborah Savage is a theology professor at Franciscan University of Steubenville.
Previously, she taught philosophy and theology at the St. Paul Seminary School of Divinity at the University of St. Thomas. She received her doctorate in religious studies from Marquette University in 2005. Her recent research has been focused on the development of a robust theology of the nature of man and woman, both their identities and their distinct and complementary missions in the world. For more information, visit her bio.
Our patron saint is St. Catherine of Siena, a Doctor of the Church, whose great influence was due to her abiding love for souls.
St. Catherine of Siena, pray for us!
Be the first to hear about new articles, conferences, videos, and research from the Institute for the Study of Man and Woman.
Reach out to Dr. Deborah Savage, Director of the Institute, who would be happy to assist.
[email protected]