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...for centuries the churches of Western Christianity have been seen by both men and women as belonging to the feminine sphere of life, just like nursing, cooking, and the care of small children. Consequently, men who are attracted to careers in the Church often have a weak sense of masculinity, have difficulty dealing with men and therefore prefer to deal mostly with women, and have personalities that tend to pick up a feminine savor; they are, in short, more or less effeminate.

I haven't read his book, but centuries? I can see decades (as in, since Vatican II). I realize it's anecdotal, but the priests I know who were ordained before VII are not effeminate.

Overall, it was a very good and insightful article. Thanks, Romulus.

I haven't read his book, but centuries?

I haven't read the book, either, but I seem to recall a review of it published the New Oxford Review. If memory serves, and it may not, the book's thesis is that the effeminization of the Church is traceble to an exaggerated emphasis on Her role as the Bride of Christ, especially as it appears in certain writings of St. Bernard of Clairveaux. That would justify the "centuries" comment. But I'm skeptical that this notion is actually supportable, for St. Bernard, the great advocate of Cistercian ascetical practice and spirituality who favored the Crusades, can hardly be fairly characterized as "soft".

...for centuries the churches of Western Christianity have been seen by both men and women as belonging to the feminine sphere of life, just like nursing, cooking, and the care of small children. Consequently, men who are attracted to careers in the Church often have a weak sense of masculinity, have difficulty dealing with men and therefore prefer to deal mostly with women, and have personalities that tend to pick up a feminine savor; they are, in short, more or less effeminate.
I haven't read his book, but centuries? I can see decades (as in, since Vatican II). I realize it's anecdotal, but the priests I know who were ordained before VII are not effeminate.

If I understand what he is referring to correctly, in many cultures it has long been a custom for the women and younger children to go to Church while the men and older boys relax outside or elsewhere. This is most certainly not a post V2 thing. I know many priests who were ordained before V2. Some are effeminate, some are not. I also know many post V2 priests. Some are effeminate, some are not.

patent +AMDG

Consequently, men who are attracted to careers in the Church often have a weak sense of masculinity, have difficulty dealing with men and therefore prefer to deal mostly with women, and have personalities that tend to pick up a feminine savor; they are, in short, more or less effeminate.

I haven't read his book, but centuries? I can see decades (as in, since Vatican II). I realize it's anecdotal, but the priests I know who were ordained before VII are not effeminate.

I'm with you. Maybe it is just because I live in farm country but a lot of the priests I know could fill a hay wagon or say mass. Take your pick. This can't be the only place that has many priests in the Fr. Flanagan mold.