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The Case for Patriarchy
For two thousand years, Christianity has taught, with startling specificity, that married men are patriarchs who should relate to their wives as Christ relates to His Bride, the Church. Yet as feminism swept across Western society in recent decades, our understanding of patriarchy became corrupted, and men have been astoundingly swift in their forfeiture of their God-given patriarchal rights and duties.
While The Case for Patriarchy articulates a position that is provocative in our day, it’s a position that was without controversy for millennia. Why? Because Christians viewed patriarchy as a theological necessity according to the dictates of Christian Scripture and Tradition.
In these powerful pages, Timothy Gordon argues that Christ did more than establish a clerical patriarchy — an all-male priesthood. He also created a lay patriarchy of male householders who act as priests, prophets, and kings of their families. The supplantation of this patriarchy with a feminist “matriarchy,” Gordon argues, has proven to be the most devastating of all the subversive revolutions waged upon Christendom by the radical, secular Left.
Gordon demonstrates that the Word of God single-handedly foils all the toxic plans of modern radicals, and centuries of Christian theology in the East and West have reinforced it. He pulls the curtain back on the “waves” of feminism that have swept over Western culture, and he refutes the methodology they employ to undermine men. Finally, he examines what the restoration of the Christian vocation should look like, as well as explores the patriarchal virtues that all men should exercise in their home and society.
Here is a book that boldly pushes back on the narrative that the patriarchy is dangerous to women and to society. Indeed, it is a book that unapologetically seeks a restoration of Western society based on patriarchal order, where justice and the common good can triumph.
While The Case for Patriarchy articulates a position that is provocative in our day, it’s a position that was without controversy for millennia. Why? Because Christians viewed patriarchy as a theological necessity according to the dictates of Christian Scripture and Tradition.
In these powerful pages, Timothy Gordon argues that Christ did more than establish a clerical patriarchy — an all-male priesthood. He also created a lay patriarchy of male householders who act as priests, prophets, and kings of their families. The supplantation of this patriarchy with a feminist “matriarchy,” Gordon argues, has proven to be the most devastating of all the subversive revolutions waged upon Christendom by the radical, secular Left.
Gordon demonstrates that the Word of God single-handedly foils all the toxic plans of modern radicals, and centuries of Christian theology in the East and West have reinforced it. He pulls the curtain back on the “waves” of feminism that have swept over Western culture, and he refutes the methodology they employ to undermine men. Finally, he examines what the restoration of the Christian vocation should look like, as well as explores the patriarchal virtues that all men should exercise in their home and society.
Here is a book that boldly pushes back on the narrative that the patriarchy is dangerous to women and to society. Indeed, it is a book that unapologetically seeks a restoration of Western society based on patriarchal order, where justice and the common good can triumph.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published October 1, 2021
50 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
Timothy J. Gordon
5 books27 followersStudied philosophy in Pontifical graduate universities in Europe, taught it at Southern Californian community colleges, and then went on to law school. He holds degrees in literature, history, philosophy, and law. Currently, he resides in central California with his wife and six children, where he writes and teaches philosophy and theology. Gordon is considered one of the Godfathers of “Bro-Man” Catholicism. He does a popular biweekly podcast and is the author of Catholic Republic: Why America Will Perish without Rome. Two forthcoming Gordon books are due in early 2020, each co-authored with his brother David: No Christian Feminism (Sophia Institute) and Rules for Retrogrades (Tan Books).
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 9, 2021
Patriarchy in the family seems to be the idea that Christian wives serve Christ by obeying their husbands.
Some modern couples choose that model of marriage and it works for them. But the model cannot be presented as the only authentic model for Christianity.
The book begins by citing bible passages which command wifely obedience (eg Ephesians 5). Some commands in the bible are ‘eternal’ and others are temporary. For example, Christians view Circumcision as a temporary Old Testament command which was abolished in the New Testament. Most churches view New Testament texts about women covering their heads as a temporary command which is no longer applicable. So, when it comes to texts about wifely obedience, the crucial question is whether it is an eternal command or a temporary command. The book assumes that the command is still applicable, but it does not prove so.
The book cites (Catholic) Church teachings, but its citations are incomplete. When it cites the Catechism on wifely obedience it is citing a book originating from 1566. The modern 1992 Catechism of the Catholic Church does not mention wifely obedience. This book is factually incorrect when it implies differently (Kindle loc. 133, 4%).
The book refers to Pope John Paul II (loc. 1175, 31%) but it does not tell the reader that John Paul II said that wifely obedience (in the New Testament) was a ‘religious custom of the time.’ That is hardly a ringing endorsement of wifely obedience.
Yes the Catholic Church taught wifely obedience in the past, but it is deliberately refraining from re-teaching it now.
This is because there are new realisations of problems relating to the concept. For example, the concept of ‘marital rape’ is a relatively new realisation. It didn’t exist under traditional models of patriarchy, as the bible commanded wives to yield authority over their bodies to their husbands (3287, 87%). Does Patriarchy mean that ‘marital rape doesn’t exist? Or, if it does exist, what does it mean for a psychologically abused wife to give proper consent under ‘wifely obedience?’
Until these questions are resolved it would be irresponsible, and immoral, to teach that wives should be obedient to their husbands. As a result, the Catholic Church is currently refraining from teaching wifely obedience.
The book also cites biological and ‘natural’ differences between men and women, as a justification for insisting that men should work and women should be home makers. These kinds of claims are effectively ‘scientific’ claims and the book justifies its position by appealing to ‘every indication in the field of neuroscience’ (1728 46%).
But this is an enormous over-simplification. The science on sex and gender differences is incredibly complicated. There are different scientific opinions and there are conflicting studies. We know that nature and nurture are both involved, but precisely how, and to what extent, remain controversial and controverted.
This means that the book is ‘jumping to conclusions’ when it insists that there are manly virtues and certain things are natural for women. It also commits a classic (naturalistic) fallacy in jumping from a description of how it thinks men and women are, to then asserting how they must be.
Besides problems in the arguments of the book, there is also a critical tone about women. We hear that women shouldn’t make certain decisions, like allowing a sick child to miss mass (3639 96%) as wives inevitably ‘debilitate’ fairness by mixing it up with equality and mercy (2473 65%). In any case, wives are just ‘wired’ to get their dreams and goals by adopting their husbands’ (312 9%).
There is also a tone which I struggle to find a word for. Men and women have to be ‘fit.’ Virtuous wives should welcome difficult conversations about aggressively resuming dieting and exercising (3193, 84%); which they should accept out of ‘fealty’ to their husbands (3212, 84%). And in a future anti-feminist idyl, husbands will be barrel-chested woodsmen, taking the family hunting and hiking. (3733, 98%).
Overall, I disagree with the conclusions of the book as the arguments contain too many assumptions, over-simplifications, gaps in justifications and factual inaccuracies.
Some modern couples choose that model of marriage and it works for them. But the model cannot be presented as the only authentic model for Christianity.
The book begins by citing bible passages which command wifely obedience (eg Ephesians 5). Some commands in the bible are ‘eternal’ and others are temporary. For example, Christians view Circumcision as a temporary Old Testament command which was abolished in the New Testament. Most churches view New Testament texts about women covering their heads as a temporary command which is no longer applicable. So, when it comes to texts about wifely obedience, the crucial question is whether it is an eternal command or a temporary command. The book assumes that the command is still applicable, but it does not prove so.
The book cites (Catholic) Church teachings, but its citations are incomplete. When it cites the Catechism on wifely obedience it is citing a book originating from 1566. The modern 1992 Catechism of the Catholic Church does not mention wifely obedience. This book is factually incorrect when it implies differently (Kindle loc. 133, 4%).
The book refers to Pope John Paul II (loc. 1175, 31%) but it does not tell the reader that John Paul II said that wifely obedience (in the New Testament) was a ‘religious custom of the time.’ That is hardly a ringing endorsement of wifely obedience.
Yes the Catholic Church taught wifely obedience in the past, but it is deliberately refraining from re-teaching it now.
This is because there are new realisations of problems relating to the concept. For example, the concept of ‘marital rape’ is a relatively new realisation. It didn’t exist under traditional models of patriarchy, as the bible commanded wives to yield authority over their bodies to their husbands (3287, 87%). Does Patriarchy mean that ‘marital rape doesn’t exist? Or, if it does exist, what does it mean for a psychologically abused wife to give proper consent under ‘wifely obedience?’
Until these questions are resolved it would be irresponsible, and immoral, to teach that wives should be obedient to their husbands. As a result, the Catholic Church is currently refraining from teaching wifely obedience.
The book also cites biological and ‘natural’ differences between men and women, as a justification for insisting that men should work and women should be home makers. These kinds of claims are effectively ‘scientific’ claims and the book justifies its position by appealing to ‘every indication in the field of neuroscience’ (1728 46%).
But this is an enormous over-simplification. The science on sex and gender differences is incredibly complicated. There are different scientific opinions and there are conflicting studies. We know that nature and nurture are both involved, but precisely how, and to what extent, remain controversial and controverted.
This means that the book is ‘jumping to conclusions’ when it insists that there are manly virtues and certain things are natural for women. It also commits a classic (naturalistic) fallacy in jumping from a description of how it thinks men and women are, to then asserting how they must be.
Besides problems in the arguments of the book, there is also a critical tone about women. We hear that women shouldn’t make certain decisions, like allowing a sick child to miss mass (3639 96%) as wives inevitably ‘debilitate’ fairness by mixing it up with equality and mercy (2473 65%). In any case, wives are just ‘wired’ to get their dreams and goals by adopting their husbands’ (312 9%).
There is also a tone which I struggle to find a word for. Men and women have to be ‘fit.’ Virtuous wives should welcome difficult conversations about aggressively resuming dieting and exercising (3193, 84%); which they should accept out of ‘fealty’ to their husbands (3212, 84%). And in a future anti-feminist idyl, husbands will be barrel-chested woodsmen, taking the family hunting and hiking. (3733, 98%).
Overall, I disagree with the conclusions of the book as the arguments contain too many assumptions, over-simplifications, gaps in justifications and factual inaccuracies.
October 11, 2021
I could weep at what a missed opportunity this book was. When it was advertised on YouTube in Hold My Beer, The Case for Patriarchy, I should have realized what I was going to find. In this video, the author crowed about how great his own work was, and then asked viewers to write glowingly in the comments to prove that he wasn't simply flexing when he said those things.
In the book, he took great pains to carry this theme through. He could not let his research speak for itself, he needed to end a section by informing the reading that he had left the opposing view in a smoldering heap. He went on and on in this manner. I literally had a headache from it for the first three chapters.
I did not approach this book because I had any need to be converted from feminism. My reason for buying was the hope that I could share it with some people of good will (but ill formation) in my life. Obviously such plans changed.
He asserted that no one else was talking about such things--or at least not as well as he had just done. This is nonsense. I learned about patriarchy from talks by Father Chad Ripperger. He broached the topic with circumspection and decorum. And the one argument that Fr. Ripperger gave that caused me to say ok, I admit it, I have to give intellectual assent to this--that argument was missing in the Case for Patriarchy.
I so think that this could have been a great book. When he feels comfortable enough in his own skin that he doesn't have to write with a huge chip on his shoulder--nor feels the need to say "quotidian" when the word "daily" would suffice--his pen is going to be a potent power for good.
In the book, he took great pains to carry this theme through. He could not let his research speak for itself, he needed to end a section by informing the reading that he had left the opposing view in a smoldering heap. He went on and on in this manner. I literally had a headache from it for the first three chapters.
I did not approach this book because I had any need to be converted from feminism. My reason for buying was the hope that I could share it with some people of good will (but ill formation) in my life. Obviously such plans changed.
He asserted that no one else was talking about such things--or at least not as well as he had just done. This is nonsense. I learned about patriarchy from talks by Father Chad Ripperger. He broached the topic with circumspection and decorum. And the one argument that Fr. Ripperger gave that caused me to say ok, I admit it, I have to give intellectual assent to this--that argument was missing in the Case for Patriarchy.
I so think that this could have been a great book. When he feels comfortable enough in his own skin that he doesn't have to write with a huge chip on his shoulder--nor feels the need to say "quotidian" when the word "daily" would suffice--his pen is going to be a potent power for good.
January 31, 2022
He stops just barely short of advocating wife-beating. “Femininity” for him is being a weak, stupid, coward. I fully expect his next book to argue that women shouldn’t be allowed to read.
Don’t give this monster any money. His prescriptions will put women at SERIOUS risk of bodily harm and definitely cause emotional harm to them.
Don’t give this monster any money. His prescriptions will put women at SERIOUS risk of bodily harm and definitely cause emotional harm to them.
December 10, 2021
Excellent read
The first half of the book is a bit pedantic, however, it’s worth getting through it to get to the second half of the book. Wow, just wow! As the 62 year old wife of a 70 year old husband, Dr. Gordon hits the nail on the head. This IS what a Christian home is like, and what a Christian father does. We have been insanely happy for more years than I can count, and now in our retirement years it’s like we’re courting again. Ladies, feminism is a lie and a trap.
Buy this book! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The first half of the book is a bit pedantic, however, it’s worth getting through it to get to the second half of the book. Wow, just wow! As the 62 year old wife of a 70 year old husband, Dr. Gordon hits the nail on the head. This IS what a Christian home is like, and what a Christian father does. We have been insanely happy for more years than I can count, and now in our retirement years it’s like we’re courting again. Ladies, feminism is a lie and a trap.
Buy this book! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 9, 2021
Poorly researched and not a serious study of the issue.
This book was a curious mix of various rants and straw man arguments.
Had high hopes for the book and the topic at hand but it is a highly opinion driven book without true justification and chopping up various teachings to justify the opinion.
This book was a curious mix of various rants and straw man arguments.
Had high hopes for the book and the topic at hand but it is a highly opinion driven book without true justification and chopping up various teachings to justify the opinion.
January 18, 2024
Skip this book! Its merits are far outweighed by its unabashed sexism. Worse still, this is claimed to be authentic Catholic teaching.
Mr. Gordon's desire to defend Ephesians 5 is noble (we need more writers doing so in this day and age), but he defends household patriarchy by declaring woman inferior. He cites St. Thomas Aquinas that "man is naturally superior to the female" (p66) and approvingly notes, “St. Thomas does nothing to mute or mitigate the force of his comments on man’s higher perfection than wife according to the order of nature” (p67). The author cites a few other saints who wrote likewise and declares this the teaching of the Church, as if the saints' writings are inerrant.
His work also suffers from the cherry-picking of Church documents. He cites several older papal encyclicals and the Catechism of Trent to support his claims about perennial Church teaching, while completely ignoring modern popes' writings or the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Obviously because they disagree with his points.
Lastly, he makes other troubling claims, like only men should play sports (because they're apparently solely for the purpose of building up male virtuous leadership), the only working women should be single women actively looking for husbands, and only men participate in the three offices of Christ (directly contradicting CCC 783). Do yourself a favor and read a different book.
Mr. Gordon's desire to defend Ephesians 5 is noble (we need more writers doing so in this day and age), but he defends household patriarchy by declaring woman inferior. He cites St. Thomas Aquinas that "man is naturally superior to the female" (p66) and approvingly notes, “St. Thomas does nothing to mute or mitigate the force of his comments on man’s higher perfection than wife according to the order of nature” (p67). The author cites a few other saints who wrote likewise and declares this the teaching of the Church, as if the saints' writings are inerrant.
His work also suffers from the cherry-picking of Church documents. He cites several older papal encyclicals and the Catechism of Trent to support his claims about perennial Church teaching, while completely ignoring modern popes' writings or the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Obviously because they disagree with his points.
Lastly, he makes other troubling claims, like only men should play sports (because they're apparently solely for the purpose of building up male virtuous leadership), the only working women should be single women actively looking for husbands, and only men participate in the three offices of Christ (directly contradicting CCC 783). Do yourself a favor and read a different book.
February 24, 2025
While I agree with most of the conclusions of the book, many of the arguments were extremely weak. Gordon is a Catholic and he almost exclusively appeals to Catholics appealing mostly to Catholic authority. While many of his points could easily have been made with the word of God, he chooses instead to argue from the words of Popes and Saints. If he argued the same points from credible authority I would rate the book much higher.
Gordon made two excellent points that made the book worth reading.
1) Feminism is, and always has been, a destructive anti-Christian philosophy. Many "conservative" men and women have fallen for the lie that "feminism was good up to a point". Gordon did a good job of demonstrating that the philosophy behind 1st wave feminism is no less heretical and destructive than 2nd, 3rd, or 4th waves. These are not new waves, but logical progressions of the same horrible ideas.
2) Restoration of a Christian patriarchy must be predicated on restoration of male morality. Patriarchy has been damaged, not because of a hostile feminist takeover, but because weak men enabled it and surrendered their authority through immoral practices. Gordon rightly asserts that the first step in reclaiming a righteous patriarchal culture must be male chastity. The sexual deviance of weak men surrenders patriarchal authority in that their promiscuity hands sexual authority to women and also makes women the gatekeepers of morality. Thus, the man hands over his moral leadership because of his lack of restraint.
I find a comparison of Job 31 and Proverbs 31 is a brilliant study in male/female virtue. This study reveals that the virtue of women is characterized by their industry, while the virtue of men is characterized by their exercise of restraint in areas where they have power. Such a study would have added a lot to the credibility and content of this book.
There were other redeeming sections of the book (men prioritizing family over career, women not secularizing the home into a workplace environment, the negative impact of "body positivity" on a healthy marriage). However, the value of the book overall was heavily diluted by the chaff of Catholicism.
Gordon made two excellent points that made the book worth reading.
1) Feminism is, and always has been, a destructive anti-Christian philosophy. Many "conservative" men and women have fallen for the lie that "feminism was good up to a point". Gordon did a good job of demonstrating that the philosophy behind 1st wave feminism is no less heretical and destructive than 2nd, 3rd, or 4th waves. These are not new waves, but logical progressions of the same horrible ideas.
2) Restoration of a Christian patriarchy must be predicated on restoration of male morality. Patriarchy has been damaged, not because of a hostile feminist takeover, but because weak men enabled it and surrendered their authority through immoral practices. Gordon rightly asserts that the first step in reclaiming a righteous patriarchal culture must be male chastity. The sexual deviance of weak men surrenders patriarchal authority in that their promiscuity hands sexual authority to women and also makes women the gatekeepers of morality. Thus, the man hands over his moral leadership because of his lack of restraint.
I find a comparison of Job 31 and Proverbs 31 is a brilliant study in male/female virtue. This study reveals that the virtue of women is characterized by their industry, while the virtue of men is characterized by their exercise of restraint in areas where they have power. Such a study would have added a lot to the credibility and content of this book.
There were other redeeming sections of the book (men prioritizing family over career, women not secularizing the home into a workplace environment, the negative impact of "body positivity" on a healthy marriage). However, the value of the book overall was heavily diluted by the chaff of Catholicism.
January 18, 2022
Some people will love this; others will hate it. I don't think there will be much middle ground. I don't see anything amiss with his pointing out the forces that are deforming genuine Catholic masculinity. His assessment and conclusions are all backed up by quotes from excellent Catholic sources. I do get picky about his rhetoric, regardless of concurring with Gordon in many cases. Also, I'm not sure of his golden-age that families have come from before feminism, nor his rosy view of a post-feminist world. I get the impression that there is something of trying to impose a culture that is more agrarian and less technological on a problem that has diminished those elements to almost non-existence. I would want to add "The Summa Domestica - 3-Volume Set: How to Make a Home, Raise Your Children, and Preserve the Collective Memory" by Leila Lawler to the conversation, which, while quite long is addressing the same question from a woman's perspective with far more of the practical versus abstract. Also, if I didn't say that we should be reading Wendell Berry and Anthony Esolen I think I would be misleading in my thoughts on this book.
January 13, 2022
I enjoyed the book!
Gordon's writing style is not typical, that's the best way I can describe it. Though I will give him credit for having a unique voice in his works and a talent for distinctness.
The book presents some interesting points and offers great insights on the history of feminism and the teachings from the magisterium and saints on the Patriarchy.
I especially liked the length of the book which wasn't too long or short, and I appreciated the long chapters. If you're interested in the subject matter or simply curious, give it a read. I'd recommend it.
Gordon's writing style is not typical, that's the best way I can describe it. Though I will give him credit for having a unique voice in his works and a talent for distinctness.
The book presents some interesting points and offers great insights on the history of feminism and the teachings from the magisterium and saints on the Patriarchy.
I especially liked the length of the book which wasn't too long or short, and I appreciated the long chapters. If you're interested in the subject matter or simply curious, give it a read. I'd recommend it.
October 8, 2023
Incisive judgment on the part of Gordon, he very accurately discerns the root of almost all modern problems: feminism, and yes, especially the first wave. But this is not the admirable part, for many others share this insight. The truly inspiring act of his is to write and to publish this book, for which he will be, for the foreseeable future, crucified on the pillar of shame by those who are either uninformed or simply wicked, both outside and inside the Church. A brave man stands and dies on his words, and the resolution of the author is hereby plainly mirrored by the title.
April 18, 2023
an answer to feminism
Well written cites plenty of sources. Attacks feminism and points out how much this ideology has our morals in society
Well written cites plenty of sources. Attacks feminism and points out how much this ideology has our morals in society
November 21, 2022
A very extensive and detailed "Case" ! Tim clearly sets out to prove the "Case for Patriarchy" and does so with flying colors. Like his wife's book Ask Your Husband: A Wife’s Guide to True Femininity , the case is so clearly made with quotes from the Catechism, Official Church Documents, Church Fathers, and of course the Bible, that one is left wondering how the heck we have become so bamboozled into thinking otherwise!
Some mentionable quotes:
Quoting from Pope Leo XIII's encyclical "Rerum Novarum", "If a workman's wages be sufficient to enable him comfortably to support himself, his wife, and his children, he will find it easy, if he be a sensible man, to practice thrift, and he will not fail, by cutting down expenses, to put by some little savings and thus secure a modest source of income."
And again on page 91, from the Encyclical "Arcanum" "Not only, in strict truth, was marriage instituted for the propagation of the human race, but also that the lives of husbands and wives might be made better and happier. This comes about in many ways: by their lightening each other’s burdens through mutual help; by constant and faithful love; by having all their possessions in common; and by the heavenly grace which flows from the sacrament. Marriage also can do much for the good of families, for, so long as it is conformable to nature and in accordance with the counsels of God, it has power to strengthen union of heart in the parents; to secure the holy education of children; to temper the authority of the father by the example of the divine authority; to render children obedient to their parents and servants obedient to their masters."
Quoting St. Thomas Aquinas, on page 95, "(St Paul) states: 'husbands , love your wives.' For certainly it is from the love he has for his wife that he will live more chastely and both of them will enjoy a peaceful relationship. If he should love another more than his own wife, he exposes both himself and his wife to division. Husbands, love your wives and be not bitter towards them (Col. 3:19)."
On page 219, Tim writes, "The duty to inform one's spouse of one's romantic exigencies constitutes a genuinely 'gender neutral' obligation, binding on both parties - a fact that should satisfy the feminists but doesn't."
I could quote the entire book as it is full of so many gems from Catholic Tradition! Tim makes the perfect "case" as what he clearly states is then totally supported by Catholic Teaching, or, moreso, Catholic Teaching fully supports Tim speaking Catholic truth.
In this book I found the total opposite of what some upset Catholics have griped about in this book. Again, the same situation as in Tim's wife's book "Ask Your Husband."
I have seen and heard some people whine that Tim literally promotes wife beating, which couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, he literally quotes from the Church on how a husband MUST LOVE his wife, CHERISH her, SUPPORT her, even die for her! He must take the lead, even morally! What a huge load off the poor wife's back!
Tim has also been accused of essentially making up his own theology, which is sort of funny, because the pages, and pages (and PAGES) of direct quotes from the Catholic Church sound just as, if not more strict in tone than Tim on the issues of Patriarchy and wifely submission and so on! So, we must ask ourselves... if the Church was the one with this "sharp" tone concerning these issues... are we then, the ones making up our own theology!?
In Conclusion, like "Ask Your Husband", this book had its moments that gave me pause, personally, but that is what I want in a book that speaks about Catholicism. I don't want to be given a donut of theology that won't do anything but keep me lazy in my Faith, not teaching me, not explaining clearly, not urging me forward to live for Christ and His Church. This book, like "Ask Your Husband" is a rare gem that needs to be read by all Catholic's, especially men.
Oh to see the day when our society is not dying with the cancer of feminism.
Well done Mr. Gordon! Write on!
Some mentionable quotes:
Quoting from Pope Leo XIII's encyclical "Rerum Novarum", "If a workman's wages be sufficient to enable him comfortably to support himself, his wife, and his children, he will find it easy, if he be a sensible man, to practice thrift, and he will not fail, by cutting down expenses, to put by some little savings and thus secure a modest source of income."
And again on page 91, from the Encyclical "Arcanum" "Not only, in strict truth, was marriage instituted for the propagation of the human race, but also that the lives of husbands and wives might be made better and happier. This comes about in many ways: by their lightening each other’s burdens through mutual help; by constant and faithful love; by having all their possessions in common; and by the heavenly grace which flows from the sacrament. Marriage also can do much for the good of families, for, so long as it is conformable to nature and in accordance with the counsels of God, it has power to strengthen union of heart in the parents; to secure the holy education of children; to temper the authority of the father by the example of the divine authority; to render children obedient to their parents and servants obedient to their masters."
Quoting St. Thomas Aquinas, on page 95, "(St Paul) states: 'husbands , love your wives.' For certainly it is from the love he has for his wife that he will live more chastely and both of them will enjoy a peaceful relationship. If he should love another more than his own wife, he exposes both himself and his wife to division. Husbands, love your wives and be not bitter towards them (Col. 3:19)."
On page 219, Tim writes, "The duty to inform one's spouse of one's romantic exigencies constitutes a genuinely 'gender neutral' obligation, binding on both parties - a fact that should satisfy the feminists but doesn't."
I could quote the entire book as it is full of so many gems from Catholic Tradition! Tim makes the perfect "case" as what he clearly states is then totally supported by Catholic Teaching, or, moreso, Catholic Teaching fully supports Tim speaking Catholic truth.
In this book I found the total opposite of what some upset Catholics have griped about in this book. Again, the same situation as in Tim's wife's book "Ask Your Husband."
I have seen and heard some people whine that Tim literally promotes wife beating, which couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, he literally quotes from the Church on how a husband MUST LOVE his wife, CHERISH her, SUPPORT her, even die for her! He must take the lead, even morally! What a huge load off the poor wife's back!
Tim has also been accused of essentially making up his own theology, which is sort of funny, because the pages, and pages (and PAGES) of direct quotes from the Catholic Church sound just as, if not more strict in tone than Tim on the issues of Patriarchy and wifely submission and so on! So, we must ask ourselves... if the Church was the one with this "sharp" tone concerning these issues... are we then, the ones making up our own theology!?
In Conclusion, like "Ask Your Husband", this book had its moments that gave me pause, personally, but that is what I want in a book that speaks about Catholicism. I don't want to be given a donut of theology that won't do anything but keep me lazy in my Faith, not teaching me, not explaining clearly, not urging me forward to live for Christ and His Church. This book, like "Ask Your Husband" is a rare gem that needs to be read by all Catholic's, especially men.
Oh to see the day when our society is not dying with the cancer of feminism.
Well done Mr. Gordon! Write on!
August 23, 2024
A refreshing take on a concept of whose existence (and alleged symptoms) everyone is aware, but whose opponents can rarely define.
Gordon very clearly lays out that what feminists have said since 1848 is indeed true: Christianity is patriarchal and essentially so. It cannot become non-patriarchal (much less anti-patriarchal) without negating core elements of the Bible, the writings of the Church Fathers, and a huge array of Papal teaching and precedent.
The author outlines the history of feminism, "unpacks" the idea that there were different waves thereof, and clearly outlines the problems that feminism has brought society (from cratering female life satisfaction to the west's almost apocalyptic fertility nadir).
His corrective suggestions are logical and, in my opinion, almost self-evident. His idea of a second courtship during marriage is particularly instructive. Nevertheless, this is not a 5-star book for me
1) because the author's writing style is somewhat obnoxiously exaggerated (he is especially verbose at the beginning of the book, and he constantly reminds you of what he said or will say in a certain chapter/the book.)
2) like many conservative or reactionary writers, he ends the book fantasizing. In this case about what the post-feminist society will look like. It is not so much that I disagree with his ideal finishing point so much it is simply a waste of ink at best and distracting at worst.
3) the choice of the things he stresses and the location in the book is often illogical. He routinely stresses hobbies... ok rightly-ordered hobbies are certainly nice and salubrious in family life, but do they merit so much (poorly segued) mention? As part of his exposition on the "Second Courtship" he goes on a long tangent about physical fitness. Again, it makes sense, but given the amount of ink spilled on it and the location of the tangent (the end of the book) it partially overshadows the previous, more important messages.
The book is, however, very worth reading.
As an aside, I find the top comment here interesting. Despite being a wall of text, it can be resumed in the following "yes this was taught by the Catholic Church, but it doesn't teach that anymore - and thank God!" The whole point of Gordon's book is to illustrate that, even if it is no longer actively taught by the Church, it is indeed still a teaching of the Church.
Gordon very clearly lays out that what feminists have said since 1848 is indeed true: Christianity is patriarchal and essentially so. It cannot become non-patriarchal (much less anti-patriarchal) without negating core elements of the Bible, the writings of the Church Fathers, and a huge array of Papal teaching and precedent.
The author outlines the history of feminism, "unpacks" the idea that there were different waves thereof, and clearly outlines the problems that feminism has brought society (from cratering female life satisfaction to the west's almost apocalyptic fertility nadir).
His corrective suggestions are logical and, in my opinion, almost self-evident. His idea of a second courtship during marriage is particularly instructive. Nevertheless, this is not a 5-star book for me
1) because the author's writing style is somewhat obnoxiously exaggerated (he is especially verbose at the beginning of the book, and he constantly reminds you of what he said or will say in a certain chapter/the book.)
2) like many conservative or reactionary writers, he ends the book fantasizing. In this case about what the post-feminist society will look like. It is not so much that I disagree with his ideal finishing point so much it is simply a waste of ink at best and distracting at worst.
3) the choice of the things he stresses and the location in the book is often illogical. He routinely stresses hobbies... ok rightly-ordered hobbies are certainly nice and salubrious in family life, but do they merit so much (poorly segued) mention? As part of his exposition on the "Second Courtship" he goes on a long tangent about physical fitness. Again, it makes sense, but given the amount of ink spilled on it and the location of the tangent (the end of the book) it partially overshadows the previous, more important messages.
The book is, however, very worth reading.
As an aside, I find the top comment here interesting. Despite being a wall of text, it can be resumed in the following "yes this was taught by the Catholic Church, but it doesn't teach that anymore - and thank God!" The whole point of Gordon's book is to illustrate that, even if it is no longer actively taught by the Church, it is indeed still a teaching of the Church.
June 25, 2025
I recently had the pleasure of reading Dr. Timothy Gordon's "The Case for Patriarchy," and I must say it is a compelling and thought-provoking work that courageously addresses contemporary issues through the lens of traditional Catholic teaching. Dr. Gordon's meticulous research and eloquent writing make a powerful case for the enduring relevance of patriarchy, drawing extensively from Scripture, papal encyclicals, and the writings of saints to dismantle the arguments put forth by modern feminism.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its deep grounding in Scripture. Dr. Gordon expertly weaves together passages from both the Old and New Testaments, demonstrating how the biblical model of family life is rooted in a divinely ordained order where men are called to be the heads of their households. This scriptural foundation is further reinforced by the teachings of the Church Fathers and the saints, whose wisdom and insights provide timeless guidance for living out these roles in a way that honors God and strengthens the family unit.
Dr. Gordon also delves into the rich tradition of papal encyclicals, highlighting how successive popes have consistently upheld the importance of the patriarchal family structure. He shows how these teachings are not relics of a bygone era but are vital to the health and stability of society today. By presenting these authoritative sources, Dr. Gordon effectively counters the claims of feminism, revealing its philosophical and theological shortcomings.
What truly sets "The Case for Patriarchy" apart is its practical application for Catholic men. Dr. Gordon's call to action is both inspiring and empowering, encouraging men to embrace their God-given roles as kings, prophets, and priests of their homes. He provides clear and actionable advice on how to lead with love, wisdom, and strength, fostering an environment where their families can thrive spiritually and emotionally.
In a world where traditional values are often under attack, "The Case for Patriarchy" stands as a beacon of truth and hope. Dr. Timothy Gordon's work is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the profound and beautiful vision of family life that the Catholic Church has upheld for centuries. It is a timely reminder that true liberation and fulfillment are found not in rejecting our roles but in embracing them with grace and conviction.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its deep grounding in Scripture. Dr. Gordon expertly weaves together passages from both the Old and New Testaments, demonstrating how the biblical model of family life is rooted in a divinely ordained order where men are called to be the heads of their households. This scriptural foundation is further reinforced by the teachings of the Church Fathers and the saints, whose wisdom and insights provide timeless guidance for living out these roles in a way that honors God and strengthens the family unit.
Dr. Gordon also delves into the rich tradition of papal encyclicals, highlighting how successive popes have consistently upheld the importance of the patriarchal family structure. He shows how these teachings are not relics of a bygone era but are vital to the health and stability of society today. By presenting these authoritative sources, Dr. Gordon effectively counters the claims of feminism, revealing its philosophical and theological shortcomings.
What truly sets "The Case for Patriarchy" apart is its practical application for Catholic men. Dr. Gordon's call to action is both inspiring and empowering, encouraging men to embrace their God-given roles as kings, prophets, and priests of their homes. He provides clear and actionable advice on how to lead with love, wisdom, and strength, fostering an environment where their families can thrive spiritually and emotionally.
In a world where traditional values are often under attack, "The Case for Patriarchy" stands as a beacon of truth and hope. Dr. Timothy Gordon's work is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the profound and beautiful vision of family life that the Catholic Church has upheld for centuries. It is a timely reminder that true liberation and fulfillment are found not in rejecting our roles but in embracing them with grace and conviction.
February 17, 2024
This book really made me think deeply about my life and all the societal influences on it. It's well-written and for most of the points the author makes he has references to the Bible or writings of Catholic theologians.
December 21, 2024
Laughable.
February 10, 2022
An in-depth look at what went wrong with the Patriarchy beginning with Adam and Eve.
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