Tutor Dr. John Finley (’99) Discusses Sexual Identity on EWTN & Podcast

Discussing the fundamental difference between man and woman — and the corrosive effect of gender ideology on global culture — TAC alumnus and tutor Dr. John Finley (’99) recently appeared on “EWTN Live” as well as the “Power and Witness” podcast.

On both programs, Dr. Finley promoted his 2022 book, Sexual Identity: The Harmony of Philosophy, Science, and Revelation, an interdisciplinary collection of essays written by experts for non-specialists, intended to bring about some much-needed clarity during these befuddled times. The essayists featured in Sexual Identity are highly acclaimed professionals in their fields — philosophy, obstetrics and gynecology, endocrinology, psychology, plastic surgery, and theology — who have spoken nationally and internationally on matters pertaining to the meaning of sexuality. The work draws upon the biological, psychological, philosophical, and theological sciences to charitably recall audiences to the truth that “God made them male and female” (Mark 10:6).

In his interview with EWTN’s Rev. Mitch Pacwa, S.J. (see player, above), Dr. Finley spoke about why he chose to assemble essays from such a wide array of specialists. “When I was researching this question, about what it means to be man and woman from a philosophical point of view, I realized that we need to engage with science,” he explained. “There is so much to be discovered about ourselves, from the genetic level all the way up. All these different areas of study need to come together in order to give us a robust understanding of ourselves.”

Dr. Finley went on to discuss the ineffectiveness of cosmetic changes to the body’s genetic makeup and the need for a return to truth in a modern environment dominated by fleeting feelings and passions. Ultimately, though, he described the roots of these issues as stemming from allowing culture to shape the person, rather than real, objective truths. “What often happens is that people effectively reduce what it means to be male and female to these cultural, accidental forms and practices,” he said. “They come to a very superficial, cultural reality, and we need to recognize that there are other realities that speak very deeply about what it is to be man or woman.”

In his later interview on the Power and Witness podcast with Rev. Mark Mary, MFVA (see player, below), Dr. Finley addressed the sanctity of marriage. He argued that the marital relationship affirms both spouses in themselves, likening the union of man and woman to man’s relation to God. “The man–woman relationship is the primary indication we have at the natural level that we are fulfilled in a self-transcending relationship with someone who really is ‘other’ in some determinative manner,” he says. “That’s the nature of our relationship with God. We have to enter into the relationship, both with God and with someone of the opposite sex, of our own accord.”