In the creation of humans in Genesis, male and female are the mode in which the image bearing capacity of God is conveyed to humankind. Gender and embodiment seem to function for humankind as part of the essence of who we are in imaging God. The ontological nature of gender is affirmed by Paul when he references Genesis and the mystery of marriage as referring to Christ and the Church. The mystery of sexual union between male and female is on the order of the union and oneness between Christ and the Church (Eph. 5:32). Gender is not something we set aside in being joined to Christ but is taken up even in this ultimate of relationships. Whether Paul is speaking literally or metaphorically, gender seems to carry enduring metaphysical importance. Continue reading “Gender Restoration”