In his mature theological anthropology, Augustine notes that a pregnant woman cannot create or alter the nature of the unborn child in her womb because all natures are created by God, the creator of all things who is uncreated. This understanding underscores that since God created Adam and Eve with physical and gender distinctions, gender distinction is an integral part of God’s ontological design for humanity. However, recent discussions surrounding gender have sparked debate, particularly regarding the separation of gender identity from biological sex. This debate has prompted challenges within the church about God’s gendered design for men and women. Therefore, in this paper, I will argue that emphasizing gender roles risks reducing human nature to mere performances, thereby diminishing the true essence of males and females as designed by God.
I will develop this thesis in three parts: First, I will provide an overview of pre-Augustinian anthropology, highlighting the foundational ideas that shaped Augustine’s thoughts on masculinity and femininity. Second, I will describe Augustine’s view on gender/sexuality and men in his later writings, emphasizing his theological anthropology and its influence on his perspective regarding gender distinction. Finally, in the third section, I will propose a theological framework for male embodiment, underscoring an ontological approach that honors both males and females. This paper aims to contribute to the discussion on Creedal Christianity by engaging with Augustine’s perspectives on men and women in light of Christ’s humanity.