Neither male nor female?: Resurrection, the Gospel, and a Theological Ethic of Gender Identity

One of the most perplexing challenges that western evangelicals face today is the need to offer a compelling response to the western world in light of the increasing popularity and normalization of transgender identities. Even within the church, questions continue to arise regarding what a properly theological approach to gender identity might entail. In light of this need, many Christian scholars have begun to inquire into the specific insights that eschatology might provide for a theological ethic of gender. In this endeavor, some scholars, such as Sarah Coakley, Megan DeFranza, and Scott Bader Saye have argued for a genderless humanity in the eschaton to support the normalization of transgender identities today. This paper argues, utilizing the work of Oliver O’Donovan, that a gendered resurrection supports a more robust understanding of the theological themes of creation, redemption, freedom, and authority. In light of this, this paper argues that a gendered bodily resurrection is closely related to the heart of the gospel and provides a surer foundation for a theological ethic of gender.