Androgyny and Early Christianity

Author: Vorster, Johannes N.¹

Source: Religion and Theology, Volume 15, Numbers 1-2, 2008 , pp. 97-132(36)

Publisher: BRILL

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Abstract:

The fusion of two sexes into one body has often been interpreted as symbolising humankind's yearning for unity, harmony and equality. Studies of early Christianity have 'discovered' in the imagery of the androgynous being a possibility for resisting the prevailing phallocratic Graeco-Roman culture, thereby portraying the first steps toward an egalitarian community. This article contests this 'discovery' and it is argued that the imagery of androgyny represents not a harmonious utopian future, but rather a discordant, chaotic present. As a matter of fact, the imagery of the androgyny represents phallogocentric discourses, using the notion of the deformed male body as strategy for its maintenance and reproduction.

Keywords: ANDROGYNY; DUAL SEXUALITY; EARLY CHRISTIAN GNOSTICISM; EARLY CHRISTIAN EGALITARIANISM; PHALLOGOCENTRIC DISCOURSE; HERMAPHRODITISM

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1163/157430108X308172

Affiliations: 1: Department of New Testament, University of South Africa, P.O. Box 392, 0003 UNISA, Republic of South Africa

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