Beyond Male and Female? - (T&t Clark Enquiries in Theological Ethics) by Sam Ashton (Paperback)

About the Book

"A theological assessment of the sexed body as it moves from creation to consummation, to explore whether the phenomenon of intersex embodiment disrupts the traditional interpretation of 'male and female' as a sexed binary"--

Book Synopsis

In this incisive work, Sam Ashton provides a compelling, consistent and erudite argument for a foundational approach to the matter of sexual difference, drawing on biblical and doctrinal material and using resources in their original languages. He tracks and traces the sexed body as it moves from creation, through the fall, to redemption "now," and final consummation "not yet." In doing so, Ashton presents what is perhaps the strongest case that can be made for 'male and female He created them'.

Each chapter privileges biblical exegesis, drawing upon figures in church history (notably Augustine and Aquinas) as and when they illumine Scripture. By doing so, the book considers the difficulty presented to sexual dimorphism by the phenomenon of intersex. Ashton seeks to develop an understanding that is generous, inclusive and affirming, so he works carefully through the writings of Thatcher, Song and Cornwall in a way that invites engagement and dialogue.

With the complete divine drama in view, the book offers synthetic judgments about what remains essential for the "structure" of the sexed body as it travels through history and what may be accidental to the sexed body's "direction" within a particular theo-dramatic act. Ashton concludes by considering ways to transition from dogmatic judgments about intersexuality to the moral-pastoral care of concrete intersex individuals, briefly thinking about the complex matter of marriage.

Review Quotes

Entering into the passion of contemporary conversation with clarity and grace, Ashton's Beyond Male and Female?provides ample resources for those who want to learn about intersexed persons from a rich theological perspective. This is the kind of careful exegetical and theological work, conducted through respectful conversation with a spectrum of scholars, which must be done for Christians to be able to enter the conversation neither ignorant and silent nor ignorant and abrasive. The pastoral work remains to be done in relationship with those for whom this is their reality, but Ashton provides a carefully laid argument to present the good of creation, and even more, the inestimable good when that creation is restoratively transformed in the consummation of Christ's Kingdom.
Amy Peeler, Wheaton College, USA

It is a privilege to be in dialogue with Sam Ashton. Here he directs his dialogic spirit to the topic of intersex and, more broadly, to how Christians -- including intersex Christians -- ought to think about the meaning of sexed bodiliness, Jesus's and ours. His treatments of the positions with which he disagrees show his gift for faithful listening, and his own constructive reflections and responses demonstrate his gift for theologizing in Christ. This is an exemplary and profound book in every way.
Matthew Levering, Mundelein Seminary, USA

This is theological description carefully and discursively pursued. The patience and attention with which differently angled suggestions are brought under review, the persistence with which coherent description is pursued will make this work a seriously useful contribution, not least to those who wish to take the moral aspects of the question further. Good description is an essential foundation for practical reflection, and no one who thinks seriously will fail to learn something important from this example of it.
Oliver O'Donovan, University of Edinburgh, UK

About the Author

Sam Ashton is the minister of St Paul's Hadley Wood, UK.