Gender Essentialism and Orthodoxy

Bryce E. Rich holds a PhD in Theology from the University of Chicago. He has participated in six conferences on Orthodoxy and sexuality in Finland, Norway, and England.

List of Abbreviations vii PART I 1 Setting the Stage 3 2 (No) Male and Female: Recapitulating Patristic Reflections on Gender 18 3 Gender Essentialism in Contemporary Orthodox Thought 56 4 Person, Gender, Sex, Sexuality 92 PART II 5 Women and the Priesthood 123 6 Homosexuality 135 7 Marriage: The Sacrament of Love 145 8 Some Final Thoughts on Pastoral Care 164 Conclusion 177 Notes 181 Bibliography 233 Index 255

. . .[This] book is evidence of a genuine desire to engage deeply held positions with which one disagrees; and on that score, it succeeds admirably.-- "The Journal of Religion" Moving beyond the binaries in Orthodoxy is a heavy lift. Bryce Rich does so with erudition and candor.-- "WATER - Womens Alliance for Theology, Ethics and Ritual" Bryce Rich undertakes an ambitious re-interpretation of Eastern Orthodox doctrines about fixed gender dualism. Returning to Orthodox sources while sharing their deepest commitments, he finds many credible warrants for alternate teachings and more generous pastoral approaches. Since the practice is humanly urgent, it calls for serious theoretical attention. As Rich proposes better grounded conclusions about sex and gender, he reminds readers of the incarnate diversity of their sanctification--and the tender humility needed to witness it or to assist it.---Mark D. Jordan, Harvard Divinity School Women, gender, and sexuality have been deeply divisive issues for Orthodox Christians, especially in recent decades. In this book, Bryce Rich offers a constructive way forward. He brings sound learning, clear thinking, and patient explication. With discernment and wisdom, he guides the reader through an honest treatment of biblical and patristic foundations, considers the impact of major scientific findings, and assesses questions raised by trajectories in modern theology. The results are illuminating and profoundly significant for us all. This is a game-changer, and one for which we can be grateful.---Susan Ashbrook Harvey, Brown University