The Overlap of Gender

The Overlap of Gender

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27

“And” – Radical both in Ancient and Modern times

If we are to explore masculinity, we must return to its Creator and His original design. God created mankind in His image and then qualified His design has two forms or two genders, male and female.

The word “and” here was radical to the ancient world because it means God designed men and women as equals. The word “and” is radical in our current cultural climate because it means God designed men and women with distinction.

Our equal, and yet our perfect compliment

Feminist movements rightly fought for the equality of women in dignity and honor which aligns with God’s design, but it took a wrong turn when our culture bought into the collapse of gender. As you will hear Cunningham state in this 2nd episode, “Eve is the same essence, the same substance as Adam, sharing in the fullness of nobility and glory with Adam, yet a distinct person… This is God’s original design for gender before we made a mess of gender.” Men and women equally created in His image sharing in the same nobility and glory, but also different with distinct glories designed by God to fulfill His purposes.

The Overlap of Gender

In this series, Cunningham is going to spend the bulk of the time considering the differences and the unique glory of God’s design for the man, but it is important first to consider the overlap of gender and how that will shape our view of masculinity. Episode 2 is about that overlap.

Episode: The Mighty Meekness of Masculinity - Part 2: The Overlap of Gender

Listen on Spotify | Listen on Apple Podcasts

Reflection

1. Do we treat the female as equal AND celebrate her distinction as God’s design to create a suitable helper fit for us to accomplish the work and will of God together? The Hebrew word for “helper” is ezer. That is not a demeaning word for the woman. On the contrary, that word is most commonly used in the Old Testament when speaking of God as our help and rescuer in time of need. The title of helper then is one of great honor.
2. If you are married, how are you showing high honor to your wife as an equal partner in fulfilling God’s work?