Religion and Intersex: Perspectives from Science, Law, Culture, and Theology

The book explores the experiences of intersex people who have faced erasure in science, law, culture, and theology due to the assumption that all humans are either 'female or 'male. It argues that moving from a paradigm of sexual dimorphism to sexual polymorphism will help promote the full humanity and flourishing of intersex people by creating a world where they are no longer coerced and/or forced to undergo non-consensual, medically unnecessary treatment, experience human rights violations, feel inhuman and Other due to epistemic injustice, and feel excluded and invisible in worship services.

Format: Hardback
Length: 234 pages
Publication date: 25 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the complex and often overlooked situation of intersex individuals who have faced erasure in various domains, including science, law, culture, and theology, due to the prevailing notion that all humans can be categorized as either 'female' or 'male.' Through a series of in-depth interviews with German intersex Christians, the book makes a compelling argument for shifting from a sexual dimorphism paradigm to a sexual polymorphism perspective. By embracing this shift, the book aims to foster the full humanity and flourishing of intersex individuals by creating a world where they are no longer subjected to coercive or non-consensual medical treatments, face no human rights violations due to their lack of legal protection, no longer feel dehumanized and marginalized by societal norms and stereotypes, are no longer told that they are not created in God's image based on a sexually dimorphic interpretation of Genesis 1:27, and no longer feel excluded and invisible in worship services that fail to recognize their existence.

Moreover, this book offers a holistic approach, combining practical considerations with spiritual insights, to reevaluate the medical treatment and pastoral care that should be accessible to intersex people. It provides valuable insights for professionals and scholars in the fields of science, law, culture, and theology, particularly those engaged in gender and theological studies, as well as those currently pursuing or involved in lay and ordained ministry. By shedding light on the experiences and perspectives of intersex individuals, this book contributes to a broader understanding of human diversity and the need for inclusive and respectful practices in all aspects of society.

Weight: 620g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367029579