Theology for the Church Gender Essentialism: A Biblical and Theological Perspective with Kyle Claunch and Michael Carlino
Dec 29, 2025
Kyle Claunch, a Christian Theology professor, and Michael Carlino, Operations Director at CBMW, delve into gender essentialism, asserting its biblical foundation. They discuss Genesis 1–2, arguing that gender binary is intrinsic to humanity. Michael warns against the dangers of treating gender as accidental, while Kyle emphasizes the importance of correct theological frameworks for pastoral care. They clarify the theological implications of Christ's male humanity and tackle feminist objections, providing resources for further understanding.
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Gender As An Essential Human Property
- Gender essentialism holds that being male or female is an essential property of humanity, not accidental or changeable.
- Kyle Claunch argues the gender binary is instantiated in individuals as either male or female and admits no degrees or interchangeability.
Genesis 1 Grounds The Gender Binary
- Genesis 1 shows creatures reproduce according to their kind, implying male and female belong to the same human kind.
- Kyle Claunch connects this biblical 'kind' language to the philosophical idea that gender belongs to human essence.
Essence Versus Existence Explained
- Drawing on Aquinas, essence is potential (kind) and existence is actual instantiation; gender is an essential property instantiated as male or female.
- Kyle Claunch explains essential properties must be actualized and gender is such a property for humanity.
