Eunuchs and the Postgender Jesus: Matthew 19.12 and Transgressive Sexualities

@article{Hester2005EunuchsAT,
  title={Eunuchs and the Postgender Jesus: Matthew 19.12 and Transgressive Sexualities},
  author={James D. Hester},
  journal={Journal for the Study of the New Testament},
  year={2005},
  volume={28},
  pages={13 - 40}
}
  • J. Hester
  • Published 1 September 2005
  • Psychology
  • Journal for the Study of the New Testament
The eunuch of Mt. 19.12 has long been viewed as a symbol of chastity and celibacy. However, a study of ancient perspectives on eunuchs reveals a highly sexed and morally dubious ‘third type of human’ embodying the worst fears of masculine vulnerability and sexual transgression. Many early Christians interpreted Jesus’ instruction literally, imitating their counterparts in other religious traditions who employed castration as an expression of religious devotion. This created difficulties for… 
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