The Image of the Body of Christ/in Christ and the Clothing Metaphor for the Christian Community according to Paul and their Gender Equality

Abstract

An important theme of Paul’s letters is unity and diversity within the Christian community. This article seeks to show Paul’s understanding of unity and diversity and the role gender plays in this. Passages from three of Paul’s letters are taken into consideration: Gal 3:26–29; 1 Cor 10:16–17; 12:12–30 and Rom 12:4–8. The first text discussed is Gal 3:26–29 (the clothing metaphor) where gender is explicitly referred to. The passages from 1 Cor and Rom use the image of the body of Christ/in Christ for the Christian community. However, the fact that they do not directly mention gender does not mean it is irrelevant. Rather, the Pauline conception of the community as one body with many different members in Christ implies gender equality. I conclude by reflecting critically on gender (in)equality in the Catholic Church today and the opportunities that Paul’s idea of community present.