Something that stands out to me when I read Genesis 1:1-31 is the recurring theme of spectrum, gradation, and transition.
The passage is bookended by the distinction of day and night, and then by that of male and female, but it's interspersed with a spectrum of creation and the transitory refrain of “evening and morning.” Furthermore, God's declaration of mankind being made both male AND female punctuates the narrative. While the binaries “day and night” may be the primary elements, the spectrum and transitional gradations are persistently mentioned, rhythmically repeating throughout the passage.
The passage opens with the elemental dichotomy of day and night, but this stark contrast is harmonized by the gentle transition of evening and morning. It proceeds to explore the realms of water and sky, echoing the motif of a harmonizing transition. Next, it delineates the boundary between sea and land, an interaction that naturally fosters a spectrum of flora. We are then presented with the spectrum of lights, embodied by the sun, moon, and stars. This is followed by a portrayal of the diverse spectrum of life—fish, birds, land animals, and all manner of fauna. These stanzas are rhythmically punctuated by the transitional refrain, “there was evening, there was morning…” This refrain eschews the notion of a stark dichotomy, favoring instead the concept of a gradual, harmonious, seamless transition.
The culmination of this creation narrative comes when God says, "Let US create mankind in OUR image." Here we now see the spectrum, gradation, and transition of male AND female within the very nature of God being imparted directly to mankind, not as a binary dichotomy, but as a unified, if graduated, whole. Interestingly, the text does not proclaim that humans are made in the image of God as male OR female, but rather, as male AND female. This suggests a spectrum within the divine image itself, and by extension, within humanity.
Expanding on this idea, it might be argued that this vision of the divine reflects an understanding of God that transcends strict dichotomies. It provides room for a God who encompasses the full range of existence, from one extreme to the other, and everything in between — the entire spectrum, as it were.
The notion of transition, spectrum, and gradation within humanity could be seen as a mirror of our own experiences and identities. Our lives are not characterized by stark, unchanging binaries, but rather by dynamic, fluid spectrums. In this light, Genesis could be read as a celebration of the diversity inherent in the world and the divine image within us all.
The idea that this passage would suddenly veer from the overarching themes of spectrum and transition, so evident in all of creation, to confine the understanding of humanity to a stark binary, is not one that can be readily accepted. To me, such a jarring shift seems at least unlikely, and arguably absurd. When we consider the human condition in all its diversity, the ideas of transition, spectrum, and gradation seem to reflect our lived experience much more accurately.
It's important to note that within this concept of spectrum, the binary concepts of male and female continue to retain their significance. These are epitomized in Christian tradition by Christ and the Theotokos, as well as by the various saints whose lives embody a wide range of human experience and virtue. These figures stand as archetypes of identity and spirituality, giving shape and meaning to our understanding of gender in its most profound sense.
Similarly, the concept of spectrum does not undermine the sanctity of marriage. Rather, marriage exists as a wellspring pouring life into the spectrum. Marriage, within this understanding, continues to be a sacred covenant that serves as a microcosm of divine love, mirroring the relationship between Christ and the Church. It is the cradle of life, the nexus from which the full spectrum of creation springs forth. Sacramental marriage can still be celebrated as the union of male and female, without needing to exclude or belittle other relationships of love and commitment within the spectrum of human relationships. The sacrament's nature is simply to highlight the procreative and symbolic nature of the union between two polarities of the full spectrum of life.
The sacramental view of marriage, particularly in Christian traditions, understands this union as a profound symbol of the relationship between Christ and the Church. Within this sacred bond, two distinct individuals come together in a covenant of love, fidelity, mutual support, and the potential for new life. This mirrors the spiritual covenant between Christ and His followers, the Church. Furthermore, the potential of this union to produce new life symbolizes the life-giving and transformative power of Christ's love.
This is a picture to be celebrated by all, whether sacramentally married or not. It's a celebration not merely of the union itself but of the truths it embodies: selfless love, unity in diversity, and the capacity to bring forth new life — physical, emotional, and spiritual. This sacramental understanding of marriage resonates powerfully with biblical teachings and offers a profound metaphor for the divine-human relationship.
However, embracing the sacramentality of marriage does not necessitate the rejection or condemnation of non-sacramental relationships. Every relationship, whether sacramental in the traditional sense or not, holds the potential to manifest love, mutual respect, and growth.
Why can’t non-sacramental marriages still bear the fruit of love, understanding, and mutual growth? Can they not still contribute positively to the broader community, nurturing values such as tolerance, compassion, and empathy? In essence, they are another expression of the diverse ways in which love manifests in the world.
While these relationships might not be sacramentalized, they are not devoid of sacred worth. They reflect the broad and inclusive nature of God’s love. Therefore, rather than being subjects of rejection or condemnation, non-sacramental marriages can still be acknowledged for their unique expressions of love and commitment, contributing to the beautiful diversity of human relationships. When we interpret Genesis as capturing the vast spectrum of life, our perception of the divine image within us all becomes profoundly sharpened. This perspective doesn't simply encourage tolerance for its own sake, but rather it invites us to appreciate the nuances of life, recognizing that it doesn't flicker in strict binaries, but instead glides across a broad spectrum of possibilities. Observing these graceful transitions should serve as a gentle reminder to extend this same grace to each other in our shared journey.
