Christian marriage and the question of "gender"

This article by John Breck addresses the Christian theology of marriage in light of contemporary debates on gender and sexuality. Drawing on theological and anthropological reflection, it examines the scriptural and patristic foundations of conjugal union in the Orthodox tradition. The central idea is that Christian marriage, conceived as a monogamous and heterosexual union between a man and a woman, constitutes an image of the mystical union of Christ and the Church, and cannot be redefined under the influence of contemporary cultural theories. The author analyzes the anthropological implications of gender theory, which he considers to lack solid scientific grounding, and questions the coherence of homosexual union with Christian anthropology. The contribution of the article lies in its rigorous articulation between the Orthodox theological tradition and current ethical issues, particularly the question of the educational responsibility of adults in the face of the weakening of the institution of marriage.