Passing Through the Wall: On Outings,Exodus, Angels,and the Ark

Classicists have argued that angels in Christian theology were modeled on the eunuchs of antiquity; with angels providing the same services to the Lord in Heaven that eunuchs provided to emperors on Earth. I apply this idea toward understanding the cherubim on the ark in Exodus 25 and the death of Aaron’s sons in Leviticus 10. I also suggest that the angel-eunuch analogy can help us understand the psychological impact of androgen deprivation therapy on modern prostate cancer patients. Appreciating this analogy can help prostate cancer patients accept and adapt to the changes they experience.

Richard Joel WassersugEmail:

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Dr. Richard Joel Wassersug   , PhD, is a Full Professor in Dalhousie University’s Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, with cross appointments in Biology and Psychology. With coauthors in psychology, anthropology, medicine, and philosophy he now studies the psychological impact of androgen deprivation in historical and contemporary societies. The rationale for this research is to develop strategies for helping men recognize, accept, and adjust to the effects of medical treatments that impact on their gender identity (i.e., sense of masculinity) and sexuality (for example, potency and sex drive).