Hi Cyrus,
My examples are only intended to show that neutrality is not a favored position in terms of what we see around us in the universe. As I noted in my original post on this thread (#5), gender seems to be part of the pattern of duality--and even more, polarity--that is inherent in the structure of the universe. Therefore to me, sex appears to be only the expression at the physical level of a more universal principle (gender) that transcends the physical level.
However, my basic problem with your use of biological examples is that they are completely unconnected to any theory/hypothesis or stated belief in terms of the nature of spirit/soul that would make your observations related to the evolution of sex in the physical realm relevant to the question of gender in the spirit realm. What is the paradigm you are working from? Do you have any kind of overarching metanarrative in terms of the interaction of spirit and matter and the direction (if any) of the process we are involved in?
Assuming evolution as a paradigm, are souls/spirits on a parallel track of evolution from an undifferentiated beginning along with their associated biological life forms? If so, why would spirits not also develop/evolve gender as a basis for thoroughly and effectively interfacing with those biological life forms? It seems to me that spirits would develop into two types (genders) as well, with each adapted to interface with a particular sex. Without a form fixed in matter, spirits might be more versatile in terms of interfacing with an opposite sex body in the physical, but there could also be problems and discomfort (which seems to be supported by Stevenson's research).
On the other hand, why just two, why not three as we find with aquatic vs. amphibious vs. land based life forms? Is it possible that some spirits become thoroughly adapted to a male role, some to a female role, and some to mixed/intermediate roles (just as some life forms became thoroughly adapted to an aquatic life, some to a land based life, and some to an amphibious life)? In this regard, a particular body sex and sex role is part of the "environment" in which the spirit lives in the physical, just as water or land is another part of its physical environment. Further, the more thoroughly and better adapted to life in one environment, the less comfortable life forms are in alternative environments (in this case, sex/gender roles). Alternately, in an evolutionary model with both physical and spiritual evolution, why would physical bodies/types evolve and spirits not evolve/change in tandem reflecting the same changes?
Assuming colonization as a paradigm (which I have also heard used), with spirit beings having their origins elsewhere (i.e., in some other dimension) and basically seeking to colonize and live in and through the physical, there might be two models. In one, spirits are already gendered, and seek to shape physical life to meet their needs and preferences. In another, they would develop preferences and seek to adapt just as in the evolutionary model.
Assuming creation as a paradigm, why not gendered spirits? This seems to be the model held in the Abrahamic religions, at least in regard to the creation of human life. Other religions may have their own models for creation, but most have some type of creation story involving the first man and woman, as well as gendered gods. So, once again, gender appears to be inherent or at least an acceptable alternative.
I.e., I can find no reason why it seems axiomatic to so many that spirits cannot be gendered.
After all, we know very little about the field from a scientific standpoint, and religions and philosophies vary on such points as well. Where does this certainty come from? My opinion is that spirits have gender, but this is not a dogma, just an opinion.
Cordially,
S&S
PS--Multiverse ideas are fun, but unconfirmed IMO. However, even if so, it doesn't mean that ordinary matter is not the default setting in our particular universe. Likewise, gender may also be the default setting for advanced/intelligent beings for this universe--in the physical as well as in spirit.