Trans Truth for Gender-affirming Christian Families

With Neurodiversity often comes Gender Diversity. Sadly a lot of gender-affirming Christians and parents are met with prejudice, judgements and rejection (or at least conditional acceptance that labels any type of gender-affirming care and transitioning as sinful). These churches claim a “Biblical perspective” without really even knowing where the Bible stand on this issue.

We all know that Christians can’t agree about theology and that there are different viewpoints and interpretations of Scriptures across different denominations and church communities about many different subjects.

My hope and prayer is that the Body of Christ may humble themselves before the Lord, and search the Scriptures and seek the Lord’s face about this issue. Is it really right to deny gender diverse people (including trans, intersex and non-binary people) access to the Kingdom of God? Is this really the Father’s heart for children, teens and adults who love Him with all their heart, mind, soul and strength?

Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart; Test me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way. - Psalms 139:23‭-‬24 AMP

What does the Bible say about Transgender People and Gender-affirming Christian Families

The Bible's perspective on transgender individuals is a complex topic that has garnered significant attention and debate within religious and secular communities alike. To understand this perspective, it is essential to consider the broader themes of gender, identity, and the interpretation of scripture.

Firstly, the Bible does not explicitly mention transgender individuals as we understand the term today. However, it does address issues of gender and identity in various passages but interpretations of these texts can vary widely among different denominations and theological perspectives.

Secondly, the overarching biblical themes of love, compassion, and acceptance are crucial when considering the treatment of transgender individuals. Many contemporary Christian communities advocate for a loving and inclusive approach, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting individuals in their journey of self-discovery and identity affirmation. This perspective aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who often reached out to marginalized groups and emphasized the importance of loving one’s neighbor.

Thirdly, while the Bible does not provide a clear and definitive stance on transgender individuals, its teachings on gender, identity, and love suggest a more nuanced understanding. The interpretation of scripture in relation to transgender issues continues to evolve, reflecting broader societal changes and the ongoing dialogue within the Christian faith regarding acceptance and inclusion. As discussions around gender identity progress, many seek to reconcile their faith with contemporary understandings of gender diversity, striving for a more inclusive interpretation of biblical teachings and to accept gender-affirming Christian families as valid members of the Body of Christ.

Let's look at a few scriptures together.

BLESSED & AFFIRMED BY THE FATHER, JESUS AND THE HOLY SPIRIT

Some Christians have incorrectly asserted that truly valuing the Bible means opposing the existence, well-being, and humanity of transgender individuals. As a result, gender-expansive individuals from various backgrounds and Christian denominations have felt pressured to choose between their faith and leading a complete, healthy, and genuine life. The Bible supports the complete inclusion of transgender, non-binary, and other gender-expansive individuals in the full life of the Christian community.

• When we use the term "affirming," we refer to the theological perspective that all gender expressions are an essential part of God's design for diversity in creation.

• When we use "non-affirming," we are describing the theological view that transgender and other gender variant expressions are either a) inherently sinful or b) morally neutral but still considered a form of disorder, mental illness, or other form of brokenness.

Whether you are secure in your current understanding or exploring new opportunities, we hope that engaging with Scripture and questions pertinent to trans experiences is integral to what it means for Christians to "love God with all your heart, soul, and mind" (Deuteronomy 6:5, Matthew 22:37, Luke 10:7).

Creation and the Gender Binary – Genesis 1:27; Genesis 2:18-24

When Christians consider the concept of gender, they often refer to the origins. In Genesis, there are two narratives about creation, one of which states, "So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them" (Genesis 1:27, NRSV).

If you were raised hearing these stories and living among individuals who appeared to fit within these gender roles, the presence of transgender people might appear to challenge God's established order.

Yet, upon examining these passages more closely, we discover a world that is far more intricate and beautiful. For example, in Genesis 1, when God creates men and women, it follows the creation of opposites in every other part of creation—day and night, land and sea, birds that fly and fish that swim.

Humans, therefore, are also created as an opposite pair—male and female. However, the issue with interpreting this text literally is that, although Genesis 1 establishes these binaries, God's creation exists along spectrums.

Between day and night, we find dawn and dusk; between land and sea, there are coral reefs, estuaries, and beaches; between flying birds and swimming fish, we have penguins and high-jumping dolphins, as well as the uniquely fascinating platypus. No one would claim that a penguin is an abomination for not fitting the categories of Genesis 1, or that an estuary is displeasing to God because it's neither land nor sea.

Similarly, God grants every individual a unique self that may not always conform to a specific category or binary. Among cisgender individuals—those whose gender identities match the sex assigned at birth, or non-transgender people—there is a vast range of differences in height, strength, hair distribution, size and shape of reproductive organs, and nearly all other physical traits, making it challenging for everyone to fit perfectly into one culture's definitions of man or woman. There is also diversity among transgender and non-binary people in terms of bodies, personalities, beliefs, and experiences.

Instead of dismissing Genesis 1 as a fictional account that doesn't align with reality, many affirming Christians understand that the narratives in this chapter were not intended to document all of creation (which would make it an encyclopedia). Rather, they are meant to direct us toward God's power and love. It is not necessary for every microbe and constellation to be mentioned in this chapter to have meaning and blessing.

Eunuchs as an example of gender diversity – Deuteronomy 23:1; Isaiah 56:1-8; Matthew 19:12; Acts 8:26-40

The term "transgender" is fairly recent, yet it represents a range of experiences that have existed for a long time. If you traveled back in time and spoke to individuals in the Bible, they wouldn't use this word since it wasn't around, but you would still encounter transgender and non-binary individuals. Today, some trans biblical scholars are particularly focused on the experiences of those in scripture known as "eunuchs."

Eunuchs were generally individuals assigned male at birth who had their reproductive organs altered or removed before puberty. However, in ancient times, the term "eunuch" could also refer to those we now identify as intersex. Modern trans scholars are not focused on these individuals because they think eunuchs identified as transgender. Instead, they are interested because some experiences of eunuchs in scripture resemble those faced by trans and intersex people today, particularly regarding discrimination, oppression, and dehumanization.

Eunuchs were permitted to navigate both male and female spaces, undertaking roles and responsibilities associated with each gender. Due to being intersex or having undergone physical changes before puberty, they often appeared distinct from cisgender men and women. While this was customary in Babylonian and Persian societies, it was still frowned upon by the Israelites.

Once the people of Israel are freed from captivity, several prophets, including Isaiah, guide them in the rebuilding of their homeland. In Isaiah 56:1-8 God speaks through Isaiah and says that even though Deuteronomy 23 outlawed the participation of eunuchs in Israelite society, in the new Israel they will have a special place – God says, “I will give, in my house and within my walls, a monument and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off” (Isaiah 56:5, NRSV). This wide welcome would have been a relief for the eunuchs, but warring theological factions meant that as far as we know, this prophecy was never fulfilled.

Many years later, Jesus mentions eunuchs in Matthew 19:12, where he notes that there are many kinds of eunuchs, including “eunuchs who have been so from birth,” “eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others,” and “eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven” (NRSV). While the first group might include intersex people, and the second group people who were castrated by force, Christians have been arguing for centuries about who might be included in that third category.

Regardless of whom he was referring to, it is clear that Jesus, in this instance, neither disparages eunuchs as others in his society might have, nor does he simply refrain from negative judgment; instead, he elevates eunuchs as a positive example. The fact that Jesus speaks favorably of gender-expansive individuals in his own era and context provides hope to many gender-expansive people today.

In Acts 8:26-40, we encounter another significant eunuch who journeys from Ethiopia with the intention of worshiping at the temple in Jerusalem. On his return trip, he meets Philip, a disciple of Jesus.

Until then, there is no record of eunuchs joining the early Christian church. However, in this account from Acts, we learn about an Ethiopian eunuch who, upon learning about Jesus, asks Philip, "What is to prevent me from being baptized?" (Acts 8:36, NRSV). Although Philip could have argued that there was no precedent for this situation—that the Ethiopian's status as a non-Israelite or his identity as a eunuch might indeed be a barrier—Philip instead baptizes him without hesitation or conditions. This narrative of a gender-expansive person of color being welcomed as one of the first Christian converts is a significant part of our spiritual history.

1. THE FATHER
   

This is what the Lord says, “To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths And choose what pleases Me, And hold firmly to My covenant, To them I will give in My house and within My walls a memorial, And a name better than that of sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name which will not be cut off. Also the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord, To minister to Him, and to love the name of the Lord, To be His servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath without profaning it And holds fast to My covenant [by conscientious obedience]; All these I will bring to My holy mountain And make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on My altar; For My house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples.” . Isaiah 56:4‭-‬8 AMP

2. JESUS

But He said to them, “All cannot accept this saying, but only those to whom it has been given: For there are eunuchs who were born thus from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He who is able to accept it, let him accept it.” Matthew 19:11‭-‬12 NKJV

3. THE HOLY SPIRIT

So he got up and went; and there was an Ethiopian eunuch [a man of great authority], a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship, and he was returning, and sitting in his chariot he was reading [the scroll of] the prophet Isaiah.

Then the [Holy] Spirit said to Philip, “Go up and join this chariot.” Then Philip spoke and he preached Jesus to him [explaining that He is the promised Messiah and the source of salvation]. As they continued along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch exclaimed, “Look! Water! What forbids me from being baptized?” [Philip said to him, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he replied, “I do believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”] And he ordered that the chariot be stopped; and both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. Acts 8:29‭-‬31‭, ‬34‭-‬38 AMP

Being wonderfully made – Psalm 139:13-14

Psalm 139:13-14, which speaks of being "wonderfully made" in the "womb," is often cited by non-affirming theologies to argue that identifying as transgender or non-binary and seeking medically necessary care contradicts the belief in God as the creator of life.

However, this view is highly restrictive and affects more than just transgender experiences. Psalm 139 suggests that we are all crafted with love and purpose, with every aspect of our being—both physical and internal self-awareness—being divinely shaped with dignity. There is no textual basis to assume that this does not include our gender identities or expressions.

Although it's true that physical transformation can originate from shame, unrealistic beauty standards, and body negativity, for many individuals, it can also arise from a place of love, care, and stewardship for their body.

Transgender and non-binary individuals seek physical transformation not out of disgust, but as a demonstration of their dedication to aligning body and spirit. They believe that being "fearfully and wonderfully made" signifies that God desires peace and completeness for us and the world, regardless of each person's unique journey.

Transgender individuals often come to know God through their journeys. These experiences can be a profound way for God to communicate different messages to both the individual and those around them. These messages convey that God cherishes diversity and variation, invites people to collaborate and co-create in shaping the world, and that understanding who we are and who God created us to be can develop in stages and change over time.

Conclusion

If you're new to this discussion, it's common to feel overwhelmed or worry that others might accuse you of supporting transgender and non-binary individuals just because it's politically correct or fashionable.

While there has indeed been a rise in transgender and non-binary representation in media, our society is simultaneously experiencing an unprecedented number of trans-exclusionary bills in state legislatures, public declarations against transgender individuals in churches, and higher rates of documented crimes and violence targeting transgender people.

Demonstrating the biblical and theological precedent in this writing does not ensure protection from ongoing discrimination. Coming out to yourself and your community always requires significant courage.

Similarly, when friends and family of transgender and non-binary individuals openly show their love and support in various situations, it can be a vital act of solidarity. Amid fear, stress, or confusion, it's crucial to pause, breathe, and observe the work God is already doing. Gender diversity has been present in nearly every culture throughout recorded history. Traditionally, gender non-conforming individuals were assigned communal roles as spiritual leaders, healers, conflict mediators, and cultural conduits.

This indicates that the true concern is not about whether someone can be both transgender and Christian, but whether the church will recognize and support those whom God is already using to enhance the entire life of the body of Christ.

As we consider this subject with compassion, humility, and bravery, we might recall the words of Gamaliel, a teacher who stood up for the persecuted apostles of the early church: "If this plan or this endeavor is of human origin, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to stop them—in that case, you may even find yourselves opposing God!" (Acts 5:34-39, NRSV).

Sourced from: https://www.hrc.org/resources/what-does-the-bible-say-about-transgender-people