God and the Transgender Debate by Andrew T. Walker is a timely and helpful book on a difficult subject. Many Christians struggle with knowing how to address this topic in a way that honors God’s love for his image bearers while still upholding his holiness and justice. This is a challenge in a world that is growing in its hostility and skepticism towards religious views on person-hood, gender, identity, and sexuality. This book is for those wanting to consider what the Bible says about transgenderism, situations they’ll likely face, and, possibly, the struggles they or their loved ones are experiencing now.
“Because at its heart, this debate isn’t about a debate. It’s about people: precious people made in the image of God who are hurting, who are confused, who are angry, who are scared, who may have been told by their family that they are unwelcome. It’s about some people who are delighted with how culture has shifted when it comes to gender identity, and other people who are concerned about how culture has shifted.”
Walker doesn’t attempt present his viewpoint, but seeks to exegete what Scripture says about transgender. He rightly begins by firmly establishing that transgender individuals are made in the image of God and need to be treated with respect and value. God created man and woman. He is the creator, we are the creation. Transgender, like all humans, are fallen (Genesis 3) and sin against a holy and righteous God. Because of our sin in Adam and our committed sin, we are separated from God. Jesus Christ reconciled us (those who put their faith in him) to God through his life, death, and resurrection. When we put our faith in Jesus, we take on a new identity and purpose. We are not primarily defined by our sinfulness, struggles, sexuality, brokenness, abilities, desires, or any other attributes; but our identity is found in Christ.
“Gnosticism says that there is an inherent tension between our true selves and the bodies we inhabit. The idea that our true self is different than the body we live in communicates that our body is something less than us, and can be used, shaped, and changed to match how we feel.”
Walker insightfully traces how we arrived at this point through relativism, individualism, and modern Gnosticism. “And all this means that there are two unforgivable sins in a postmodern, post-Christianized, individualist world. The first is to judge someone else. The second is to fail to fulfill your desires.”
Originally published in 2017, this second edition provides new insights into the everchanging Transgender conversation. The previous edition was not deficient or incorrect but Walker seeks to address topics that were not as prevalent at the time of the previous release. One of the biggest changes is in terminology and definitions. Words have meaning and connotations that change over time. Properly understanding these words and how different groups use and define each is necessary for fruitful conversation.
This book is primarily written to a Christian audience seeking to faithfully and lovingly engage with the transgender community. It is also beneficial to individuals without a Christian background seeking to understand Christianity’s perspective on transgender. I think this a valuable and helpful book for both groups to better understand each other’s perspective in order to have better dialog. We need to stop talking to ideologies and talking points and begin to engage each other as persons made in the image of God.
 |
God and the Transgender Debate (Second Edition): What Does the Bible Actually Say about Gender Identity? By Andrew T. Walker |
I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review. The opinions I express are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.