Understanding Transgender Identities: Four Views

Understanding Transgender Identities is a groundbreaking book that will support Christians in deepening their theological and biblical understanding and their reflections on pastoral care. The book’s editors offer extensive definitions and arguments from natural and social science yet remain focused on how to best witness to God’s love and serve Christ’s purposes. The presence of four perspectives shows there is no simple for-and-against binary here; rather, Christian certainties, worries, concerns, and joys intersect and diverge across these four views. While this may frustrate those already solidly committed to a point of view, it may delight the intellectual and curious mind. The most grateful readers will be those sincere Christians who wish to love their transgender neighbors as themselves but are bewildered or uncertain about the linguistic, scientific, biblical, theological, and pastoral complexities associated with transgender identities. Understanding Transgender Identities will honor that sincerity while stretching readers to consider a broad range of information and viewpoints

—Jenell Paris, professor of anthropology, Messiah University

This nuanced, authoritative book shows the diverse approaches to gender variance that Christians can hold with integrity. Scientifically, biblically, and theologically rigorous, Understanding Gender Identities confidently leads readers through a field too often fraught with misinformation. Readers who approach the book with a point of view about gender variance—and those who do not know what to make of it at all—will find themselves gently challenged. The authors model robust yet respectful disagreement, challenging and stirring one another. This is a book with love, compassion, and a deep yearning for truth and divine light at its heart.

Susannah Cornwall, senior lecturer in constructive theologies and director of EXCEPT (Exeter Centre for Ethics and Practical Theology), University of Exeter

Every Christian leader needs to think through questions related to transgender identities and experiences. Every Christian leader, therefore, needs to read this book and humbly and critically consider the various views. Paul Eddy and James Beilby have put together a thoughtful team of scholars addressing some of the most important ethical questions facing the church today.

—Preston Sprinkle, president of the Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender