Reading 'with transgender eyes'
The Bible and other faith scriptures are part of humanity's great Wisdom resources. Unfortunately they have also often been used negatively towards trans people. Indeed it is even assumed, by some, quite wrongly, that they are intrinsically alien to transgender concerns. In reality, as for other people, many texts speak very powerfully, and with liberation, to transgender people's lives, reflecting the wide and rich human diversity which has always existed. Reading scriptures anew 'with transgender eyes' is also bringing fresh insight and new life to everyone.
Almost everything is capable of misuse and abuse. Sadly this is true of scriptures, religion and ideas of God, particularly as these can be used to support or gain power over others (quite different from the practice and spirit of Jesus which is about transforming power with love). We also inherit some ideas which need re-examination - just as living faith and spirituality has always re-examined its inherited preconceptions. Fortunately transgender people do not face quite the weight of alleged scriptural disapproval faced by lesbian, gay and bisexual people. Yet there is still much fired against us. Here therefore are a few reflections on some of the challenges sometimes thrown up by others, misusing or abusing scriptural texts in ways which are not healthy or life-giving - and, more importantly, a few reflections on the far far greater scriptural opportunities to grow in grace and compassion.
Queer Eye on the Bible - some reflections with other thoughts in an interview with the Uniting Church in Victoria & Tasmania
Check out some helpful pointers on this website and explore these and other matters further yourself...
The Bible and other faith scriptures are part of humanity's great Wisdom resources. Unfortunately they have also often been used negatively towards trans people. Indeed it is even assumed, by some, quite wrongly, that they are intrinsically alien to transgender concerns. In reality, as for other people, many texts speak very powerfully, and with liberation, to transgender people's lives, reflecting the wide and rich human diversity which has always existed. Reading scriptures anew 'with transgender eyes' is also bringing fresh insight and new life to everyone.
Almost everything is capable of misuse and abuse. Sadly this is true of scriptures, religion and ideas of God, particularly as these can be used to support or gain power over others (quite different from the practice and spirit of Jesus which is about transforming power with love). We also inherit some ideas which need re-examination - just as living faith and spirituality has always re-examined its inherited preconceptions. Fortunately transgender people do not face quite the weight of alleged scriptural disapproval faced by lesbian, gay and bisexual people. Yet there is still much fired against us. Here therefore are a few reflections on some of the challenges sometimes thrown up by others, misusing or abusing scriptural texts in ways which are not healthy or life-giving - and, more importantly, a few reflections on the far far greater scriptural opportunities to grow in grace and compassion.
Queer Eye on the Bible - some reflections with other thoughts in an interview with the Uniting Church in Victoria & Tasmania
Check out some helpful pointers on this website and explore these and other matters further yourself...