"Transgender" by Vaughan Roberts. A Review
What is gender dysphoria? How are we to think about someone who is transgender?
Is there a way to respond that is both compassionate while being committed to
the biblical ethos? Vaughan Roberts, Rector
of St Ebbe's Church - Oxford, Director of the Proclamation Trust, and one who
grapples with same-sex attraction, has compiled a nifty little 80 page booklet
that addresses these issues, and more, in “Transgender: Christian compassion,
convictions and wisdom for today's big issues”. It is a quick and easy read
that is the right size and right tempo for handing out to anyone asking
questions.
Roberts defines “transgender” and other sexual/gender recognitions,
bringing out the origins and rationale that lies behind these identifications.
He further discusses the Scripture’s narrative on what it means to be a
sexually differentiated human, how the Fall has contaminated every aspect of
our being and existence, and what our hope is in the resurrection. Finally, the
author addresses different situations we will likely face, either personally,
as a congregation, and as members of society, and how we can respond to
them. From cover to cover there is a
genuine gentleness walking hand-in-glove with commitment to God’s design as
expressed in Scripture; “As Christians, we shouldn’t let our responses be governed
by our gut reactions, whether positive or negative, but by God’s word” (20).
My favorite descriptive analogy Roberts uses is that our bodies are not
machines with replaceable parts. Rather, humankind “is God’s masterpiece – the pinnacle
of his work of creation”. Yet since the Fall we are flawed masterpieces; and so
what is needed is not to respond to our bodies as disposable or having interchangeable
parts, but art masterpieces in need of restoration, with the goal of restoring
the master’s intention – not changing it (36-40).
“Transgender” is short, sweet and simple. This
booklet is good for personal reflection and examination. But it is also ideal
for distributing to parishioners and parties who need some stable legs under
them to keep them standing in this shaken society that is reeling under the
raging winds of rapid change! I warmly recommend the book!
Roberts' book can be purchased here: "Transgender"
You can hear Vaughan Roberts, his friends, and read several thoughtful articles at the Living Out website.
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