The Bible and the Transgender Experience: How Scripture Supports Gender Variance

The Bible and the Transgender Experience is an important, well-written and easy to read book. The Rev Linda Tatro Herzer shares her journey in understanding this topic from herpersonal experiences of pastoring a congregation with 10% Transgender members. She uses many familiar Biblical stories (e.g., Joseph and the many colored coat) to illustrate how the Bible reveals a new perspective on humanity, no matter how many times you read it! This book is supportive of and needed in the LGBTQIA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual/Ally) community. So many Christian writers use the Bible as a weapon against this community, but Rev. Tatro Herzer offers compassion, insight, humor and theological reflection that illustrate the Bible's message of grace and love, affirming ALL people. What is important is that each of us be in integrity with who God created us to be, and not hide that unique creature, no matter how "different" we may feel.  The Bible and the Transgender Experience: How Scripture Supports Gender Variance As a psychologist, I work in and with the LGBTQIA community and I've had many Transgender and Intersex clients, who have taught me a great deal about the variety of human feelings, identity, expression and acceptance. I am thrilled to have a Trans-positive book I can refer to my clients and colleagues. Our culture has many Biblical roots, so I rejoice at the arrival of a helpful book that will help restore grace, acceptance and understanding in the LGBTQIA community and the world as a whole.

Transgender 101. This book is a great introduction for people with limited knowledge of transgender persons who are trying to gain an understanding of the life experience. The author starts out defining all the terminology you need to know (such as: What's the difference between gay and trans? What is cisgender?) For Christians who might struggle with some of the issues, Rev. Herzer points out scripture passages that seem to affirm being "different" or in-between. For example: God made darkness and light. But He also made the dawn and dusk, which are a blend of darkness and light. So perhaps it's not so shocking that some persons are more fluid in their gender identity rather than the traditionally rigid male and female roles. Read this book with an open mind and heart to gain some insights.Four stars because the book could use a bit of editing to make the chapters flow more smoothly.

This is an amazingly well written book, directed towards regular people, not academics. In this book Rev. Herzer explores biblical texts that deal with gender identity. Even though I have written and spoken extensively on Bible and Gender I gained many new insights in reading this work.Chapter 9, specifically, dealing with gender variant people in the Bible, gives great hope to those who may be non-binary. The Bible is usually seen as presenting gender in the binary, so this is a great revelation (pun intended).Also, her insights on Eunuchs in the NT as well as her mentions of Isaiah 56, give hope and connection for any transgender woman who is seeking Gender Confirming Surgery. Knowing that there is a spiritual/religious home to those whose male genitals are removed in part or whole is very comforting for many.

This book was well written and easy to understand. A great improvement from some other works I have tried to read on this subject, but found to be a bit clinical and dry. This seems to be a book for everyone. Rev. Herzer offers an excellent study of Biblical Texts. She considers all important aspects of bible study, from context, to language, to placement. She does a superb job! I wish every Christian would read this book. I hope that Herzer will write more books, studying additional topics within the scripture!

This book is a wonderful integration of biblical material, theology, and transgender information. I used it for a small group study recently at my church and we thoroughly enjoyed it. It is understandable for different learning abilities, and is yet very informative. Especially if your church seeks to better understand trans people and even celebrate them, this is a great starter. The references give great resources to supplement your study group as well. We used the study questions in the back of the book, which made discussion very easy. Thank you, Linda for this important work!

As a transgender and a person of faith, I enjoyed being affirmed while being intellectually stimulated by this author's scholarly (sp) approach.

This book opens your eyes to the fact that even in biblical times there were people who would be considered LGBTQI. Even Jesus himself referred to them in the New Testament. I highly suggest everyone read this book especially those in leadership positions within churches or religious groups. It could really open your eyes to a new way of looking at those you really don't know!!!

This book is amazing. It is incredibly revealing and positive. If you are a truth seeker, read this book. I wanted to know the truth about the message of Jesus and the Bible and I found it here. Transgender people have existed for ages and have been loved and appreciated for ages.

This book is an essential read. The writer is a pastor who had to learn about trans theology to minister to members of her congregation. She writes with great sensitivity and compassion.Her explanations of the affirming theology are very clear and well explained. Her use of the Bible is faithful and takes the reader deep into the texts.