Biblical eyes look at trans-genderism

The trans-gender phenomenon through Biblical eyes

Any person who utters that the Bible is neutral or silent on the subject of trans-genderism is merely making their ignorance obvious. They not only have an ignorance of the Scriptures but also an enormous dearth in the knowledge of the nature of God. The Scripture has much to say regarding the subject. God’s wisdom provides a sturdy foundation upon which to unravel the web of confusion surrounding gender, sexual identity and the trans-gender condition. But where shall we place the trans-gender phenomenon within the framework of the Bible?

The trans-gender expression is a product of the fall. There was not a hint of its existence prior to the fall of Adam and Eve.[1] It was the disobedience of humanity that opened the door for sin to enter the world (Romans 5:12-21). Sin can be understood as doing what is wrong or not doing what is right according to God’s law. 1 John says “Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness” (3:4). God’s law may be understood as His will and commandments that govern the way man lives. His law and commandments were given to us for our benefit, for the good of all humanity and to preserve God’s gift of life (Psalm 19:7). In God’s graciousness He also wrote His law on our hearts (Hebrews 10:16, Romans 2:16) giving every man a conscience. The conscious is the voice of our spirit, acting in a way to either accuse or excuse us as we are faced with temptation.[2] However, the conscience or heart is able to be trained (2 Peter 2:14). It may be trained by the Word of God in righteousness so that it is strengthened (1 Thessalonians 3:13, Hebrews 12:11). On the other hand, it may be twisted through the deceitfulness of sin so that it becomes hardened (Hebrews 3:13).

As Christians we are called to become blameless and harmless children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom we shine as lights in the world (2 Philippians 2:15). Although many Christians label trans-genderism as a perversion, why do they do so?

The term perversion means to deviate or turn away from what is right or good, natural or normal.[3] It is closely linked with the word corruption which means to alter something for the worse.[4] It is necessary to be able to identify what is right and good, natural or normal so that we can define whether something is not right, not good, unnatural or abnormal. How do we determine what is right or good? We must refer to an authoritative or original source and point of reference.

The word right can be defined as being in accordance with what is good, proper, just or correct in judgment. It also means something is moral, legal or ethically proper.[5] One who knows the Scriptures immediately recognises that God alone is good (Nahum 1:7, Matthew 19:17) and His Law and Word are just and good (Romans 7:16). God’s law and Word give order and direction. His Word and His will exist for the benefit of the common good of humankind (Deuteronomy 12:28).

The word order is central to understanding the nature of God. Through our understanding of order we gain an understanding of the disorder of trans-genderism. Order is an authoritative direction, instruction or command. It indicates the disposition of things following one after another through succession or sequence. Order is also a condition in which each thing is properly disposed with reference to other things and to its purpose. We say something is in order when it is methodical or harmonious in arrangement.[6] These definitions are immensely significant as we delve into understanding the order God set in His creation of humanity.

The definition of order also helps us to properly understand the word disorder. Disorder means a lack of order or regular arrangement, resulting in confusion.[7] We can now immediately recognise how our understanding of order provides a strong framework upon which to understand the terms Gender Identity Disorder and Gender Confusion.

Before we proceed to define some commonly used terms, I would like to introduce the words moral and its antonym, immoral. The term moral is particularly relevant to our subject as the Bible repeatedly refers to practices as immoral. More specifically, the Scriptures defines some practices as sexually immoral (Matthew 5:32, Romans 1:29, 1 Corinthians 5:1). The word moral pertains or is concerned with principles of right conduct or truths.[8] We know the Scriptures attest to itself as the ‘word of truth’ (John 17:17, 2 Corinthians 6:7) as it is ‘inspired by God’ (2 Timothy 3:16), who is truth (Psalm 31:5, John 14:6). It is for this reason that Christians appeal to Scripture to determine what is ‘right’, ‘true’ and ‘moral’ and in turn distinguish what is ‘wrong’, ‘a lie’ and ‘immoral’.

The Scriptures clearly state that believers must refrain from all forms of immorality, “Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” (James 1:21). The whole spectrum of Christian teaching and history urge believers to abstain from evil, especially from sexual immorality (1 Thessalonians 4:3, 1 Corinthians 6:17, Ephesians 5:3), defining them as acts of the sinful nature (Galatians 5:19).

But how do we know whether trans-genderism should be categorized as immoral? We define it as immoral on four bases. Firstly, trans-genderism questions, deviates and seeks to modify the created order that God clearly set in His creation of humanity. The cry of the trans-sexual is ‘I have been born in the wrong body’. This cry unashamedly accuses God, saying ‘God made a mistaken when he created me’. Yet, the Scriptures speak strongly to those who question their Creator regarding His creation (Isaiah 25:9-10, Romans 9:20).

Secondly, 1 Corinthians 6:9 equates those practicing expressions of homosexuality with unrighteousness.

It is important to note that the term translated homosexuals is actually the word catamite. Young’s Literate Translation translates the word catamite as effeminate. The word comes from the Greek word malakov meaning soft.[10] It was used to describe a boy kept for homosexual relations with a man or a male who submits his body to unnatural lewdness, such as male prostitution. A behaviour that seeks to cross-over the masculine and feminine boundaries set in creation must fundamentally be regarded as immoral.

Thirdly, the most intense trans-gender expression of trans-sexuality leads us to conclude that its motives are a perversion against one’s own body (1 Corinthians 6:15-20).

Our body belongs to God and with it we are to honour and glorify God. When a person alters their body, they are tampering with God’s property, design and creation. It is an immoral act because it deviates from the purpose for which God intended. It is sexual immorality because it is tampering with one’s God ordained sexuality and gender (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4).

Fourthly, Paul considers sexual immorality as a bondage or addiction (1 Corinthians 5:12).

However, the sexual element of trans-genderism has a strong association to homosexual acts,[12] places it most appropriately under the category of sexual deviations which by nature is categorized best as a sexual immoral thought or behaviour.

[1] The author recognises that some are of the opinion that the first Adam was a hermaphrodite-type being, having a dual sexuality of both male and female in the one body. A discussion regarding the absurdity of this suggestion is outside the scope of this article.

[2] It is for this reason that many men struggling with trans-gender urges. Behaviour such as cross-dressing often leaves tremendous guilt in their heart. Some blame this on the church and is traditional teaching. However, even if attempts are made to override the conscious, so that a heart becomes hardened (Hebrews 3:15), eventually it is this guilt or godly sorrow that brings them to repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10).

[3] pervert. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Retrieved October 31, 2007, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pervert

[4] corrupt. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Retrieved October 31, 2007, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/corrupt

[5] right. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Retrieved October 31, 2007, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/right

[6] order. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Retrieved October 31, 2007, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/order

[7] disorder. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Retrieved October 31, 2007, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/disorder

[8] moral. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Retrieved October 31, 2007, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/moral

[10] For a cross reference of this word refer to Matthew 11:8.

[12] The fluidness of transgenderism sets the stage for homosexual environment. Almost every expression of transgenderism incorporates thoughts, imaginations or role playing scenarios that align with homosexual practices.