Understanding the Call to Love in Light of Faith
The teachings of Jesus Christ unequivocally call for love, compassion, and acceptance, a directive that transcends societal norms and personal biases. Central to the Christian faith is the belief in a God who loves humanity unconditionally and calls individuals to emulate this love. Yet, when it comes to affirming and welcoming transgender individuals, some Christians wrestle with misunderstandings and prejudices that stand contrary to this divine command. Here, I seek to explore why affirming transgender individuals aligns with the biblical teachings of Jesus and how misinterpretations regarding transgender identities hinder this calling.
The Biblical Foundation of Love and Acceptance
Jesus' Command to Love
One of Jesus' most profound teachings is encapsulated in His words: "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39). Importantly, this command does not come with conditions or exclusions based on race, gender, sexuality, or identity. Time and again, Jesus demonstrated radical inclusivity—whether by dining with tax collectors, speaking with women who were marginalized by society, or healing those deemed unworthy by the cultural and religious norms of his time. His actions were guided by love, empathy, and an understanding of each person's intrinsic worth as a creation of God.
The Image of God in All
The Christian doctrine asserts that every individual is created in the image of God. This foundational belief affirms the inherent dignity and worth of all humanity, including transgender individuals. Recognizing that transgender individuals share in this divine image is essential for Christians who seek to live out their faith authentically. To dismiss or devalue someone's identity is to undermine the sacredness bestowed upon them by God.
Misunderstandings Surrounding Transgender Identities
Lack of Knowledge and Awareness
One key reason Christians struggle to affirm transgender individuals is ignorance regarding the nature of gender identity. Gender is not solely defined by physical anatomy; it is also a deeply personal and psychological experience. Transgender individuals navigate a journey of self-discovery to align their lived experiences with their understanding of themselves. For many Christians, this concept may be unfamiliar or challenging to reconcile with traditional ideas of gender.
One of the fundamental misunderstandings comes from confusing sex and gender. Sex has to do with biology. For now, we can leave aside the issue that not all people fall clearly into male and female in terms of biology; such people are called intersex. Gender, on the other hand, is a social construction associated with the social roles and often attributed to boys and girls, or men and women. However, there is a mistake in the previous sentence because we would be mistaken if we concluded that there are only two genders. Many cultures have or had more than two genders. For example, many Native American cultures had a more complex understanding of gender before the arrival of Europeans, who then forced the idea of two genders upon them. The Talmud, the central text of Rabbinic Judaism (in addition to the Torah), refers to at least seven genders. Other cultures in diverse places, such as India, Indonesia, Mexico, Madagascar, and the Philippines, have recognized more than two genders.
Theological Misinterpretations
Some Christians misinterpret biblical texts to justify the exclusion or condemnation of transgender individuals. However, it is crucial to recognize that many of the scriptures cited in these arguments do not address modern understandings of gender identity. Jesus Himself did not provide teachings that exclude or marginalize individuals based on their identity. Instead, His message consistently upheld love, compassion, and the breaking down of barriers between people.
Fear of Change and Cultural Bias
The cultural and societal changes surrounding gender diversity often evoke discomfort or fear among some Christians. This resistance stems not from faith itself but from entrenched cultural biases that have shaped interpretations of Christian teachings over time. Understanding the distinction between cultural norms and biblical principles is vital for moving toward greater inclusivity.
Why Affirm and Welcome Transgender Individuals?
Living Out Christ's Example
Affirming transgender individuals is a natural extension of living out the example set by Christ. Jesus consistently welcomed those who were marginalized and misunderstood, offering them dignity, healing, and belonging. As His followers, Christians are called to be agents of reconciliation and love, rather than judgment or exclusion.
Building Authentic Community
The Church is meant to be a sanctuary for all people. Here, individuals can experience the transformative love of Christ. By affirming transgender individuals, Christians help cultivate a community that reflects the inclusivity and compassion of God. Such a community not only supports the spiritual growth of its members but also stands as a powerful testament to the Gospel.
Breaking Cycles of Harm
Rejection and exclusion cause profound harm to transgender individuals, leading to feelings of isolation, depression, and alienation. By embracing and affirming transgender individuals, Christians can break cycles of harm and reflect God's healing love. Acts of affirmation can serve as a source of hope and restoration, demonstrating the power of love to overcome prejudice and foster unity.
How Christians Can Move Toward Affirmation
Educate and Engage
Educating oneself about gender identity and the experiences of transgender individuals is crucial for breaking down ignorance and prejudices. Resources from reputable organizations, testimonies from transgender Christians, and dialogues with knowledgeable leaders can provide valuable insights into this issue.
While some children may go through phases where they want to dress as the opposite sex, that is not what it means to be transgender. Transgender people do not dress up so they can go into the bathrooms of the other sex. Changing one's gender is a long, thoughtful, and complex process, often including medical treatment. Transgender individuals are not going through this difficult process so that they can compete in the opposite sex's sport. It is not a phase that will pass. It is who they have come to understand themselves to be. It is who they are.
Center Love in Action
The love that Jesus exemplified was active and intentional. Christians can embody this love by advocating for the rights and dignity of transgender individuals, supporting their inclusion in church spaces, and affirming their identity without reservation.
Seek Guidance and Reflection
Prayer, reflection, and dialogue with God can help Christians navigate their own biases and fears. Seeking divine guidance to better understand how to love and affirm transgender individuals is an essential step in aligning one's actions with the teachings of Christ.
Conclusion
Welcoming, loving, and affirming transgender individuals is not simply an option for Christians—it is a requirement rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. To love one's neighbor is to embrace them fully, without conditions or judgment. By overcoming ignorance and misinterpretations, Christians can embody the radical inclusivity that Jesus demonstrated during His ministry. Affirming transgender individuals not only reflects obedience to God's command but also builds a Church that is truly reflective of the transformative power of the Gospel. Let love, compassion, and understanding lead the way, as Jesus intended.
