Transgenre

Talking Points

by Vaughan Roberts

There's been huge cultural change in the last few decades. Same-sex marriage would have been unthinkable 20 or 30 years ago. Now it's almost universally accepted in the Western world. Now suddenly the issue of transgender is the next big social, cultural issue that has dominated the headlines.

Vaughan Roberts surveys the Christian worldview and seeks to apply these principles to the many complex questions surrounding gender identity. This short book gives an overview and a starting point for constructive discussion as we seek to live in a world with different values, and love, serve and relate to transgender people.

Talking Points is a series of short books designed to help Christians think, talk and relate to others with compassion, conviction and wisdom about today's big issues.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Nonfiction, Cultural, Sexuality, Christianity, Christian Living

84 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2016

About the author

Vaughan came to faith as he read through Matthew’s Gospel for himself as a teenager. After studying law at Cambridge University and a brief spell doing student ministry in South Africa, he moved to Oxford to study Theology at Wycliffe Hall and has lived in the city ever since. In 1991 he joined the staff of St Ebbe’s Church to lead the student ministry and since 1998 he has been Rector. He is also the Director of the Proclamation Trust, an organisation that encourages and equips Bible teachers. In his spare time Vaughan writes books and plays cricket and golf.

see also Vaughan Roberts' sister Clare Heath-Whyte

Reviews

[Kyle · Rating 1 out of 5]

1 star

I've rated this actually 1 star instead of 0

The start of the book was really strong and I was actually pleasantly surprised with it. It went through terminology facts about transgender issues.

Then it went downhill

It basically says that you shouldn't give into the temptations to transition and you should ignore the feelings of gender dysphoria. If it really was that easy to do, there wouldn't be such a high rate of suicide amoung those who haven't been supported after coming out

Here's a quote from a study run by the Trevor Project:

“We have found, now year over year, that greater levels of support and acceptance is associated with dramatically lower rates of attempting suicide,” said Dr. Amy Green, director of research at The Trevor Project. “This includes the powerful role of gender-affirming care and support for transgender and nonbinary youth. The data serve as a clarion call for us to prioritize affirming systems of support for LGBTQ youth that will benefit society for years to come.”

By simply supporting people, you help them drastically. Support comes from not only loving them, but using they chosen name and correct pronouns. That's it, that's the very basics that someone who is trans needs

This book doesn't preach for love towards transgender people, it basically says you should tolerate trans people because they are human. It says that if you are close to someone, to discuss what the bible has to say about it

The author also goes to say that if you are Christian and dealing with these feelings, to not deal with it alone and to reach out. But then it says that the Holy Spirit will help you to conform your desires and behaviours to that identity. Saying that it will demand careful thought and persistent prayer that you won't be able to do alone. Basically praying theses feelings away, which might not work because there is nothing wrong with you

This book has the illusion of love and support, but instead dismisses it and tells you to hide gender dystopia. That isn't support, that's 'I'll support you as long as you know it's wrong and make no decision to actively pursue transitioning in any way'.

[Joshua · Rating 1 out of 5]

Picked up on a whim in London; not what I expected or hoped. Written for an Evangelical, biblical literalist, Christian audience. Within that framework, it’s essentially: how to politely be anti-trans.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vaughan Roberts is a past master of pithy clarity and concise overview - exemplified by his great popularisation of Graeme Goldsworthy's work in his God's Big Picture: Tracing the Story-Line of the Bible. Over the years he has written on a number of theological and ethical issues in similar fashion.

This contribution (the first of a handful of his in the Good Book Company's new Talking Points series) is timely and crucial. Christians are too often caught lagging far behind the concerns and debates of wider society - and transgender issues is a case in point.

So hopefully many will read and get thinking. There are several positive things about Vaughan's all too short volume:
- he has engaged with some voices from the trans community;
- he is prepared to let them set the terms (e.g. by using Stonewall's online definitions);
- he writes with a compassionate and approachable tone
- he works hard to bring ancient biblical truths to bear on some thorny and painful issues in a non-judgmental way.

That said, we should be clear that this is at best an introduction, square 1, or perhaps 1.5. In that, it excels. But you won't find difficult, risky or (dare I say it) dangerous, explorations of how on earth we love and help people for whom these questions are so personal. For example, it is impossible to exaggerate the importance of this reassurance for the Christian facing this battle:

this struggle, these feelings, do not define you. They may, at least partly, describe how you are, but they do not describe who you are." (p66)

This is vital. Many would do well to learn not to define anyone by they struggles or failings or battles. But the danger of a book of such brevity is that it can seem a little glib at that very point, leaving open the whole issue of what one does with those feelings. As another reviewer has said, it would have been better to get to this final chapter quicker, although I do understand the desire to place everything into a gospel framework. That is vital. [By the way, as a small aside and not a specific comment on Vaughan's book, must every biblical issues book follow the creation-fall-redemption-new creation structure?! There's no doubting how foundational it is - but why not search out alternatives just once in a while?!]

As a primer for prompting believers to think, this is perfect. Just see it for what it is: a start, not an end. Still, I'm hugely grateful for Vaughan and his courage and work in some very tricky areas. He has been a model of open vulnerability, and so this book never comes from a position of moral superiority - and so he is in a perfect position to write about these matters. I just wish he went beyond providing the helpful list of further reading! For that reason, I hovered between 3 and 4 stars, but gave it the benefit of the doubt for what it does achieve.

[Disclaimer: I was sent a free review copy of this book, and have known and worked with Vaughan at various points for nearly 30 years]

[Bill Forgeard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastically helpful gospel-centred approach to the transgender topic, and to sexuality in general. Confident, clear and compassionate. Highly recommended!

Chapter 1: A transgender person is someone whose feelings about their gender don't fit with their biological sex. Two common and wrong unthinking emotional responses to avoid summarised under the headings "Yuk" and "Yes". Helpful glossary of current terminology.

Chapter 2: The current cultural climate ("iWorld") values individual autonomy and authenticity above all else, meaning that each person is free & encouraged to define their own sexual identity with reference to nothing but their own feelings.

Chapter 3: The Christian Response #1 - Creation. Because humans are created by God, we are not free to define who we are, rather true freedom is found in embracing who God has made us to be. "Art restoration": We are works of art created by a master, seeking restoration to our original glory. We are embodied creatures with a high view of our physical bodies, and sexual creatures made either man or woman. However, various cultures have imposed limited/stereotyped views of what it means to be a man or a women, whereas the Bible allows a wider range of ways to express our essential maleness or femaleness.

Chapter 4: The Christian Response #2 - Fall. Human sin & rebellion against God has resulted in disordered bodies (including disabilities, some of which cause gender confusion, such as intersex conditions), disordered minds (including physiological disorders, some of which also cause gender confusion, such as gender dysphoria), and most of all, disordered hearts which desire to turn from God's good design (including turning from natural to unnatural sexual behaviour, as described in Romans 1).

Chapter 5: The Christian Response #3 - Rescue. Through Jesus, we can find a new identity, security and acceptance, a growing ability to resist the sinful desires of our disordered hearts, and hope to persevere amidst the struggles of disordered bodies and minds. We look forward to the promise of perfectly restored bodies, minds and hearts in the future new creation.

Chapter 6: Wisdom. Practical and compassionate advice for responding to various people and situations. When we have a firm basis in the gospel (creation, the fall and rescue), it allows us to confidently and boldly extend a healthy grace and patience as we encourage others to understand and respond to the good news of Jesus as it relates to transgender issues.

[Essie-Marie F. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short little book for a very controversial conversation in the Christian world.

This book is mainly written for Christians. It explains what being trans means, and also says what the Bible says about gender, sex, and our bodies.

I appreciated that the author had multiple citations from secular sources. Often Christians fear information that isn't created by them, but this was a delightful exception.

This book does not cover everything, and I do think he took a rather broad brush to sweep over Christian help available for trans people, but the purpose of the book is to start a conversation, not to provide all the answers, so I can't complain.

I would highly recommend this book to my fellow Christians. It's less than 100 pages. It's worth every page.

[Matthew Manchester · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book, particularly for one struggling with the topic. Not very extensive, but it's not meant to be. The last two chapters are worth the book, "Rescue" and "Wisdom". I really hope those reading it take home the point of being respectful (though I'm sure will disagree with how far we should go with that). The middle of the book kinda slows but that doesn't mean it's not helpful in those sections. Overall, it's a really good book and I recommend it. However, I am still looking for my one-stop-shop book on this subject.

[Holland Garcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, so if you are having questions about this topic and Christianity, this is a really good book for that, especially if you are just entering the topic.

Was frustrated because most of the questions I had were answered generically without specifics and without scripture. I want a whole book on what he broadly says in two sentences in the last chapter.

[Kris · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s always wise to judge a book by what it claims itself to be. In the case of “Transgender”, Vaughan Roberts states that his purpose is not to present a thorough treatment of all the issues surrounding transgenderism, but “rather, our aim is to give you an accessible introduction to the many questions that surround the transgender issue, as we hold our questions up to the big story of the Bible: the story of creation, fall, redemption, and eternity.” In terms of an “accessible introduction” the book succeeds, given it’s only 68 pages long. In terms of conveying the “big story of the Bible: the story of creation, fall, redemption, and eternity,” the book again succeeds, given that 30 pages of the 68 are devoted to this very thing. But in terms of addressing the “many questions that surround the transgender issue,” the book is not as successful.

As you’ve probably already done the math and discovered, almost half of the book is devoted to relating the story of redemptive history through three chapters, “Creation”, “Fall”, and “Rescue.” This is a great summary of the main narrative of the Bible and serves the reader well. However, I don’t feel that it serves the book well. Given the title of the book, one would not expect to find the majority of the book devoted to unpacking the Gospel. To be fair, there are some minor applications of the Gospel made to the topic of transgenderism throughout these three chapters, but they are few and far between, and very shallow when they do occur.

That said, the first two chapters are very helpful, with chapter one being devoted to defining several terms in the transgender discussion and chapter two giving a concise analysis of how subjective individualism has contributed to the transgender movement. The concluding chapter, however, isn’t as helpful and it’s really a shame seeing as how it’s titled “Wisdom.” Roberts attempts to provide biblical guidance for several situations involving trasngendered people, non-transgendered people, and the church, but again, the biblical application is fairly shallow and there’s not much in the way of practical advice.

This book wasn’t expensive and didn’t take much of my time at all to read, but honestly, I don’t feel as though I benefited very much from this book. The definition of terms in the first chapter will be good to have as a reference and the recommended reading for further study in the back will probably prove helpful, but as far as this book is concerned, I don’t feel it fully lives up to it’s stated purpose.

[Dylan Brady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but helpful biblical crash course through the topic of Transgenderism and how the church should respond. Something we all need to read.

[Jacinta patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A helpfully clear and concise book by Vaughan. He deals with the topic empathetically as a Godly man, who himself has struggled with his own same-sex attraction. He does a great job of helping Christians understand Transgenderism and identity as made, but marred people. He shows us how the good news of Jesus tells a better story and gives us a firm identity, one that isn't based on who we think we are or how we feel, instead, of who we are made to be. This can take away the anxiety of determining for ourselves an identity and instead trusting God who gives us one, as fully known, fully loved creatures who need some restoration to the Creator's intention, not to try and change it.
It ends with some helpful questions and practical answers of how we can love and care for people struggling with gender identity.

[David Monreal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Introduction to a Difficult Issue

With wisdom, grace, and conviction Roberts addresses the issues surrounding Gender Identity Disorder/transgender. This was a very clear and helpful book from a man who understands deep struggles.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

For what it is, and for what it claims to be (short, readable summary of the issue at hand), it is excellent. Some moments of genuine insight and clarity for me.

[Tommy Humbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for what it claimed to be: a very brief introduction to how we can think about transgender people. Key word being people, all of whom are worthy of our love and respect.

[Peter Mahoney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended! Vaughn Roberts does a great job charitably describing the world’s view of gender, how they got there, and how the Bible speaks to how we should really view our bodies and respond to this particular part of our current culture. Helpful for thinking about gender issues, and for thinking about our bodies and sin in general. Short book, but a very good starting point and he also provides suggestions for further reading at the end.

[Josh Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview of the transgender issue. Helps to inform one's thinking regarding those who struggle with gender dysphoria and similar issues in light of the truth of God's Word.

My main takeaway from this book is the emphasis that we are ALL broken in one way or another and that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the only answer to our brokenness.

[Courtney Huskisson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an excellent and well balanced introduction to what is happening on the battle front of gender in our culture and how Christians can live and respond.

An incredibly accessible and short read. Roberts introduces where things are presently in the culture with clarity, yet with respect. Then turning to the biblical doctrine he outlines the design, the fall of the design, and how we got to where we are. He closes with a call to Christians for wisdom and grace.

What I appreciated about this book is that it is an outline of right doctrine, however is not antagonistic, but rather, grace-filled. I also really appreciated his metaphor of 'art restoration.' The design of all of creation has been broken in the fall. Our call is not to continue to completely mar the design, but to restore it back to it's original design; like art restoration seeks to reveal the original artists' intention.

I think every Christian needs to pick up this book as an introduction, and then explore the larger works referenced in the back if the book if they are interested further.

[Tom Wilding · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short (and, I think, helpful) introduction to thinking more biblically (and sensitively) about a very current question. It was great to see recommended further reading at the back of the book. I look forward to seeing the insights that more discussion on this topic will provide for Christians and churches looking to serve this group and others in a loving way.

[Ben · Rating 1 out of 5]

Clear transphobia and reinforcement of the gender binary. Not a book to read if you're unsure about your gender or in a difficult place.

[Steven Wiegman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t completely agree with the author and what is being said in the book. I have several trans friends who are honest with me and I with them. This book misses.

I am glad that the church is inviting topics previously untouchable to the table, and how we can be Jesus to everyone. That is what I’m most happy about this book in it’s clarity - the response from believers needs to be one of love. Our response cannot be unquestioning affirmation, or complete ignorance and hateful, but it HAS to be of love for God’s creation and for someone who bears His image.

If you’ve read and agree/disagree, please shoot me a message. This is specifically a short book of talking points, so let’s talk about it.

[Jake Burlaga · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this read is very helpful, it is helpful for those who do not know much about those who are transgender. This book gives a clear Christian vision of how to interact with those who struggle with gender dysphoria. For instance, those struggling with gender dysphoria are struggling with identity, and God in His kindness has given us an Identity in the image of God. And more so, amid our brokenness in the world— God has given us identity in Him as a son or daughter because of what Jesus did on the cross. Overall, this book is a short read that is very practical for engaging with those who struggle with gender identity. Great read!

[J. Amill Santiago · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet. The book doesn't aim to be exhaustive, but concise in nature. It is sort of an introduction to the subject from the perspective of the Christian worldview, rooting a Christian response in Creation and Eschatological Theology. Not a bad place to start thinking about this controversial matter. Nevertheless, perhaps the most positive aspect of the book was how gracious and compassionate was the whole tone of the book. We need more of that.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another short, well written overview of the issues surrounding the transgender argument, that is an excellent introduction to the topic. The biblical argument built well through the chapters and the exortation to love and direct to Christ first is sorely needed in the Christian community.

Yes from me.

[Joost Nixon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Roberts gets a lot right, and I think this helpful little book is a good start. In the last chapter he raises questions about how we should respond that are mostly excellent and sound, but in a few places I found myself putting question marks in the margin.

[Nicholas Varady-szabo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very simple overview of a christian position on transgenderism. Roberts clarifies the core issues, and suggest some ways to approach the topic with grace and truth.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Provides a good start for talking and thinking about this subject.

[Lance Crandall · Rating 5 out of 5]

What you’d want in a short book like this, both informative and caring

[Dan Griswold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, comprehensive, and compassionate take on a charged topic from a Biblical perspective.

[Jamie Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for a lay person, lays out the gospel clearly and how it links in with the topic of Transgenderism

[Kevin Thumpston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vaughan Roberts offers a helpful introduction to encourage us and our transgender friends to quiet the noise from within and the culture surrounding us- to reconsider the way we think and feel about ourselves in light of the Word of God and the Good News that Christ offers.

[Julie Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brief introduction on how the Christian church should be engaging with transgender people in a sensitive and Christ centred way.
It could have been more detailed. It skimmed over the feelings of transgender people which was a shame because unless you wholly engage with transgender people you cannot stand beside them and love them.