Transforming, Updated and Expanded Edition with Study Guide

by Austen Hartke

In 2014, Time magazine announced that America had reached “the transgender tipping point,” suggesting that transgender issues would become the next civil rights frontier. Years later, many people―even many LGBTQIA+ allies―still lack understanding of gender identity and the transgender experience. Into this void, trans biblical scholar Austen Hartke brings a biblically based, educational, and affirming resource to shed light and wisdom on gender expansiveness and Christian theology. This new edition offers updated terminology and statistics, plus new materials for congregational study, preaching, and pastoral care. Transforming deftly weaves ancient and modern stories that will change the way readers think about gender, the Bible, and the faith to which Jesus calls us. Hartke helps readers visualize a more inclusive Christianity, equipping them with the language, understanding, confidence, and tools to change both the church and the world.

Genres: Theology, LGBT, Spirituality

273 pages, Paperback

Published March 21, 2023

About the author

Austen Hartke is the author of "Transforming: The Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians," a new book on theology and personal narratives, published by Westminster John Knox Press in 2018. He is also the creator of the YouTube series Transgender and Christian, which seeks to understand, interpret, and share parts of the Bible that relate to gender identity and the lives of transgender individuals. Austen is a graduate of Luther Seminary’s Master of Arts program in Old Testament/Hebrew Bible Studies, and is the winner of the 2014 John Milton Prize in Old Testament Writing from the same institution. As a transgender person of faith, Austen's greatest passion is helping other trans and gender-non-conforming people see themselves in scripture.

Reviews

[Aly Haugen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hartke's book is a great resource for those looking to educate themselves and their Christian friends/family/community on how to take part in truly welcoming and affirming transgender Christians.

Hartke covers definitions and terminology within the trans community and overview of the trans experience (both with acceptance and rejection from churches and faith communities) before diving into analysis and interpretation of scripture through a trans lens and then sending us off with action items we can take with us into our communities.

Great for bible nerds looking for queer theology, trans folks looking for scripture they can apply to their experiences, and allies who want to make their faith communities truly accepting.

[Janet Ashcraft · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is so much confusion in today’s world surrounding sexual identity. One of the things that I have found difficult to understand is the transgender concept and all the issues that surround it. While I do not agree with some of the theological underpinnings presented in the book I found it very helpful in understanding the struggle and dissonance that is experienced by the transgender person. #Transforming:TheBibleAndLivesOfTransgenderChristians

[Aidan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is more like a 2 1/2 unfortunately.

This is my first book discussion about transgender Christian’s and it was somewhat disappointing.
The books focus is more on different Christian trans people’s experiences than it is the Bible. We have a trans woman, trans man, trans nonbinary person, and 2 spirit individual, with multiple discussions on the intersectionality of being trans and Christian and then adding into the aspect of race.
It’s basically about how they ended up feeling accepted by God, personal beliefs, and maybe a verse here or there to discuss a theme of something.

I understand that there aren’t really ANY verses that mention gender transition and verses that would be about it wouldn’t be something that condemns being transgender besides maybe one verse in Deut which was touched on in chapter 5 for only about a page with about 1-2 opinions on that verse and I feel like more could’ve been talked about. I think the verses about being made a certain way could’ve been discussed as well.

Basically my gripe with this book is that it’s basically just a bunch of trans Christian’s experiences and little biblical discussion.

If you want a book that delves into trans Christianity that’s more about the verses or more scientific arguments this book isn’t the best at that

[Sarah Sheppard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure how to begin a concise review of a book that feels so deeply affirming that I believe it has changed my life. Transforming by Austen Hartke is a gift.

The book starts with some background information about trans identities which will be useful especially to new cisgender allies, then leads into a combination of apologetics, personal accounts from trans Christians, queer theology, social science, and affirmation that is unparalleled by any other queer theology book I've read thus far. Transforming concludes with a hopeful message- both for cisgender allies and transgender people themselves, and a wealth of further reading/research for anyone looking to learn more or actually do something about the discrimination and ostracization our trans siblings face.

This book has further developed my understanding of affirming theology and helped me to discern that I'm being called to lay ministry.

[Rachel Esser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fantastic book! Full of valuable insight that every Christian needs to have formatted in an entertaining, digestible, and meaningful way. The voices of trans Christians need to be lifted up and actively listened to if true understanding and positive change is to come about in Christian communities and beyond. Also love that there are so many different kinds of resources and further reading included at the end!

[Dawn · Rating 1 out of 5]

The information in this book may have been good but the writing is awful. It is dry and drug out and a lot like reading a textbook. I couldn’t read more than 10 pages at a time without falling asleep. I would have liked more theological discussion to go along with personal stories. The whole book could have been tightened up as some of the book seemed to meander off track. There has got to be a better book out there on Trans Christians than this one.

[Emma Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars thanks NetGalley for the ARC of this edition! I read the old edition on audiobook and enjoyed it. The biggest difference I noticed here is usage of more inclusive language and also giving some additional resources for pastors and other allies.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book by a transgender person describing their journey as a Jesus follower. The book provides a good examination of the science of gender, how the Bible addresses sex/gender/identity, how the church has treated trans people and a call for the church to actually love the trans among them. Included are both personal stories and stories of other trans christians.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent resource for showing Christians ways to affirm transgender Christians. It's even more than that, too. It's a testament to the authenticity and vitality transgender Christians can bring to the Christian community. Be prepared for hope and joyfulness.

[Terry Nash · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book that gave voice to the trans Christian community, I learned a lot about the experiences of trans people within faith, albeit from an American perspective.

I also really enjoyed the takeaway action at the end that I hope to use to create a safe place for trans and non-binary people.

[Virginia Aguirre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. He is frank and doesn’t mince words. He does it with such love and kindness. It is a “must read” for any LGBTQ+ ally or someone who is just trying to understand.

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revisited this one bc I’m thinking about Acts 8 and I knew he had some thoughtful things to say. A good book for looking at scripture through a trans lens and for encouraging Christians and churches to prioritize inclusion and welcome. I had a digital version of the original edition but this is the updated version - it’s been so long that I don’t think I could tell you what changed though.