There have been an awful lot of headlines about transgender issues recently – from trans athletes competing in sports, to states banning hormone treatments for youth. But how is this topic approached in faith circles?
Across churches, courtrooms, and social media today, Christians are passionately debating what Scripture says (or doesn’t say) about gender identity.
Some point to verses they believe affirm binary gender as part of God’s design. Others argue the Bible contains surprising examples of gender diversity, nuance, and compassion for those who don’t fit conventional molds. And transgender Christians themselves are stepping forward to share how their faith and identity coexist.
So what does the Bible actually say? And how are believers interpreting those words today?
What’s In the Text?
There is no Bible verse that addresses transgender people directly (if only it were that simple). Maybe the concept didn’t exist in ancient Hebrew or Greek culture, or perhaps those societies just didn’t have the words to describe it.
In any case, that hasn’t stopped folks on both sides of the conversation from highlighting Bible passages that they claim support their views.
Bible Verses Cited Against Trans Identity
Deuteronomy 22:5: “A woman shall not wear a man’s garment, nor shall a man put on a woman’s cloak…” This verse is often cited by conservative Christians as evidence that gender roles are fixed and divinely assigned.
Genesis 1:27: “Male and female He created them.” For some, this verse reinforces the idea of a gender binary as part of God’s intentional creation.
Romans 1:26–27 and Leviticus 18:22 are frequently invoked in broader LGBTQ+ debates, though these focus more on sexuality than gender identity.
Bible Verses Cited In Support
Matthew 19:12: Jesus references eunuchs – those “who were born that way,” “made so by others,” or who “choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven.” Some interpret this as acknowledgment of people who live outside traditional gender categories.
Acts 8:26–40: The story of the Ethiopian eunuch is often read as a moment of radical inclusion. Philip baptizes him without hesitation, despite the eunuch's ambiguous gender status in biblical terms.
Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Many affirming Christians interpret this as support for transcending rigid identity categories in spiritual life.
Psalm 139:13–14 is also used to affirm God’s love and intentional creation of each person, including transgender individuals. It says: "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
“No Such Thing as Trans People”
In some Christian circles, there is outright hostility toward trans people.
Prominent evangelical leaders like Franklin Graham have frequently spoken out against transgender rights. In a 2023 essay, he went ever further, writing that “there is no such thing as a transgender person.”
Kevin DeYoung, a pastor and author, similarly argues that “the Bible believes in the organic unity of biological sex and gender identity.” In his view, any deviation is the result of cultural confusion, not divine intention.
And in the UK, opposition to transgender identity has become a religion of its own.
Gender Views Run Deep
For some Christians, the very notion of a transgender identity is anti-biblical – and supersedes politics or any other affiliations. When Christian journalist David French recently congratulated Jessica Riedl, a transgender economist, on taking a new job, religious users on X piled on to accuse French of betraying Christ’s teachings. Riedl also shot back at critics:
Riedl continued: “As for the angry fake Christians … God is surely more concerned with how viciously they treat the poor, immigrants, refugees, and even the LGBT - than he is about how I handle a gender medical condition I was born with.
Any sane reading of the New Testament confirms that these judgmental, cruel, hate-filled people will have more to answer for before God than I will.”
Related: Transgender Pastor Sues Church After Getting Fired For Coming Out
Taking a Welcoming Approach
On the other side of the spectrum, many progressive-minded congregations welcome trans members. Some pastors have even blessed name changes and offered spiritual support to trans congregants.
Affirming pastors and theologians emphasize that just as Jesus consistently welcomed those who were marginalized or misunderstood, so should they.
These supporters believe that the Bible’s core messages are love, dignity, and justice – and that applies to transgender people, too.
Among the major congregations to embrace transgender members: the Church of England, which voted overwhelmingly to accept trans people back in 2018.
When Faith and Identity Collide
One important point that came up in the course of my research: regardless of how you interpret the scripture, transgender Christians exist. Some exist in leadership roles.
To name a few:
- Paula Stone Williams, a former evangelical megachurch leader, came out as transgender and now preaches inclusivity and reconciliation.
- Erin Swenson, a Presbyterian minister, transitioned while serving her congregation in the 1990s – becoming one of the first openly trans clergy in the U.S.
- Cameron Partridge, a theologian and Episcopal priest, made headlines when he preached at the Washington National Cathedral as an openly transgender man.
If scripture can be interpreted in multiple ways on this controversial issue, where do we go from here?
86 comments
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Minister Tim
I read this last night. As a trans man (and a witch) I waited till today to comment as it very much angered me. Christians need to listen up. We are real, we exist and we are quite sick and tired of you using your “book” to say if there is justification of our existence. Y’all need to understand that you are not the only religion, even in this country. You can’t use your religious beliefs to say we don’t deserve to exist. Just bloody stop. I don’t share your religious beliefs so stop. Nothing you or your book say is going to stop us from existing. What’s next? Having us burned at the stake? Stay in your lane and do something about those folks in your church that molest kids. Blessed be.
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Rebecca L Tice
Minister Tim,
Does it sound like this human may be calling out the church to reconsider it's stand on humans who do not "fit their pattern".
Do you remember when the Baptist Church required women to wear a hat to church or be damned for life?
Paul persecuted and murdered Christians, and the church says, Paul became a Christian.
Why does the church continue to judge who can find Salvation in Jesus the Messiah?
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Reverend Paula Copp
How about Matthew 7:1, “ judge not, that ye be not judged”? Jesus was a woke socialist. The “evangelical christians” are no more christian than I. (I’m a pagan witch). I’m also a lesbian. There is no reason to castigate others for living the lives god gave them. For the love of god, let them be who they need to be without fear!
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Lionheart
The reality is that we really don't know what Jesus was, assuming he was real of course. It's clear that the historians that wrote about him, that never knew him, portrayed him to possibly be a woke socialist. I doubt his dad was woke, judging by the Sodom and Gomorrah fable. 🤭
🦁♥️
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ServantOfJudgement
Paula, you've got to come to terms with this: If you don't believe, you won't understand. We all know words have multiple meanings and therefore a combination of words have that many more meanings.
The most basic and superficial meaning of that statement is this: If you judge me for being a dirty nasty crusty old straight white guy, I'll be inclined to think something unpleasant of you. You judge me, I'll judge you. That's the very basic teaching of human nature Jesus expressed long before Sigmund Freud advised everyone to pump it up with cocaine. The drug lords today agree with Freud by the way but God doesn't.
Naturally, if one believes, she'll be inclined to read the verse a few more times and think about it on the way home from work.
Chew on it, digest it.
Judge not lest ye be judged is quite deep.
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Elizabeth Susan Cosgrove
You believe you have the "one true religion". I suspect you were born into it. Further, I suspect you are an English only speaker. I also think you do not have a degree in theology. I will not speak deeply on your "holy" book, I have strong, unkind opinions. But given my assumptions, you are dealing with 1 of approximately 120 translations of said book, in English, where the source texts are lost, fragmentary, and have been translated with political intent. Not everyone here are Christians, but you are here as an exemplar of your religion. You reinforce my decision to deconstruct and walk away.
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Reverend Bobbie
"Servant of Judgement" kind of defines your stance on things. Christ was a "Servant of Salvation ' and welcomed all to hear and learn. Judgement is for God not for you or any church or religion.
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Echo
Just some reference not discussed but fully relevant is in the Talmud. Rabbi Law from the Jewish faith, which Christianity is developed from.
The Talmud, a central text in Jewish law and tradition, recognizes more than just the two traditional genders of male and female. It includes descriptions of eight gender categories, which include Zachar (male), Nekeva (female), Androgynos (both male and female characteristics), Tumtum (indeterminate sex), Aylonit hamah (female to male naturally), Aylonit adam (female to male through intervention), Saris hamah (male to female naturally), and Saris adam (male to female through intervention)
Here's a breakdown of the Talmudic genders: Zachar (זָכָר): Male. Nekeva (נְקֵבָה): Female. Androgynos (אנדרוגינוס): An individual possessing both male and female sexual characteristics. Tumtum (טומטום): An individual whose sex is not readily apparent due to obscured or undeveloped genitalia. Aylonit hamah (איילונית חמה): A female who does not develop typical female secondary sex characteristics at puberty and is assumed to be infertile. Aylonit adam (איילונית אדם): A female who develops male characteristics through human intervention. Saris hamah (סריס חמה): A male who does not develop typical male secondary sex characteristics at puberty and is presumed infertile. Saris adam (סריס אדם): A male who develops female characteristics through human intervention. It's important to note that these are not simply modern interpretations, but rather categories explicitly discussed within the Talmudic texts themselves. While the Talmud acknowledges these varied genders, it's also important to understand that they carry specific legal ramifications within Jewish law.
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Leslie A. Hulberg Née Tomasura
Whenever confronted with these types of questions, I often refer to the fact that God made us in his own image. Therefore, every orientation of one’s self, has to be an image of God. If in fact we are all made in the image of the deity, (s)he is all things in all of us. Unless of course you believe that the fault lies with the deity.
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Monroe Allen Wadford jr
Wow! Now that is interesting! I can honestly say I don’t usually get my mind blown when it comes to religious studies as my BA was in Religion and I have lived a lifetime trying to learn about others, but I am flabbergasted. I had no idea. That is so amazing to know. I am dead serious. I hope you don’t mind if I credit you in my next discussion with my dad. Truly. Thank you for taking the time and explaining that.
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Robert Hauck, MD, FAAP
The bottom line (as stated by a preceding commentator): Jesus welcomed those who were marginalized or misunderstood, and promoted a life of love, dignity, and justice.
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A.E.
I often think of the common comparison through various religions of one's body as a temple, a place to house the human and divine spirit. Sometimes temples need to be rennovated because they aren't meeting the needs of the congregant. If a person truly feels they need to make these changes, from a new facade to foundation retrofitting then that is their business. For the rest of us, it matters more to have love and compassion in your heart.
Also, unless they're deliberately showing them to you with or without your permission, other people's genitals are none of your business.
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Ari Joseph Bertine
It's so strange to me that a health condition has become so politicized, and this so controversial. Before some politicians decided they needed a new boogeyman to threaten people with, no one paid any attention to trans people, and yet they have existed throughout all recorded history. The Bible says nothing about them whatsoever. They threaten no one; all propaganda suggesting they have an agenda, or pose some threat to children, or pose some threat to women, is completely made up by those who make money by frightening people into voting for them. This is an old, old ploy, and we have seen it time and time again with all sorts of different groups playing the boogeyman, and yet people still fall for it. Transgender people exist, are not mentally ill, are not interested in adding to their numbers, do not get any benefit whatsoever from being transgender, do not want any rights that other people don't already have, cannot read minds, don't have horns or eat babies, or any other nonsense some politician has said. They are people with a disparity between brain structure and reproductive system, and the best solution to relieve the suffering caused by that is for them to live as the gender their brain structure matches. This is literally what everyone who is not transgender gets to do, so it's not a big ask. If you have difficulty understanding a condition of the brain that you cannot see, or don't know the difference between mental illnesses and neurological disparities, ask a scientist. Don't jump to conclusions or listen to politicians or just hate blindly because the idea of something freaks you out. You could not ever, possibly, be as bothered by someone being transgender as that person is themself. It is not fun, easy, pleasant, profitable, or desirable in any way. It's hard, and it's costly, and it feels very unfair to be saddled with such a condition, and a high percentage of trans people don't survive because it makes life so miserable. But you can make a very simple choice that'll costs you nothing and brings you peace--just leave them be. Problem solved.
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Paula A Wilkerson
Very well stated!
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Clay Serenbetz
The Bible says nothing about transgender individuals, as medical science had not advanced enough to create transgender persons 2,000 years ago, nor were transgender persons contemplated by anyone at that time.
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Patricia Ann Gross
Correct, the closest they had were described as "eunuchs" which were men who might have been somehow castrated (today's definition), or someone born with ambiguous genetaila (intersex by today's definition), and the scriptures include them as worthy of compassionate response, not as heathens..
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Evone Payton Banks (Minister non denominational)
Again we see the norm of quotes from the Bible some including Jesus.. when he would have sat with them in love. The checking of Peter comes to mind after being questioned about go to drink and relax with "those people".
This issue has always caused controversial things and events... But I beg to slip in. Why is just the slave based Christianity Bible used? That's the Bible that got people killed. Where's the teachers Bible? The one before inequality leaked it's way on to the pages.
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Patricia Ann Gross
Today's Bible was commissioned by the Emperor Constantine of the Roman Empire in the 400s CE in Nicea. Under consideration most likely included ten times the number of "books" than were included in the final canon. The Gnostic Gospels and anything resembling Gnosticism by the Councel of Nicea were excluded. I'm not sure what "teacher's Bible" you are talking about.
If you want to find a Bible that most resembles the initial texts of the Nicean Counsel, then I would suggest the Harper Collins NRSV Version or the New Interpreter's Study Bible (which includes significant commentary).
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Rachael Evans
I exist, therefore I am.
I'm an intersex female, born with both male and female elements of a reproductive system, a natural, biological occurrence.
Now, I don't believe in the Christian god, I'm Buddhist, but I respect the rights of those who do. But, what I struggle to accept is the views of those who use their religion to deny the very thing they think that they are defending, the idea of a biological binary. If their god created the heaven, the earth, the universe, and every being in it, then their god also made me. Ignoring that I exist to satisfy a false narrative is simply hate and may very well be considered blasphemy, as it is denying what their god has created.
The current Bible is an interpretation of an interpretation of what others thought they saw and heard, nothing more. Jesus never wrote a word of it, and there's no physical evidence that any of the authors were there at the time. Indeed, the monks who tried to translate and then handwrite the texts in the early centuries were not there, and your Bible came from their work.
I'm also concerned about the infatuation that such people have over the contents of my underwear. It's obsessive, disturbing, and creepy. If you're one of these individuals, please look up counselling services before this infatuation becomes dangerous to others. I'm tired of reading about fake pastors and abuse claims. Keep your desires out of my knickers!
Finally, before you attack me as an unaware philistine, I have a research master's in religion that helps form my perspective. I'm not taking what a man in a pulpit with his hand stretched out for my money has told me, as the truth. I use critical thinking and formal academic research that was never based upon the University of Google outputs.
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Tanya Keller
I remember as a child, at Sunday School, I was taught that Jesus loves everyone and God is the one to judge. I guess those are lies then?
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Rebecca L Tice
Tanya is right!!!!
Remind me, fellow Christians, what was the story about the sheet full of animals about?
It's found in the book of Acts, [Acts10:9-23].
God created all humans as well as all animals, birds, and fish.
God loves all his creations.
So all of you spewing hate against other humans.... who made you a judge?
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Monroe Allen Wadford jr
I was taught the same thing and try to live the same way. It is such a terrible terrible shame so many people from all walks of life have to deal with hate and live in fear from people who supposedly are devout followers of a Savior who taught peace, love and acceptance and His basic tenants. They create more cruelty, pain and violence in a world that is already filled with too much of those things.
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Rev Charlie Hicks
Hello my name is Reverend Hicks I'm not trying to be disrespectful to anyone or tell anyone what to believe or not to believe the way I say it as long as someone is not hurting themselves or anyone else it's none of anyone's business we don't need to be out here trying to tell anyone how to live their life who they are or what they are just live your life and be the best person you can be good to everyone love everyone and get along so just love respect everyone out there do what you can to help your fellow man
May the spirit of Life be with y'all Reverend Hicks
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George Soria
The bible core message concerning all people, including Transgender, LGBT, is:
"Treat every person with Love, Compassion, Humility for they too, are created by God". To do different goes against God teachings.
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Travis A. Lee
While I am a part of the LGBTQIA+ Community. I, Myself do NOT know any Trans-People to be able to say which side of Religion they "belong". I can ONLY Say for ME, Myself and I that I do NOT CARE what's between someone else's legs. THAT is their Business. So long they are NOT a Sexual Predator going into Women's restrooms Dressed as a female, which there are Many, but they are NOT TRANS-PEOPLE! They are Sexual Predators who will do whatever it takes to get their "Fix". Trans-People do NOT do that. And to those who oppose Trans-People, Why? What The HELL does it have to do with YOU? Are YOU going to Die, if they use the restroom for their new assigned GENDER? Are YOU going to obsess over why they did what they did by changing their GENDER? Seek Professional help if you that obsessed, cause, a normal sane person don't give a flying F*. IF YOU do NOT know ANYONE PERSONALLY and INTIMATELY (as a close friend and not "with benefits" Then seriously, YOU have NO REASON TO JUDGE A Trans-Person. NO BUSINESS AT ALL. What THEY do with THEIR bodies is between THEM and Their God, NOT YOURS! Go condemn your own congregation before going outside to condemn others. Because if ANY WOMAN who wears Trousers, regardless if they are "made for women" it is STILL Considered MALE GARMENTS. IT says so right in the beginning of the article with Deuteronomy. But whatevers. I know who I am. What I Believe. Someone telling me they are Trans, is fine by me, because it does NOT affect My life at all.
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Brent Jude LeBouef
As we look to decide on this topic, it is a topic that we should not be concerned about. We love God and love people. We as people are not perfect. Christ came for all, confused or not confused. Jesus loves all.
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Brent Jude LeBouef
We will put ourselves as righteous and judge topics that will harden our hearts, protect our friends, and love them as they are.
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Brian Patrick Molloy
We are all children of the same universe . ✝️
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Joseph Grieco
Given the Talmudic understanding of gender at the time of Rabbi J, he would have welcomed them, as they were already part of the community.
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Marie Hampton
In speaking of others there are several verses that reference judgement of others so think about what you say BEFORE you say it like removing the plank in your own eye before you worry about a splinter in another's, judge not lest yet be judged etc. Furthermore, Jesus taught that Jewish leaders had made so many rules that they made worship very difficult to put the Lord our God 1st. We are to approach the Lord our God through Jesus, the messiah foretold in old testament, who would come to bring peace and be so rejected by His own people that He would be betrayed and put to death as a Passover lamb lead to slaughter for a reconciliation to the Creator of the universe! His sacrifice, laying down His life for us, would be an example for all. His resurrection taught even death cannot stop the spirit. Resulting in following Jesus the Christ who always turned to the Father so should we act, speak and do unto others as we would have others do unto us The greatest commandments were spoken by Christ Himself directly, Love the Lord with all your heart, mind and soul and others as yourself. I pray we stop bullying each other and learn to follow instructions He left for us, Love God first and foremost so you are able to love even the least of humanity because most certainly taught that reaching out in love was more important than any rules before He came and by His example He purposely saught out the untouchables, the ill, the poor as well as those possessed with demons. My advice would be to be careful with your ways because the last will be first and the first will be lastn;they have experienced joy in life, but, for me, I will try do my very best to not to judge, but instead show what love I am able to muster for my enemies, the reviled and downtrodden in Jesus name. Love is the answer, not hate or judgment or even bigotry. Bless you all, in Jesus name amen.
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obere mchugh
In the end really, its just hate, dressed up in the guides of religion, plain and simple, dress it up how every you want and delude your self how ever you wish, but in the end its just hate. for something you only dont believe in because of conditioning and mind control via faith. once you step out side the box and into reality you then realize that people are people no matter what and by the way as sentient beings with minds of our own and free will, guess what not everyone beliefs the same way and some non at all. so really how about people just let other live there lifes how they want to for pete sakes, as long as others are not being harmed live and let live.
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Minister Debra Z A
This is a topic that is getting people killed and causing suicides- even in children. Due to many trans kids thinking it is better to die, rather than disappoint dad, mom or Pastor by coming out--- I try to educate people, so that they may help or at least NOT HARM the Trans community of people.
Each of you offers your biased view- based on what YOU have been indoctrinated to believe. Thus, leaving no room for the fact that most of the LGBTQ+ population are LITERALLY born that way. You can take offense to what I say- or you can educate yourselves on chromosomes and variations and the symptoms/ side effects of variations. It is shameful to have so many people in 2025 are ignorant to biology and targeting TRANS people, as if they had a choice.
God believes in SCIENCE and He knows who will be born with altered genes. Those on the planet wagging and pointing their fingers are the real sinners. They are willfully ignorant and projecting hate in "Jesus Name". With out pulling my notes and files out- here is a quick grab from the internet to get you started on your studies.
The typical number of chromosomes in each human cell is 46. These include 22 pairs of “autosomes” (which refers to all chromosomes that are not sex chromosomes) and a pair of sex chromosomes, either an X and a Y (which makes for a male) or two Xs (female). That means the genetic signature for a person with 46 chromosomes is either 46,XY (males), or 46,XX (females).Any variation from these typical numbers is referred to scientifically as an “aneuploidy.” If there is one additional X or Y, it is known as a “trisomy” (“tri” denoting the number 3). Genetic conditions that reflect a trisomy include:
47,XXY (Klinefelter syndrome) 47,XXX (Trisomy X) 47,XYY
Trisomies are the most common X and Y aneuploid conditions. Less common are “tetrasomies,” which denote the presence of four sex chromosomes:
48,XXYY 48,XXXY 48,XXXX
Still rarer are the “pentasomies,” indicating five sex chromosomes:
49,XXXXY 49,XXXXX
Typically, 48- and 49-chromosome variations produce more pronounced symptoms than trisomies, although this is not always the case."
SOURCE:https://genetic.org/variations/
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Carly Danyel Cramblit
The Trans community has been used by politicians and religious nut cases. The first part of the problem is that uneducated people are allowing an ancient book written by goat herders and interpreted by bigots to rule todays world. Religion is poison and is shed more blood and bred more hate than anything. Humanity lost.
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Patti Anne Lisenbee
Did any of you realize that god changing a male rib to a female person was the first Transgender surgery? It was! God changed a piece of a male into a female. Try teaching THAT in your Sunday school!
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Bishop William Dusenberry, DD
The only Christian Bible that patriotic USA’ns should use, is the Thomas Jefferson Bible, which is used exclusively by the Christian portion of the SHP denomination of my ULC ministry. And the ULC sells the Jefferson Bible, so there’s no excuse for those in the ULC ministry to not use it — exclusively. And, because there were no LGBT:s when Jefferson edited his Bible, nor when the Jesus-myth was concocted by Saul — who morphed into St.Paul (the founder of Christianity) LGBT:s (if they use a Christian Bible - the TJ Bible is the recommended way to go,)
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ServantOfJudgement
Thomas Jefferson was an unbeliever. What you've just said is that all geologists should take up the Flat Earth doctrine.
Silly talk time.
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Bishop William Dusenberry, DD
Jefferson wasn’t an “unbeliever” — Jefferson knew ( didn’t merely believe) that Nature is akin to what God used to be, (for those who’re scientifically deficient). Those who don’t know that Nature is the one and only fact-based God, are atheists, they just aren’t aware of it yet.
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Monroe Allen Wadford jr
Comment removed by user.
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Bishop William Dusenberry, DD
Please post the name of any primary-source document that you consider to prove, as a matter-of-fact, that God’s son Jesus, ever “actually “ existed; but was merely like Thor, Zeus, Jupiter, and the Holy Ghost, merely an attempt to explain human-kinds existence and purpose. And, don’t use Saul-the Christian-basher, who became Paul, and never claimed to have seen, met, or known Jesus — and wasn’t even born until the supposed Jesus, was allegedly allowed to commit suicide (yes, allowed oneself to be murdered, is altruistic suicide,)
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Bishop William Dusenberry, DD
In order for today’s Christians to “self-identity” to successfully “love one’s neighbor” one must live in places such as “Ave Maria” Florida, which was established with the expectation that anyone wanting to live there, would be a raved, zealous Roman Catholic; ergo, so would, expectedly, one’s neighbors. In other words, to love one’s neighbor, your neighbors must be members of the same tribe you are.
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Asa William Sprague, II
Well, there is Luke 6:32-33:
32 If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that.
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Dr. Zerpersande, NSC
Sometimes you may not know a person is trans. Same deal with the religiously delusional. Sometimes it would seem to be easier to determine if a person is religious delusional than it would be to determine if the person is trans. Trans, well, the quickest way is to use Trump’s idea of ‘Just grab ‘em by the xxxxxx’. Most people would never dream of doing such a thing, though the still voted Trump into office.
Find out if a person is delusional? Just look for a necklace with a lowercase ‘t’ on it.
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scobe
This academic paper has been discussed in depth in the following journal article, specifically in relation to religiosity and spirituality:
Buckler, S. & Gates, J. (2019). Transgender and the transpersonal: An introduction and a call for research. Transpersonal Psychology Review, Volume 21, Issue 1, pp. 40-46. DOI: https://doi.org/10.53841/bpstran.2019.21.1.40
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Anthony D Harmon
I always try to remember,the saying "The devil can cite scripture for his purpose" is from William Shakespeare's play, "The Merchant of Venice". Specifically, it is spoken by the character Antonio in Act 1, Scene 3. So I pray ask Jesus and God to guide my mind, heart and soul down the right path. And I try not to judge people for their looks but for their deeds as I was tought.
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Blake Andrew Tallman
everyone is who they r supposed to be those of us that r a part of the LGBTQ community r us everyone is one hatred has no place in the human race
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Matthew Mastrogiovanni
The bottom line is mind your own business. Or as the Bible says: Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.
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Jack Anthony Wilson
I don’t believe we should hate anyone. Jesus taught us to love each other. Show love and let God rule on the actions of others.
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Carlos Paul Valdivia
Who wrote the Bible? Man. Who rewrote the Bible? Man. What is the only thing said to be written by God? The Ten Commandments. Ten things to follow. Well 15 but Mosses dropped the tablet with 11 thru 15.
The ten that I have read say nothing about hate gays, trans or anyone. But does say something about love your neighbor. The only tuff part is understanding Neighbor does not mean only those living directly on your left and right.
Our neighborhood is the earth. We are all neighbors
ps. This might have been covered in 11-15 but we will never know
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Sara Lizabeth Rawlins
Here's a simple biology lesson for everyone: When the sperm fertilizes the egg, the cell becomes a zygote (which has both parents' genetic material). It then begins to divide and eventually becomes what is known as a blastocyst. When looking at this blastocyst (which is how most animals begin their lives) they all look the same. The blastocyst will then attach to the uterine wall, unless it becomes ectopic (growing outside the uterus) and isn't sustainable. As the blastocyst grows to become an embryo, it isn't until the first few days that it will be either female or male. So, all babies start life off as female, and until that certain hormone is present to make it male the baby will be female. There can be slight variations to the sex hormone where the baby can have both male and female traits due to the fluctuations. This is known as a hermaphrodite-type person. There should be no judgment as to a person's sexuality because, according to all "good" Christian folks, God doesn't make mistakes, regardless of anyone's belief systems. It's basic biology.
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Mark
It's not my place to demonize trans gender people it's not my place to judge. It's only God and only God who can judge
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Marie Gilbert
I have a trans granddaughter and a trans niece, so here is my theory on how we should handle this: It doesn't matter how we address our sexual identity be it straight, gay, trans, etc. The body is a transportation method for the soul. The soul is created in the image of God. I would rather spend a whole year with a room of trans people than one day with a hateful, judgmental Christian who celebrates the caging of infants and attacks immigrants.
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Robert Gagnon
One social construct trying to manipulate another. You really think the one name becoming dead and the rebirth as another sex is coincidental? This is a well thought out invasive social movement based on a few publicity seeking doctors 60 years ago. Both are faith based, both sides twist the narrative for their own purpose. Just depends on which side you choose, or just say like church Lady, "well, isn't that special?" and watch the show.
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Elizabeth Jane Erbe Wilcox
“Invasive social movement based on a few publicity seeking doctors 60 years ago?” You’re suggesting that transgender human beings were “invented” 60 years ago? More like “religion is an invasive social construct invented by human beings to control other human beings.”
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Robert Gagnon
Transsexuals always existed and are very rare as they were then. Transgender is a new term coined in the last 60 years. Religion is invasive as I stated before trying to enforce it's beliefs on others. The social movement you seem to defend changes the narrative with words like assigned, trans, gender, even the word woman has been restructured to suite a fantasy agenda. Locker rooms, restrooms, and sports for women have been invaded by men that insist on taking away women's safety and privacy claiming their fake identity gives them that right. That means they insist on privilege that only their kind have. I would call that invasive, more so than religion.
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John P Maher
AMEN REV. COPP, THERE IN LIES THE TRUTH if its in the BIBLE its BEEN HERE FOREVER, HAS ANYONE EVER DIED FROM IT ???
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Patricia Ann Gross
Do you really want an answer to that question? Yes, a lot of people have died because of what they believe in, and what has been written in scripture.
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Rebecca L Tice
I just started a Bible Study in the Book of Acts. I'm actually looking for the beginning of the Apostate Church.
So, let me leave you a link to the Bible Study and my take on it....
https://forums.somd.com/threads/god-loves-eunuchs-too.411654/
I've been using these forums for years. I've never had a problem.
Have a happy 4th.
Love your neighbor...
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Dr. Zerpersande, NSC
My college girlfriend gave me cards with ‘bible notation’ in them. In 4 years I never looked up a single one. But I did break up with her after graduation. Gave zero explanation. Probably one of the few religious people that I actually withheld how I felt to avoid causing discomfort. But if I had told her I was leaving because I thought religion was a crock, that would have hurt her even worse.
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Stuart ball
The uk is out of control at the moment I dare not say anymore
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Lionheart
It seems that most of Europe is also out of control. It’s very similar here in the USA, but we are trying to correct that as best we can during this next 3.5 years.
🦁❤️
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Father Flanagan
Definitely no such thing as “transgender” or “gender identity” you are what your biological sex at birth and your chromosomes say you are. If you believe you are the opposite gender you have a mental disorder called “gender dysphoria” which is very similar to an amputee dysphoria in where you believe that you are something you are clearly not, this is called a “delusion” and instead of chopping off a perfectly healthy limb, doctors treat the mental issue rather than encouraging the delusion very unlike the doctors constantly lopping off genitals and sterilizing confused children. The fact that they pull the homosexual community in to their delusions is ridiculous and a little cowardly hiding behind people with their own issues like “Drag story hour” and pretending this is a gay community issue when it has absolutely nothing to do with it. Unless of course this whole trans movement is to allow gay people to be gay but not be called gay because they wear the opposite genders features and apparel like a costume so they can pretend they are a woman or a man - kinda like Bruce Jenner. No amount of make-up or surgery will EVER turn a man in to a woman or vice versa.
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Joseph Urban
Denying the existence of reality does not change reality. There is a difference between "gender" and "sex". Gender roles are determined by society, not by biology. You refer to trans folks as having a "mental illness" Being obsessed with the sexual apparatus of other people sounds like a mental illness to me. I ask myself. Why would I be concerned about the gender identity of other people? What kind of obsession would that be? Why would I allow this obsession to call those who have a different gender identity "mentally ill "with "gender dysphoria"? Gender dysphoria is not considered a mental illness by the DSM-5. That is a misrepresentation of the concept. Gender dysphoria is the STRESS that those who are transgender feel due to the societal implications of their identity. It is a label that does not identify transgender people as "mentally ill"; it simply identifies the STRESS that transgender people suffer due to the lack of acceptance of their gender identity by the wider society. The reality is that some people born with the sexual apparatus of one sex have an emotional, physical and social identity with those people born with a different sexual apparatus. Simple. The human species is one of vast variability both physically and emotionally. I would hope that any reasonable person, no matter what their personal beliefs, would attempt to understand that diversity. It is diversity that has allowed our species to dominate the globe.
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Robert Edward Szekely
It’s pretty arrogant arguing against something that you have no personal knowledge of. Based on a lot of the arguments I hear in this forum vilifying LGBTQ minorities by wrapping their transphobia in religion, I think the world would be better if the Bible disappeared from everybody’s memory and all copies just vanished from the face of the Earth: as cumulatively, I think it’s done far more harm than good.
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David Allan Montano Sr
This isn't a controversial issue. I agree as with any sin, peoole need to be approached in love and respect. Jesus said, you will know us by our love. Christians who are name calling and shaming other sinners should be ashamed. Who are you to cast stones when you are also a sinner.
But on the other hand, we must call out sin for what it is. This whole transgender issue is a mental illness that calls into question God's authority and perfection. God doesn't make mistakes. HE is God and we are not. How dare we, as finite humans, question the creative ability of a finite God. Shame on us. There is no such thing as a Christian transgender or a Christian gay person. You, and well as I, are called to repent of our sins and be born again. Bible is very clear on this.
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Lori Anne Schaust
In the end (and the end game of this life is what really matters…) none of us get to decide. Only the Lord decides. Be like Jesus: love others and preach love. ❤️
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Steven Ferrell
My personal feeling based on how I read scripture is God made man and woman, not its. You are born one or the other by design, it is not a mistake and that is what you are meant to be.
Sadly there seems to be a push by many public schools or others to push kids to identify as ‘trans’ when really they are not. There was a time that some girls were called tomboys because they liked climbing trees, playing ball, doing things the boys got to do. Now days if a girl shows those interests they say, oh they must be trans’ and start pushing them to be a boy.
If a boy shows interest in art, or flowers, or colorful clothing, or anything that was seen as feminine, he gets labeled trans and pushed to be a girl.
Why do we need to push them in any direction? Let kids just be kids.
My wife was a tomboy growing up in the 60’s and yet is very much a beautiful woman. She could be tough when needed and was a Master Drill Sgt. yet she loves to dress up nice, have her hair done, do her nails, etc.
Stop pushing people to be ‘trans’.-
Ari Joseph Bertine
That isn't happening anywhere. No schools or any other institutions are interpreting behavior or preferences as transgender, and are especially not encouraging anyone to identify as transgender. These things simply are not occurring. People are lying to you and saying they are happening in order to get you upset, so that they can take advantage of that upset politically.
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Rebecca L Tice
Steven... If men all turned "trans" and women turned "butch" then the story of the Messiah born to a virgin would have quite a different spin... and spilling of seed would definitely spin differently... right????
A penis was designed to fit a vagina in order to procreate. That was required after the "sin" that got Adam and Eve thrown out of the Garden. God could have created new humans without childbirth but Eve pulled that apple out of the tree and gave it to Adam... so humans had to begin procreation. They broke the deal with God. So God made girls have babies... like all the other animals.
That's a fact.... but there were eunuchs back in the days of Queen Esther [Book of Esther].
Homosexuality and Bisexuality and Transexuality are all meant to be a form of birthcontrol...
Right? If not, then men will die because of masterbation... right? That's spilling seed!
God is gratious.... He knows humans are prone to such stuff... and He uses that.
It's ok... we are who we are, hand sculpted by God.... we can worhip him even if we dress different or love different. God doesn't throw out his creations...
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JT Sunrise
✨ “What Did Jesus Say?”
A Theological Response to the Question of Transgender Identity By Rev JTSunrise – Celestial Nexus Church
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When asked, “What does the Bible say about trans people?” the most honest answer is: the Bible never addresses the category explicitly. But when we narrow the question to “What does Jesus Christ say?”, we enter sacred territory that demands attention, reverence, and integrity.
Jesus said:
“You will know them by their fruits.” – Matthew 7:16 “Blessed are the merciful… the peacemakers… those who are persecuted for righteousness.” – Matthew 5 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” – Matthew 7:1 “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these… you did it to me.” – Matthew 25:40
In every recorded teaching and encounter, Christ’s ethic was simple, consistent, and utterly radical: Love, mercy, dignity, and liberation.
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I. Jesus and Identity
Jesus never once taught that one’s value was based on rigid social roles. In fact, He spent His entire ministry upending categories: • He touched lepers when others recoiled. (Mark 1:40–45) • He spoke to women publicly in a patriarchal culture. (John 4) • He dined with sex workers, tax collectors, and Roman collaborators. (Matthew 9:10) • He healed on the Sabbath when law demanded inaction. (Luke 6) • He affirmed the outcast and rebuked the religious elite. (Matthew 23)
Jesus saw the soul—not the category. He restored those whom society erased.
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II. Jesus and Gender Nonconformity
While the term “transgender” didn’t exist, Jesus explicitly acknowledged nontraditional bodies and gender roles in Matthew 19:12:
“Some are eunuchs by birth, some made so by others, and some have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven.”
This passage recognizes variance in sex and gender without condemnation. In a deeply patriarchal and binary society, Jesus acknowledged and even honored those whose bodies and roles did not conform.
The early Church carried this forward. The Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8—a Black, gender-nonconforming outsider—was the first baptized convert outside Israel, received with no theological gatekeeping, only this:
“What is to prevent me from being baptized?” Philip replied: “Nothing.”
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III. The Moral Fruit of Trans Lives
Christ taught that true faith bears fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22–23)
Many transgender individuals display extraordinary moral courage, resilience, compassion, and fidelity to truth—often in the face of cruelty. This, too, is fruit.
Jesus never said, “By their conformity you will know them.” He said:
“By their fruit.”
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IV. Jesus and Condemnation
To those quick to judge or exclude others based on identity, Jesus warned:
“First take the plank out of your own eye.” (Matthew 7:5) “Let the one without sin cast the first stone.” (John 8:7) “You shut the door of the Kingdom in people’s faces.” (Matthew 23:13)
He reserved His harshest words not for the marginalized—but for religious leaders who used God’s name to oppress. That includes today’s pulpits that invoke Christ to persecute queer and trans people.
The Christ of the Gospels stood with the vulnerable. He never policed identity. He never excluded the sincere. He never used God’s law to dehumanize.
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V. Christ’s Invitation Remains Open
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
That “all” includes trans people. It includes those wrestling with identity, with rejection, with religious trauma. It includes those whom institutional churches have abandoned or misrepresented.
The Good Shepherd leaves the 99 for the 1. The physician comes for the sick, not the self-righteous. The banquet table is open—and there is still room. (Luke 14:22)
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Final Word: What Would Jesus Do?
He would call trans people by name. He would see their dignity. He would rebuke those who twist God’s law to exclude. He would make room at the table.
He already has.
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Rev. JTSunrise
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Arvin Gean Gibbs
Read Leviticus 18:22-26
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Wm Kevin Foster
That sums it up!
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Wm Kevin Foster
Support for Trans? - Why use the word Eunuch... I totally understand INCLUSION - but, please teach it correctly! A eunuch is someone—usually a man—who had their testicles removed, often a long time ago in history. It might sound strange now, but back then, it was actually pretty common in certain royal courts and empires. Eunuchs often had trusted jobs like helping manage royal households or working closely with kings and emperors. People thought they were more loyal because they didn’t have families of their own to promote. Now, you also asked if a eunuch is the same as someone who's transgender. Great question! They're not the same thing, but it’s easy to see why they might get compared. Here’s the simple difference: - Eunuchs were usually changed by others, not by their own choice, and it was mostly for social or political reasons. - Transgender people are living as the gender that feels right to them—and if they choose to make changes to their bodies, it’s about expressing who they truly are inside. So, totally different paths and meanings, even though both have to do with gender and the body. kevin
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Gay Lynn Weida
Religion poisons everything. ~C. Hitchens
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Jannetje Eleanore Van Went
Judge not or ye shall be judged comes to mind... so why is the Pope, priests, bishops and Cardinals all wearing dresses, why does the Pope wear a bufont harido hat out for ceremonies, why must men who judge people always wear dresses, is it appropriation or cross dressing?!...don't judge or we start asking questions...get it!
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Jennifer Simmons Johnson
It's like nobody ever seems to remember:
Acts 17:31 or Peter 1:17
It is NOT MY PLACE TO JUDGE A PERSON'S SOUL!!!
But instead Leviticus 19:18 gives CLEAR instruction as to how I (we) am (are) supposed to treat other people.
I'm going to keep following those instructions.
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Mark P. Bender
Be happy with yourself and the world around you.
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Marie Gilbert
I have a trans granddaughter and a trans niece, so here is my theory on how we should handle this: It doesn't matter how we address our sexual identity be it straight, gay, trans, etc. The body is a transportation method for the soul. The soul is created in the image of God. I would rather spend a whole year with a room of trans people than one day with a hateful, judgmental Christian who celebrates the caging of infants and attacks immigrants.
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Anthony Cabral
I don't mine people being gay but I believe that God wouldn't want a person to change the body he gave them (mutilation) of your body is a sin
The bottom line (as stated by a preceding commentator): Jesus welcomed those who were marginalized or misunderstood, and promoted a life of love, dignity, and justice.
Robert, nope.
Jesus welcomed sinners. That said, sinners didn't welcome him that much once he told them to sin no more.
Naturally the marginalized were and are sinners just the same as anyone else. No more and no less.
Bottom line, bible says drunkenness is a sin and is to be turned away from by the believer. What it says about men behaving and dressing like women is clear as well.
You and I don't have to agree with what it says but we sure can't deny what it says.
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
SOJ,
Taking a "sound bite" out of context, without knowing the context is problematic at the very least. If you hadn't qualified your statement about "the marginalized" with "no more, no less" then I would say you were an avid believer in the Prosperity Gospel. Drunks and drag queens also need the "no more, no less" moniker however. Before spouting Hebrew Scriptures or Paul's Epistles, make sure you read the whole story first before grabbing onto the few words that "speak to you." By the way, the woman (prostitute, I believe) Jesus told to "sin no more" became an avid follower of Jesus, and the rich man he told to sell everything he had and give the proceeds to the poor walked away in dismay. What does that tell you?
I no longer identify as Christian but one of my most beloved pastors said to remember that, when we are reading the epistles, to remember that we are reading someone else’s mail.
I have a problem with referring to our trans community as “sinners.”
I wonder how they can be called that for being true to how they were created.
Just a thought…
Kim,
I agree with you. Even Paul in his letters to the Corinthians, Romans, and Ephesians discussed how each person is given different gifts and suggested that everyone live into the gifts they are given. Calling a trans-person a sinner just for being trans goes against this. I was given gifts by God that society states belong to men, like a passion for leadership, science, and critical thought. It is not sinful for me to utilize these skills and passions to make the world a better place. It would be a sin, however for me to waste them.
I haven't repeated any scriptures Patricia though I have paraphrased. You'll not be able to object to my paraphrasing while remaining true to what the bible says.
I do wish folks here would heed your advice when they spit out a tasty bite sized phrase from the bible.
No demograph is immune to sin and none are more prone to sin. All fall short. We all are prone to sin regardless of our social status. That's who Jesus accepted, the sinner who admits they're a sinner. If they wouldn't the couldn't.
When he told that prostitute to sin no more, presumably she accepted that judgement and sinned no more with that particular sin. When Jesus told that rich man to abandon his idol, he walked away in disbelief and dismay. He would not accept the judgement. He chose against Jesus or in other words, he hated Jesus. He could not accept that what he was up to was sinful in the Lord's eyes. The so-called marginalized crucified Jesus hand in hand with the elite as is written.
The Bible says what God says is sin, not me. Far better to read it than quote it.
SOJ, Agreed