PerryDox – BeJustAChristian

Hope for Transgenders?

Is there a character in the Bible, who can help us help those, dealing with transgenderism? Can God’s response to this character help those living a transgender life?

Let’s begin with a modern-day fact. While not all transgenders physically change their bodies, some do. It is called, “transitioning””. In transitioning, people are changing their bodies either chemically or surgically. Males, for example, are being altered to become more feminine. That’s the goal, to remove masculine traits by reducing testosterone.

While today this is being done under a new name, there is an old practice with similarities. Similar parallels doesn’t mean same in all respects, but rather there are comparisons in both process and goal worth considering.

Like today, back then there was a surgery with the purpose of the feminization of males. The surgery was castration. The name given them was “eunuch”. Often they were put into high positions within government because their alterations removed masculine traits such as aggression. Becoming more passive created a trustworthy deposition, making them safer, especially to be around the queen.

How can this help us deal with transgenderism today?

First, acknowledging there are similarities even if not perfect parallels, can give us confidence of Biblical solutions. Although written thousands of years ago, scripture is still relevant. That’s because God is the author, and people haven’t changed.

Second, male eunuchs were still considered males. Alterations to make them have more feminine traits did not change their sex or gender. For example, the Holy Spirit inspired Luke to call a certain eunuch a “man” (Acts 8:27). The pronouns – a modern controversy – are masculine (Acts 8:31). Just because there are variations of traits considered (whether naturally or culturally) “masculine” or “feminine” does not determine one’s gender or sex.

Third, although he was physically altered, God offered him hope and acceptance. History records making men eunuchs being done against their will, but modern transitioning is done voluntarily. When a modern man or woman experiences regret and wants to turn to God, their physically altered states are not spiritual barriers. While there might not be a physical going back, that doesn’t mean there is no going back spiritually. Conversion for all is the same, returning to a previous state of spiritual purity before God. And yes, I knew of a man who did this.

The Ethiopian eunuch shows us that even modern issues have ancient roots. More importantly, both modern and ancient issues have an eternal solution in grace.

“Philip proceeded to tell him the good news about Jesus, beginning with that Scripture. As they were traveling down the road, they came to some water. The eunuch said, “Look, there’s water. What would keep me from being baptized?”

Now consider that question from the position of him being physically altered, and therefore under temple regulations unable to enter (Deuteronomy 23:1). The eunuch is asking, “Is there hope for me too? Am I accepted?” Let’s get back to the text.

“So he ordered the chariot to stop, and both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him any longer but went on his way rejoicing.” (CSB’17 Acts 8:35-39)

The Ethiopian eunuch gives hope to those who want to “transition” back to God, because Jesus gave hope to the Ethiopian eunuch.

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This entry was posted by PHall on Tuesday, June 28th, 2022 at 9:00 am and is filed under Acts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.