Writing a book is hard work. Writing a book on a controversial topic is even harder. Writing a book on transgender identities—especially as someone who doesn’t identify as trans*—has been the most difficult writing task I’ve ever taken on. And on February 1st, the culmination of my journey, a book titled Embodied, will be released.
If you want to pre-order Embodied, then head to THIS WEBSITE for some exclusive bonus material, including access to a free private webinar where you can ask me questions about the book.
I want to say I’m excited to see this book released. Authors are always excited to see their book become available to the public, especially if, as in the case of Embodied, they’ve spent a considerable amount of time working on it. Sure, I’m excited for February 1st. But this topic includes many tough stories about beautiful people, some of whom have gone through traumatic experiences, sometimes at the hands of Christians. Lingering behind all the theology, science, and cultural trends that I write about in the book are people—some of whom I’m honored to call my friends.
I do hope and pray that this book will help guide the church through this important conversation.
Some have asked me, “didn’t you already write that book?” referring to my book on same-sex sexuality, People to Be Loved. Actually, Embodied is quite different from People to Be Loved since the trans* side of the LGBTQ+ conversation raises many different theological, ethical, scientific, relational, and pastoral questions. While they’re similar in tone and depth, there’s virtually no overlap in content between Embodied and People to Be Loved.
So, here’s a whistle-stop tour of the book.
I spend the first three chapters laying some foundations. Chapter 1 talks about people and identifies the key questions in the conversation. Chapter 2 talks about terminology and concepts, especially the widely misunderstood terms: sex and gender. Chapter 3 surveys the variety of meanings and experiences captured under the “trans*” umbrella. Chapter 4 gives a biblical theology of what it means to be male and female in the image of God. Chapter 5 discusses gender stereotypes, both in the Bible and in the wider discussion about trans* identities. Chapter 6 dives into some of the most prevalent biblical pushbacks to my argument thus far; hence the title: “What about the Eunuch? And other questions…” The next three chapters discuss some scientific and philosophical counterarguments: What about intersex? (Chapter 7), what if a female has a male brain? (Chapter 8), what if a male has a female soul? (Chapter 9). I then spend three chapters talking about current trends and practical questions, such as Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria (chapter 10), the ethics of transitioning (chapter 11), and bathrooms, pronouns, and sleeping arrangements (chapter 12), before bringing us back in the conclusion to our ultimate foundation: Jesus and love. I also included a lengthy appendix on suicidality and trans* people.
I wrote this book for anyone who’s wanting to have a theologically robust, relationally driven, culturally aware, and scientifically informed guide to the trans* conversation. In particular, Christian leaders (pastors, priests, campus ministry leaders, etc.) and parents of trans*-identified kids will be particularly interested in it.
Please pray with me that Embodied would both bless and challenge the church, and, most of all, that Jesus would be honored by its pages.