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booklizzie's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
lucas28's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
kelsreadsthings's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
4.5
"transgender people are not a burden to christianity." if you go into this book with a genuine and open mind, i think you'll learn a lot. i enjoy reading how trans christians, who are ostracized and demonized by the church, were able to find their own path with christianity. i think this is a beautiful book to show how God's love is not limited, but is available to everyone. i liked how scripture and science were used together to support the authors points/arguments. this is less of a defense argument and more of an informative piece of work which could be helpful for those going into it with an open mind. as someone trying to reconcile with faith and being under the lgbtq umbrella, this book gave me hope, comfort, and healing.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Transphobia, Self harm, Homophobia, and Religious bigotry
chrisleesounds's review against another edition
5.0
While I have thought of myself as an ally who is a Christian for many years, it’s alarming to read this book to see how ignorant I remain. I purposefully read this because I know I’m still ignorant about all of the LGBTQ+ community, but I truly didn’t know to this extent. Every pastor, Christian educator, and church staff member who wants to know how they can better love and serve their community should read this book. I feel like Austen Hartke never crosses over into judging or condemning cisgender people or the church, but with care and love he is trying to educate and build up a community he loves into one that is safe and loving for everyone. I’m very thankful for this book, for Hartke, and all the transgender community who shared their stories through this book. May I never forget.
beccafeldhacker's review against another edition
5.0
This was one of the best-written books I’ve read on this topic in a long while. Austen’s writing combined people’s personal stories and insights with statistics, real world examples, and scripture.
And the scripture was not just the response to the negative/clobber passages, but also of queer-affirming scripture….
like the Ethiopian Eunuch in Acts, or
the transformation of the law over the course of Biblical narrative, and
my personal favorite, Joseph who didn’t wear a colorful coat or coat with long sleeves, but rather a dress that the virgin daughters of the king would often wear…#scriptureinterpretsscripture.
For anyone willing to put in the work to reconcile faith and LGBTQ-affirmation within the church, READ THIS. And then keep going.
And the scripture was not just the response to the negative/clobber passages, but also of queer-affirming scripture….
like the Ethiopian Eunuch in Acts, or
the transformation of the law over the course of Biblical narrative, and
my personal favorite, Joseph who didn’t wear a colorful coat or coat with long sleeves, but rather a dress that the virgin daughters of the king would often wear…#scriptureinterpretsscripture.
For anyone willing to put in the work to reconcile faith and LGBTQ-affirmation within the church, READ THIS. And then keep going.
jdk_andes's review against another edition
4.0
Don't let the short length fool you, this is a dense book filled with plenty of great arguments and interesting stories. I picked this up because, despite fully supporting the inclusion of trans people in the Church, I felt like I was generally unfamiliar with transgender approaches to theology. And this book was exactly what I was looking for. Austen Hartke provides more than simple theological debate, weaving in the lived experience of trans people in the church. But he also provides tangible examples and suggestions for ways Christians can improve their approach to trans inclusion. Yet unlike some theological books, this is written in a way that should be accessible for anyone who decides to read it, and it is short enough that there is really no excuse not to read it.
trayceebee's review against another edition
5.0
I read this book as part of an LGBTQ+ and Allies small group that I'm a part of, at my Church. The point of the group is to be a source of support for each other as well as to better educate ourselves and hopefully those around us.
This book is written by a Trans Man who wants to share his experience not just with transitioning, but with his life as a Lutheran Pastor and the effect his transition had on that role. He interviews several other members of the Trans community, asking them to elaborate on their own spiritual journeys and how Transitioning has played a part in that. There are many, MANY places in this Bible that are supportive of Trans people, which was refreshing, to say the least!
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I found this to be encouraging, enlightening, and very educational. I listened to the audio version provided by my library, but I also obtained a print copy, which I have marked up with highlights and plan to re-read often. It's got a plethora of resources for the reader. I learned so much while reading this book--not just from the book, but also from the discussions it sparked in my small group.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is struggling with the correct verbiage with regards to the Trans community; I'd also recommend it to anyone who would like to be a source of support or who simply has questions.
This book is written by a Trans Man who wants to share his experience not just with transitioning, but with his life as a Lutheran Pastor and the effect his transition had on that role. He interviews several other members of the Trans community, asking them to elaborate on their own spiritual journeys and how Transitioning has played a part in that. There are many, MANY places in this Bible that are supportive of Trans people, which was refreshing, to say the least!
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I found this to be encouraging, enlightening, and very educational. I listened to the audio version provided by my library, but I also obtained a print copy, which I have marked up with highlights and plan to re-read often. It's got a plethora of resources for the reader. I learned so much while reading this book--not just from the book, but also from the discussions it sparked in my small group.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is struggling with the correct verbiage with regards to the Trans community; I'd also recommend it to anyone who would like to be a source of support or who simply has questions.
courtwoof's review against another edition
5.0
This book has some fascinating theological points for transgender Christians that I'd never considered before. It approaches the topic in an intelligent and graceful manner, with lots of angles, experiences, interviews, and more.
The author is clearly a biblical scholar, and his experience shows through the writing.
If anyone is looking for understanding on how transgender Christians fit into the church, this will really help.
The author is clearly a biblical scholar, and his experience shows through the writing.
If anyone is looking for understanding on how transgender Christians fit into the church, this will really help.