All Christians are Transgender: Trans Identity as Iconography of Beings in Christ

All Christians are Transgender: Trans Identity as Iconography of Beings in Christ

Before the 21st century the notion of challenging a binary understanding of gender from an evangelical Christian perspective seemed laughable. But in the last 20 years or so, with non-binary understandings of gender becoming mainstream in culture, Christians need to confront this viewpoint in a thoughtful and loving way. And in doing so, we might embrace the perspective as something that actually supports a Christocentric Christian worldview.

Binary categories are clearly the categories that are in place from an OT perspective (creation narrative, legal penalty distinctions, etc). There is no need to discuss this further as plenty of apologists against transgender identity use these arguments continually. Let’s just assume they are correct - binary categories of gender was the norm and shouldn’t be messed with. But the question is after God spoke Jesus into the world whether binary categories apply to ethical actions. All legal pronouncements need to be applied through the lens of the new covenant.

Binary categories continue to be mentioned throughout the NT, but strange mystical language regarding identity also comes into play. A new understanding of personal identity that is not locked down to biology starts to take shape - beings “in Christ.” This isn’t symbolic language. This is mystical language. I think most Christians tend to ignore this notion. To be “in Christ” is a taxonomy. And it is a taxonomy based upon experience (at least from an evangelical perspective). We know our identity is grounded in the mystical rather than the biological through our experience with the Spirit. We experience new birth. And this supernatural new birth trumps biological, cultural, and other forms of natural identity. 

With relation to gender Paul speaks of being neither male nor female in Christ. Therefore we are beings beyond binary categories of gender by being in Christ. Etymologically, the prefix “trans” can mean “across” but it can also mean “beyond”. Beings in Christ fit both these usages. Beings in Christ are trans  even if our fleshly identity might be cis.

Trans people therefore should be seen as kindred spirits and icons of Christian mystical identity. If one continues to push them into binary categories, one needs to do the same with themselves within their own mystical identity. And to deny the experience of millions of people is not only unethical, but also a disservice to one’s own Christian apologetic. From an missional/evangelical perspective, we are shooting ourselves in the foot if we continue chastising people for what we ourselves do as well.

In conclusion, as Christians we need not only understand our kindred spirit with trans people, but also celebrate them as iconographic representations of mystical/transcendent identity. That celebratory spirit should translate into politics that supports and protects them. That celebratory spirit should also inject life into theological disciplines to teach and preach a trans friendly Christocentric response, and push back on apparent self evident truths contained in orthodoxy. I hope I have contributed in some small way.

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