Transgender forum here Tuesday
Region viewed as accepting of gender variance
By Stephanie Innes
Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 03.30.2008
http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/231997 (http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/231997)
The word "transgender" does not appear in the Bible. Save a few references to women in masculine clothing and vice versa, it's hard to know whether Scripture says anything at all about people who change their sexual identity.
Actually there is a reference in the Bible:
Mathew 19:12
For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.
This verse has long been interpreted to point one to celibacy as a pathway to holiness. Yet if one studies the practices of people in that time and in that place, he will find that the practice of those making "themselves eunuchs" certainly includes those who castrated themselves in an act of emasculation. In other words, they performed this act to become more feminine... yes, one might say transsexuals. You see, the noun "transsexual" was coined in the twentieth century. It did not exist prior to that. In the ancient times of Jesus, we were called "eunuchs".
I used the King James edition (published in 1604 AD) for this quote. More modern translations (in other editions of the Bible) of this verse have been modified to reflect the more recent views of celibacy and interpretations of what sexuality should be.
An even earlier (1382 AD) translation, the Wycliffe reads quite differently and actually bends more to our favor:
For there be geldings, which be so born of the mother's womb [which be thus born of their mother's womb]; and there be geldings, that be made of men; and there be geldings, that have gelded themselves, for the kingdom of heavens. He that may take, take he.
The more recent "translations" view this verse in a completely different light. The edition of "The Message (1993)" reads:
But Jesus said, "Not everyone is mature enough to live a married life. It requires a certain aptitude and grace. Marriage isn't for everyone. Some, from birth seemingly, never give marriage a thought. Others never get asked—or accepted. And some decide not to get married for kingdom reasons. But if you're capable of growing into the largeness of marriage, do it."
Point people to that verse the next time someone beats you with a Bible over your transgender status. Just use an older translation to do it. For you see, over recent years, they have rewritten the Bible to suit their own view of the world. Now, isn't that interesting?
Cindi
if their "sexual identity" was recognized early on, there would be no need to change it.
in my mind.