While I won't delve into the current theological argument, my therapist preaches a wonderful sermon on both Mathew 19:12 and Isaiah 56:3-5.  The sermon is called "Life Behind the Comma, Confessions of a Transgender Troublemaker."  The comma refers to the fact that when the lectionary rolls around every three years to verses that deal with eunuchs, these verses are left out.  For instance the lectionary instead of having Isaiah 56:1-7 as the verse for a Sunday will have Isaiah 56:1-2, 6-7.  So eunuchs are left "behind the comma."  Erin maintains many churches have trouble dealing with these verses and we as transgender Christians plus the ever growing number of transgender ministers are the transgender troublemakers forcing them to deal with things they've always ignored.   I'm sure I've done a poor representation of Erin's sermon and I wish it was online somewhere to read. 

Quote from: BeverlyAnn on June 15, 2016, 12:40:58 PM
While I won't delve into the current theological argument, my therapist preaches a wonderful sermon on both Mathew 19:12 and Isaiah 56:3-5.  The sermon is called "Life Behind the Comma, Confessions of a Transgender Troublemaker."  The comma refers to the fact that when the lectionary rolls around every three years to verses that deal with eunuchs, these verses are left out.  For instance the lectionary instead of having Isaiah 56:1-7 as the verse for a Sunday will have Isaiah 56:1-2, 6-7.  So eunuchs are left "behind the comma."  Erin maintains many churches have trouble dealing with these verses and we as transgender Christians plus the ever growing number of transgender ministers are the transgender troublemakers forcing them to deal with things they've always ignored.   I'm sure I've done a poor representation of Erin's sermon and I wish it was online somewhere to read.

Wow, what a brilliant observation!

I had no idea the Common Lectionary omitted these rather "especially now" relevant verses.

Please if you ever come across the sermon I'd be so very grateful for a pm.



Kindnesses
Victoria xx

Quote from: alienbodybuilder on April 02, 2016, 09:11:55 AM
For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it."
Matthew 19:12

I personally feel like this applies to me. Discuss please.

YES! I was going to be a priest and I don't 'bible thump'

       Now this has to be about us:

   ''If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you.''

I can sum up the whole bible.
1) love each other
2) don't be an ass

Quote from: Deborah on April 02, 2016, 09:23:50 AM
It depends upon how you conceptualize religion.

If you take the modernist, liberal, view that the scriptures may be interpreted to find meaning for the individual doing the reading then sure, it can include transsexuals.

If you take the traditional, conservative, view that scriptures are to be interpreted in their historical and original linguistic context then I do not believe this verse had any relation to transsexuals at all.

Sapere Aude

This is spot on.  I personally take the second view nowadays.