Embodied: Transgender Identities, the Church, and What the Bible Has to Say

Preston Sprinkle’s book, Embodied, Transgender Identities, The Church, and What the Bible has to Say is a masterpiece on how to approach a difficult subject from a Christian perspective. Preston sets a new tone for the Church to follow when dealing with difficult cultural topics. The Church has often been criticized of bigotry, hate and being judgmental when it comes to issues of homosexuality and transgenderism. This book is a refreshing, loving and compassionate approach to gender identity. He does his best to answer many questions surrounding the conversation of transgender identities from a strong theological foundation. As a Christian, what is our Biblical response to the transgender community? How do we navigate this sensitive topic? Embodied focuses in on the ever-changing world of gender identity. Preston spends twelve chapters, plus an interlude and conclusion, dealing with many topics within the transgender community. Preston even digs into the complicated issues of brain-sex theory, Eunuchs, intersex and Gender Dysphoria. Where many Christian Scholars, Leaders and Pastors fear to tread Preston goes marching forward with the weapons of love, compassion and a great deal of research. It is obvious that Preston has done his homework and consulted many sources in support of his positions as well as those that are opposed to his positions. At the end of the book there are forty plus pages of Preston’s exhaustive notes and research which is very helpful for further study. “Gender identity is one of the most emotional and confusing topics in the church today and one of the most important to address with both compassion and biblical knowledge.” Preston tackles the confusing topic of gender identity from a people first perspective. Our duty as followers of Jesus is to love all people regardless if their beliefs differ from that of the Bible. Right out of the gate Preston spends the first chapter writing about transgender people and their experiences within the Church. My heart broke for how the Church has treated people who do not believe what we believe, it was refreshing to sense the love for people from which Preston writes. I can’t praise this book enough! Embodied is a fabulous read but make sure you have time to focus and potentially re-read some sections as Preston does several deep dives into science and gender theory. What I appreciated the most was Preston’s ability to humanize those he is talking about. So often many books argue their side from a perspective of data and facts; rarely do the authors take the time to get to know the people they are writing about. This book was not written in a vacuum but from Preston’s experience and engagement with and for the transgender community. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about transgender identities and experiences. However, this is a must read for the Church! I have already recommend this book to many church leaders and pastors. As a Pastor myself, I was convicted to love the transgender community more than I have and to walk alongside them. As followers of Jesus, we must be a safe space for all people and that includes those who are questioning their gender identity. Throughout the book Preston gives many insights and practical steps to help love and engage the transgender community. The Church would do well to follow in Preston’s footsteps.