TRANSSEXUALITY
A Report by the Evangelical Alliance Policy Commission
87 pages
ISBN 0 95329 926 0
For most Christians the subject of this book will be something they know little about, although they may have a general awareness that something called Transsexuality exists.
It has featured in one or two TV 'soaps', there have been some high profile cases in the news and some discussion of the ethical, social, legal and personal problems arising from it have taken place on television and in the more serious newspapers. That the newly formed Policy Commission of the Evangelical Alliance should produce a report on this subject so early in its existence will come as a surprise to many.
Transsexuality describes a condition where a woman or man, who is apparently biologically normal, feels that she or he is a member of the opposite sex. It is clearly an issue that is forcing its way into the public consciousness. It is for this reason that Christians need to become better informed and aware about the real nature of the condition. This small book will undoubtedly help.
Defining terms
The book seeks to begin by defining the terms that are used in discussions of Transsexuality (and yes there should be two 's') and explaining the distinctions between Transsexuality, Transvestism and Hermaphroditism. In the definitions adopted there will be those conservative Christians who believe the book to be too generous to the current subjective approach, and those activists who believe the book is too objective, especially in its repeated acceptance of it as a 'social construct' rather than a medical 'condition'. This probably means that the writers have got it about right. There is also a useful analysis of the present understanding and historical background to this condition. In particular it is valuable to be reminded that in terms of medical and scientific research there is still a very limited understanding of the condition and its causes.
Current debates
The book gives an overview of the current debates in the medical, political and ethical arenas. The discussion of these debates and the issues that need to be addressed are well presented, and there is constant reference to a Christian perspective throughout these chapters. For Christians and especially for church leaders and pastors the two closing chapters that deal with ethical and pastoral perspectives will be very useful. There are many potentially difficult and intractable problems to be faced. They are not issues to be ignored and this book points to the way a response can be developed.
Weakness
However, there is one weak area that we must notice. Overall the chapter on 'The perspective of Scripture' is very disappointing. While many valid and important aspects of biblical teaching are considered, the discussion of key passages, such as 1 Corinthians 6.9 and Deuteronomy 22.5 & 23.1, are too brief. Having given so much space to all the other areas of discussion we could have wished for the same attention to the Scriptural debate. In addition there is no real consideration of the biblical arguments about the influences of a sexually deviant and morally debilitated society on the thinking and self-understanding of people in that society. And then again the treatment of the doctrine of Redemption and the consequent questions of true self-identity and righteous lifestyles is poor. Yet these issues are key to the subject matter of the book.
Having said that, this book will be very valuable to anyone wishing to understand transsexuality and the current debates surrounding it.
