Gender dysphoria refers to the distress or discomfort that arises when someone’s gender identity does not align with their biological sex assigned at birth. The Bible does not directly address the modern concept of gender dysphoria, but it does speak to themes of gender, identity, and human dignity in ways that can inform a compassionate Christian response.
Old Testament Perspectives on Gender and Identity
The Old Testament reveals that God created humanity as male and female in His image (Genesis 1:27). Yet there are also examples of gender fluidity, such as eunuchs occupying honored positions in society (Isaiah 56:3-5). Eunuchs were considered a “third gender” in the ancient Near East, lacking male genitalia but not necessarily identifying as female. God welcomed eunuchs into His house and promised them “a monument and a name better than sons and daughters” if they kept His covenant. This indicates God’s acceptance and affirmation of those outside binary gender norms.
There are also instances of cross-dressing in the Old Testament, such as Deborah commanding Barak to lead the army into battle as if he were a woman (Judges 4:4-9), and David dressing as a woman to evade Saul (1 Samuel 19:11-17). While these examples do not directly concern transgender identity as it is understood today, they do reveal flexibility in gender expression in ancient Israel.
New Testament Perspectives on Identity and Dignity
In the New Testament, Jesus consistently prioritized inner character and spirit over external matters like gender and sexuality. When questioned about marriage and gender roles, Jesus emphasized that in heaven, believers’ identities will transcend earthly labels like “male and female” (Luke 20:27-36). Jesus also affirmed the dignity of marginalized people like eunuchs, promising them acceptance in the Kingdom of God (Matthew 19:12).
The New Testament teaches that followers of Christ receive a new, primary identity in Him. Earthly roles and attributes – like maleness, femaleness, or circumcision status – are secondary (Galatians 3:28, 5:6). What matters most is whether one has clothed oneself with “compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience” through faith in Christ (Colossians 3:12).
A Redemptive Approach to Gender Dysphoria
In light of biblical principles, Christians can respond to gender dysphoria with compassion, recognizing the distress it causes. A redemptive approach includes:
- Acknowledging the imago dei – all people, including those with gender dysphoria, reflect God’s image and have inherent dignity.
- Listening non-judgmentally and seeking to understand each individual’s experiences.
- Affirming the primary identity people have through Christ.
- Advocating for community, connection, and belonging regardless of gender identity.
- Identifying and addressing root causes of dysphoria, such as trauma, with professional care.
- Distinguishing between cross-dressing/gender-creative expression and the desire to medically transition.
- Ensuring congruence between core identity in Christ and outward gender identity/expression.
- Offering ongoing spiritual and emotional support for individuals and families.
Most importantly, Christians must foster communities where people struggling with gender dysphoria can share their journey and find hope and healing in Christ.
Key Biblical Principles
In summary, key biblical principles relevant to gender dysphoria include:
- God created humanity male and female (Genesis 1:27).
- Gender is part of God’s good created order, but secondary to one’s identity in Christ (Galatians 3:28).
- Fallenness introduced disorder into human experience, including gender identity.
- God cares for those marginalized or outside gender norms (Isaiah 56:3-5).
- God values inner righteousness over externals (1 Samuel 16:7).
- Followers of Christ receive a new primary identity through Him (Colossians 3:12).
- The body is a temple of the Holy Spirit to be cared for (1 Corinthians 6:19).
- Christians are called to sacrificial love, hospitality, and community (Romans 12:9-13).
- Discernment is needed in response to complex human experiences.
- All people are made in God’s image with dignity (Genesis 1:27).
As Christians seek to understand and minister to those with gender dysphoria, they must hold these principles in thoughtful biblical tension. The ultimate goal is to offer the hope and healing found in Christ to a hurting world.
The Complexities of Gender Dysphoria
Gender dysphoria involves complex biological, social, and psychological factors not directly addressed in scripture. As such, Christians should exercise wisdom and grace when considering various pastoral questions related to gender dysphoria, such as:
- How might trauma, family dynamics, social rejection, or mental health issues exacerbate gender dysphoria?
- How can the church come alongside gender dysphoric children and youth in sensitive, developmentally appropriate ways?
- What does it mean to fully embrace someone’s core identity in Christ while dysphoria distorts their sense of self?
- How can Christians love and support gender dysphoric people without necessarily affirming all parts of a transgender identity?
- What role should counseling play in processing dysphoria and fostering congruence in identity?
- How can churches become safe havens where those wrestling with gender identity can find biblical hope?
Reasonable Christians disagree on some applications of biblical principles to gender dysphoria. Maintaining gospel clarity while exercising grace requires humility, discernment, and dependence on the Spirit’s wisdom.
Different Expressions of Gender Dysphoria
Gender dysphoria manifests in diverse ways, requiring nuanced discernment:
1. Cross-dressing
Some people find temporary relief from dysphoria by cross-dressing, adopting the external appearance of the opposite sex through clothes, hairstyles, etc. While Scripture prohibits cross-dressing to intentionally deceive others (Deuteronomy 22:5), many understand cross-dressing today as a coping mechanism for dysphoria rather than willful deception.
2. Non-binary Identities
Some with gender dysphoria feel their identity does not fit into the male-female binary. Biblically, while biological sex is binary, there is evidence of more fluidity in gender identity/expression. The church must avoid simplistic binaries and show grace to those identifying as non-binary.
3. Hormonal/Surgical Transition
Some pursue cross-sex hormones or surgical transition in seeking to align physical characteristics with internal gender identity. Christians differ on whether these interventions violate God’s design for the body. It requires extensive theological and medical reflection to discern God’s will in complex situations.
Regardless of views on the ethics of transition, Christians must show love and validate the worth of all people created in God’s image.
4. Intersex Conditions
Some gender dysphoria is associated with biological ambiguity of sex characteristics. Congenital conditions like Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome or disorders of sexual development introducing variations in chromosomes, hormones, or anatomy present unique challenges not directly addressed in scripture. Christians should respond with humility, care, and nuance to those navigating gender identity in light of such biological complexity.
Cautions Regarding Gender Dysphoria
A redemptive Christian perspective on gender dysphoria includes appropriate cautions:
- Against celebrating or uncritically affirming all expressions of transgender identity, which may conflict with God’s design.
- Against solely sociological explanations that reduce dysphoria to cultural constructs while ignoring biological factors.
- Against medical interventions that could have irreversible consequences, in the absence of extensive professional discernment.
- Against reacting with disgust or hatred toward those wrestling with gender identity.
- Against “coming out” as transgender in impulsive or non-consultative ways, especially for children/youth.
- Against transition motivated by escapism or pursuit of stereotypes.
- Against denying the reality of dysphoria and depth of associated struggles.
Christians should respond to gender dysphoria not with rejection but with compassion, patience, wisdom, and a willingness to “mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15).
The Church’s Witness
The church can positively impact those struggling with gender dysphoria by:
- Providing sound biblical teaching and Spirit-guided counsel.
- Ensuring membership and ministry participation based on faith in Christ, not gender identity.
- Advocating for those marginalized or abused due to gender non-conformity.
- Facilitating access to professional Christian mental health resources.
- Engaging the complexities with humility rather than defensiveness.
- Asking sensitive, curious questions instead of making assumptions.
- Embodying God’s unconditional love.
The gospel offers hope and peace to all, including those wrestling with gender dysphoria. As believers faithfully steward God’s design for gender while extending costly grace to the hurting, the church can become a refuge where the dysphoric encounter Christ’s healing and sustaining love.
