Finding a good book on this important topic is like discovering a pearl of great price, and here indeed is such a treasure. This book shines in many ways.

How we got here

The author displays a thorough mastery of the transgender issue, but he is also highly competent when it comes to handling the biblical material needed to explore the debate and communicate it to us.

Early in the book, Walker helps us to understand how we got to where we are now (chapter 2). He explains how the more recent roots of transgenderism can be found in the sexual revolution of the 1960s (‘if it feels good, do it’) but he also traces it back further to the ancient view of ourselves found in Gnosticism, which is back in fashion again.

In this system of thinking, a person seeks a self-awareness that is both separate from, and ultimately more important than, their physical body. Our biological identity can be dismissed and even rejected if it gets in the way of our desire to find self-fulfilment.

Biblical understanding

The subtitle, What Does the Bible Actually Say About Gender Identity, sets out the author’s aim, which is to provide a biblical basis for our approach to transgenderism. But although his book is primarily biblical in its outlook, the many practical issues are not ignored or treated as second rate.

Adam and Eve’s story is ours too. We also make our own decision to suit ourselves. The effects of the fall are not just around us but within us.

Walker reminds us how the Bible starts with creation, which is very good, and the fall, which makes it less so. He asserts that Adam and Eve’s story is ours too. We also make our own decision to suit ourselves. The effects of the fall are not just around us but within us.

As a result, we consider that we are the owners and masters of ourselves, something which today is seen as not wrong; indeed, it is actively encouraged. To counter this, we need to let God tell us that the world is not as it was intended to be, and why this is so. Ultimately, behind the transgender debate is a larger one, a debate on the type of reality we live in.

The author is not hesitant in quoting experts who believe that gender transition is not actually possible in reality. The blueprint of our birth gender persists, and attempts to change it simply result in individuals becoming counterfeits or impostors of the gender with which they now identify. Strong words indeed. Walker asserts that “We can try to tamper with God’s design, but how He made the world and each of us continues, even when it goes against our will, to shine through . . . there are objective traits to our existence that tell the truth about who we really are.” (p182)

Compassionate approach

As well as being adamant about the truth, the author also insists on compassion towards many caught up in this movement. He accepts that for some there are no easy paths through the issue. However, while being compassionate where necessary, firm challenges need to be made. Christians must not compromise biblical truth. We should also consider joining with non-Christians who are equally concerned.

Putting this fictitious scenario within a church context, we can see how it might challenge both individuals and the church family, as well as affect the whole matter of discipleship.

At one point in the book Walker presents a useful case study, to ask what it may be like for someone (Alexander/Alexandra) to experience gender dysphoria and still want to follow Jesus. Putting this fictitious scenario within a church context, we can see how it might challenge both individuals and the church family, as well as affect the whole matter of discipleship.

Another excellent chapter is where the author tries to help parents explain matters to their children concerning what they might come across at school. If they come home saying ‘Mom and Dad, can you explain to me . . . ?’ then the advice in this chapter could prove invaluable.

Well-informed

Walker faces all the tough questions and is prepared to offer tough answers. At times his answers are intentionally short as he realises he cannot answer every aspect. He offers his views with humility, also accepting that what he writes is not necessarily the last word on the matter. However, he will always insist that to live as a Christian is to accept God’s authority over our own desires.

One concern of the author’s that comes through very strongly is the speed of change in society on this matter. The societal shift is so fast-paced that it can result in a lack of proper scrutiny and social instability.

The societal shift is so fast-paced that it can result in a lack of proper scrutiny and social instability.

The 14 chapters are followed by two very useful appendices, one on navigating the pronoun debate, the other containing a glossary of the many confusing terms used today, which is very handy to refer to when reading the main text.

The author is Associate Professor of Christian Ethics in a theological seminary in Kentucky. He is clearly very well-informed on this topic. Moreover, it remains a continuing area of research for him, and this second edition has been expanded and updated to take account of recent developments, both in the Church and in the wider culture.

A magnificent book, highly recommended. Read it and pass it on to your church leaders!

God and the Transgender Debate (201 pp) is published by thegoodbook company, from where is is available at the discounted price of £6.99 (+ p&p), which includes both the paperback and the ebook.