Best take away TONE

I am not sure who the intended audience is ...or what the goal or objective is for this book.. He states its for the Christian community at large - not as much tended for "trans" people.
That being said, I appreciate there is a large amount of research done and presented - and there is no doubt of the Authors bias. However although the slant is "against" a trans journey in way of that being the "right" way to go..he still presents not only arguments (data-stories-history) that are counter his thoughts (as he would say are biblicaly and scientifically founded) - but he does it in a way that the end goal is compassionate. "OUTRAGEOUS LOVE".
Personal problems i disagreed with his ideas -
presented ideas
*the body is the stronger arguement to follow (if someone believes their "soul" is different then body - the Body is the one to listen to
There is no real direction given for those that have already taken a journey that includes SRS - GCS- and Church
example if someone has completely transitioned (with surgery and hormones) - How that should be handled by the church
He speaks on this as it is definitely should be handled case by case - He does not state that a person "should" de-transition - or be able to be fully accepted as who the person now represents.
Does not believe in hormone blockers at all.... Although i think there is a sound logic to children making such huge choices - this never seems to be compared to other medical situations for correction (cleft pallet) for example - as if the argument God does not make mistakes - suffer with any physical issues a person was born with even if their are medical treatments that can be fixed -
Biggest part of this whole argument is the dehumanizing - lack of validation of a LGBT person - Love the person not the sin - which i think is a fundamental problem with this whole conversation.
Over all take away - I think Preston Sprinkle - is the most compassionate person of faith i have ever come across.
He does such a great job with this i actually bought this book for my pastor - Statistically speaking a a church probably will not have enough "trans" people to study and investigate the biblical / medical research that Preston has, and so this book if taken open hearted is a great first step to realize to love and support both sides of the conversation.

4 people found this helpful

Theologically Sound and Pastorally Progressive

Wether you are a pastor, a family member, a friend, or just generally love someone whom identifies as part of the LGBTQ community Sprinkle offers some incredible insights. What I appreciate is navigating the ability to affirm a high view of scripture, a solid view of sexuality and gender, and nuanced view of loving people! I am hopeful in the years to come that the church will not be a place people run from but are drawn to as the desire to meet and be changed by Jesus!

2 people found this helpful

Good book had moments of arguing with the author!

Book is really good.. Author makes some points that had me thinking and arguing out loud by myself...

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Fair and comprehensive

Preston does an awesome job approaching the topic from deep humility and empathy while not relinquishing the truth in this matter. Great 101 class for anyone diving into the trans conversation.

2 people found this helpful

Rich, Loving, and Thorough

There are few subjects that tend to leave us not knowing where to turn than gender identity. Debates over bathrooms, sports, and equality have left us generalizing and fearful of the “what ifs”. Sprinkle gives us a tremendous resource on how to approach the subject in a Christlike manner - loving the person while still honoring biblical truth. It was educational for me and will be a book I will keep in my library for reference and referral. Having him read the audible book was a real treat too. His love for those mentioned in his book was evidenced by his vocal inflections when he quoted them or said their names.

2 people found this helpful

The author is unqualified to write on this subject

“Embodied” presents a non-affirming “love the sinner, hate the sin” stance on the topic of trans persons. He advises the church to love those who have “flaws” and “gender dysphoria” (which he painfully describes as mental illness), but to uphold “truth”. He attempts to set forth scientific, philosophical, and theological arguments that deny the validity of saying “I am a female in a male body” or vice versa. His presentation of science is both misleading and biased. His view is heavily dependent on an artificial separation of the terms “biological sex” and “gender identity”, for which he makes up his own definitions. He quotes outdated research as “established, observable, objective, scientific, 'the earth is round and not flat'… cold hard fact” while anything he disagrees with is to be held “tentatively” and categorized (in an entire chapter) as “Generalizations” instead of “fact”. His presentation of philosophy is hilarious. He cites one position as theologically invalid, then subsequently quotes one of its leading proponents to support his own position. Far worse, however, is his continual slander on the “personhood” of trans ‘persons’ which is couched oddly in what he claims to be “outlandish love” for them. The most ludicrous aspect of this book, however, is his theological tomfoolery. The title “Embodied” is related to the Incarnation, which he mocks, stating that Jesus’ sexed body (i.e. specifically his penis) is requisite for grasping the Incarnation. He claims that our sexed bodied are “sacred” based on the strawman argument that the word “rib” in the Adam and Eve story must mean “sacred” because it is also used to refer to the “side” of the temple. He argues against those who claim, “that in the resurrection sex difference will be done away with” saying, “If sex differences are being done away with, then we almost have to conclude that the other differences, Jew and gentile, slave and free are also erased”. So, in his opinion, slavery is not “being done away with” either now or in the resurrection. Anyone who presents such biased science, illogical philosophy and thoughtless sloppy and offensive theology is unqualified to write on this subject. This is a textbook for conservative right-wing “Christians” and nothing more.

1 person found this helpful

Good tone

The author does a good job of trying to explain the various aspects of being transgender and how they may/may align with how the Bible is interpreted.
While not agreeing with several of his points/conclusions, he genuinely tries to research and provide what he would call insightful answers. At least he is trying.
As he repeats generously, “if you have met one transgender person, you have met one transgender person.” Similarly, I would add, “if you have heard one interpretation of how Jesus would approach someone who is transgender, you have heard one interpretation of how Jesus would approach someone who is transgender.” But I have to give the author an A for effort and tone. As mentioned, at least he is trying.

My daughter is 6 months old…

After listening to Theology in the Raw for quite some time, I finally decided to take the plunge into one of Preston’s books! I’m glad I did. This has been a topic that’s grown prevalent in the youth group I help with on the past three years. Beyond that, I have a 6 month old daughter, and this weeks like one of the most pressing, hot topics of this generational moment. Preston is always thoughtful, and gracious so I knew this would be a good place to start in exploring how I can have these conversations with my daughter someday. Furthermore, I wanted to better be able to understand and better empathize with the growing number of youth students that have encountered this in their lives.

Good, concise information, with good humor to break down the academic nature just enough. Preston always has a good voice, he ought to just voiceover all Christian audio books.

Phenominal

A fantastic listen. Preston Sprinkle does a wonderful job of seeing and addressing all "sides of the story" in a gentle, loving way, brimming over with grace and gentleness, while also challenging the listener (whatever preconceived ideas. as be held). I would recommend this book to anyone.

The Book I've been waiting for

Preston Sprinkle has brought together understanding from multiple disciplines of study. Though I have learned much on the subject, this book brings a deeper level of understanding.
My transgender friends will feel comfortable with the compassion with which Sprinkle brings together a comprehensive understanding of this subject.