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...

2 people found this helpful

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

excellent

What a wonderful combination of scientific data and biblical teaching. I was affirmed in my theological beliefs and inspired to have a greater ministering heart in my approach to the LGBTQ+ community.

I want to purchase the hard copy

Good research and case examples. Author narration is okay but not great. Presents multiple points of view.

Love this book

This was an incredibly thoughtful approach to a topic that is so real, so personal to many people, and so important. Dr. Sprinkles did an amazing job at showing love while backing truth.

Just what I needed

I have been wrestling with how to see the trans community like Jesus, with compassion and Biblical truth. This book taught me so much because you can’t love people without trying to know them. i get convicted by my indifference and hostility. I also like how Preston uses the Bible as his guide and not culture. I like how he points out that we need to be careful not to use stereotypes to define gender identity.