For Peterson, Genee and anyone else who can help

[Wanderer]

Even though I consider myself an atheist at this point in my life, I still live in a world with a *lot* of religious believers around me. (I live in Kansas.) That being the case, I have a need for a particular kind of religious education.

I already know about the seven verses in the Bible used to condemn gay people. (Growing up gay will encourage this sort of self-education.) But even though this is great for the "L," "G," and "B," in our community...that leaves off the "T." I consider this a part of being a well-educated gay man in modern-day America, so what I would like to know is:

1. What Bible verses are used to condemn transgendered people, and how is the condemnation derived from the verses?

2. What response to this condemnation can be made, presumably through increased knowledge about the Bible?

...and...

3. What verses can be used to portray transgendered people in a good light?

Thanks in advance.

[Wanderer]

I was hoping for more of a response. Just in case anyone's wondering, I'm serious about the "anyone else who can help" part. I'm heading into social work, and in my practicum (already concluded,) I've already run into one transgendered individual. I think it's great that I can assist with education a gay man, lesbian or bisexual individual; but I'd like to be able to do the same with transgendered persons.

[Gennee]

Wanderer, the verse used the most against transgender people is Lev 22:5.
I did a study on this verse because I was a crossdresser at the time. What needed to be taken into account that the Canaanities ,both men and women, crossdresed during their pagan religious rituals. What God wanted was for the Israelites to be distinct from the culture around them.

Back then, it was forbiden for men to show any feminine traits. Women weren't allowed to demonstrate anything connected to masculinity (wearing armour, control over men both publicly and privately, etc.) Romans 1:26,27 is the new clobber verses these days.

I have responded with the history of when Leviticus 22:5 was written. In Isaiah 56 eunuchs were to be included in partaking of the faith. Previously they were forbidden because they were consider damged and unclean.

I refer to Matthew 19:10-12 when putting transgender folks in a positive light. Jesus by his statement here shows that ALL are welcome into his kingdom. John 3:16 is another verse I use because it was rattling in my brain and spirit during my own transition.

[Wanderer]

But don't for a second, feel that you have to stop there. If you think of something else to add, feel free. I'll take all the help I can get.

And to everyone else: if you know something, feel free to chime in.

Thanks again, Gennee.

Wanderer

[Wanderer]

...and it wouldn't be the first time that *that* has happened, either.

Anyway, I looked up your references, and most of the connections that you're making I understand. But you referred to "Lev 22:5," and in the Bible I usually use (the New American Bible, which is a Catholic translation) the verse is rendered:
"...or if anyone touches any swarming creature or any man whose uncleanness, whatever kind it may be, is contagious..." (The ellipses are there to show that the verse as rendered is a part of a larger sentence. The entirety of verse 5 is there, I promise.)

If I go to the Douay-Rheims, the verse is rendered:
"And he that toucheth a creeping thing, or any unclean thing, the touching of which is defiling..."

In the KJV, the verse is rendered:
"Or whosoever toucheth any creeping thing, whereby he may be made unclean, or a man of whom he may take uncleanness, whatsoever uncleanness he hath:..."

The remark about the ellipses in the NAB translation applies to the other translations, too.

My question is: did I miss something? Or is there an error in the verse cited?

Thanks in advance,

Wanderer

[Gennee]

I will get back to you on these, Wanderer.