Transforming, Updated and Expanded Edition with Study Guide - by Austen Hartke (Paperback)

About the Book

Hartke offers insight into Scriptures used to enforce a binary conception of gender and highlights the narratives of both biblical characters and transgender Christians living today. This new, expanded edition includes even more tools to equip churches, pastors, and allies to better welcome and care for their trans and nonbinary neighbors.

Book Synopsis

Austen Hartke's groundbreaking, best-selling book is now updated and expanded with new insights and terminology, plus new materials for study groups, preaching, and pastoral care.

In 2014, Time magazine announced that America had reached "the transgender tipping point," suggesting that transgender issues would become the next civil rights frontier. Years later, many people-even many LGBTQIA+ allies-still lack understanding of gender identity and the transgender experience. Into this void, trans biblical scholar Austen Hartke brings a biblically based, educational, and affirming resource to shed light and wisdom on gender expansiveness and Christian theology. This new edition offers updated terminology and statistics, plus new materials for congregational study, preaching, and pastoral care.

Transforming deftly weaves ancient and modern stories that will change the way readers think about gender, the Bible, and the faith to which Jesus calls us. Hartke helps readers visualize a more inclusive Christianity, equipping them with the language, understanding, confidence, and tools to change both the church and the world.

Review Quotes

"Hartke's Transforming is gentle but uncompromising, humble but smart. The power of this book is that it has a clear pastoral heart while resting on a foundation of helpful scholarship." -- Jared Byas, cohost of The Bible for Normal People and author of Love Matters More

"What a powerful read! Clear, compelling, and profoundly moving, this book should be on the shelf of every pastor, every parent, and every Christian of good conscience who wants to engage the conversation around gender and sexuality with integrity." -- Rachel Held Evans+, author of Searching for Sunday and Inspired

"With stunning clarity, scholarly insight, and extraordinary vulnerability, this resource challenges false narratives about gender so often promoted in nonaffirming spaces and offers a richly biblical path forward in our understanding and embrace of trans individuals into the life of the church." --Brandan Robertson, pastor, activist, and author of Filled to Be Emptied: The Path to Liberation for Privileged People.

"Hartke combines careful biblical exegesis with helpful education around gender and gender identity, all wrapped in a conversational tone and packed with practical advice. This book will be a must-read for trans Christians, pastors, lay leaders, parents, and all who believe in God's creative and transforming love." --E. Carrington Heath, Senior Pastor, Congregational Church (UCC), Exeter, New Hampshire, and author of Called Out: 100 Devotions for LGBTQ Christian