Branch, J. Alan. Affirming God’s Image, Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2019.
This topic is about as divisive as any that is currently discussed in the world. I picked this book up hoping to find solid research on the topic of transgender issues. On that level, this book shines. Branch has scoured blogs, books, articles, interviews—virtually everything you can imagine. His endnotes and bibliography make up almost 25% of the book. The breadth of this research is likewise impressive. There are chapters covering the history of transgender issues, scriptural evaluation, as well as assessments of genetic research, neurological research, hormonal research, and surgical research. This isn’t to say his research is perfect. There are lacunae, but that’s the case with every book. So, the author is to be highly commended for the depth and breadth of his research. This book is likely worth purchasing for the sources alone.
However, that is perhaps the only reason one might want to purchase it. One of the most important elements of careful discourse is fairly representing those with whom you disagree. As things become more and more polarized, this becomes increasingly important. It is unfortunate, therefore, that this book misses that mark on so many levels. Unfortunately, this book is likely only going to appeal to a limited audience who already agree with all of its arguments. For instance, the author refuses to adopt preferred pronouns for any of the subjects he discusses. He states, “The issue of which pronoun to use is a feisty matter for many people…In most cases, I will simply refer to each specific person by his or her last name. However, I will use the pronouns consistent with the person’s natal sex” (5, for examples see: 1-3, 6, 20, 38, 94, 103). While this may play well with a certain audience, it will likely result in any other readers abandoning the book immediately.
In the final chapter, the author concedes that one potential option for Christians is to, “seek to accommodate as much as possible a person’s transgender terms of identification while not affirming transgenderism” (134). He then suggests that we, “think the best of each other, even if we choose to approach our interactions with transgender colleagues differently” (135). This appeal is welcome, but it would be appreciated if the author took his own advice. For instance, at the conclusion of the first chapter, in speaking of transgender people he says, “These people deserve our mercy. But mercy does not mean we affirm their linguistic charade” (18).
Beyond his deliberate refusal to adopt preferred pronouns, the author consistently condescends to anyone who does not share his views. For instance, his justification for studying transgender issues is that “…hundreds of thousands of transgender people worldwide need to hear the gospel … [so] it is important for Christians to understand the language of the transgender culture” (21). But what of people in the transgender community who claim to be Christians? This group isn’t even mentioned. Instead, it is overtly assumed that any such claim must necessarily be false. He uses a transgender pastor as an opening example in chapter three. He states that “embracing a transgender identity requires a fundamental rejection of multiple biblical teachings, for Scripture teaches us to embrace our natal sex and live in a manner consistent with the basic roles associated with our sex” (38–39). Not only does this discourage open dialogue with people like the pastor who was used as an example, it also potentially branches out to issues of gender roles and the debate between complementarians and egalitarians. If that were not enough, the author goes so far as to heavily imply that the aforementioned transgender pastor who transitioned from male to female was listening to the voice of Satan in doing so (53).
The weakest chapter is the scriptural and theological chapter. There are many overstated assertions which in some cases have no reference whatsoever. He asserts that Jesus believed that humanity is a dichotomy of body and soul. Yet, there are plenty of scholars who assert humanity is a trichotomy of body, soul, and spirit. Likewise, there are many who suggest humanity should be viewed as a holistic unit.
Beyond that, he champions the idea that Scripture “clearly defines” gender roles (43). He substantiates this with a speculative reading of Deuteronomy 22:5. There is scant supporting evidence, a lot of hedged bets, and several heavily speculative sentences like, “there is a possibility that Deuteronomy 23:1 has pagan rites involving transgender-like behavior in view” (45). This is only supported by one citation of a pagan rite in the cult of Ishtar, concluding with the assertion that “Perhaps some act like this is in the distant view of Deuteronomy 23:1” (46, emphasis added). Perhaps the largest lacuna in this chapter, though, is the utter lack of engagement with any contrasting interpretations of 1 Corinthians 6:9 and the words malakoi and arsenokoitai.
Chapter five falls as well to a suspicious endnote which seems to invalidate the entire chapter. The goal of the chapter is to explore the similarities and dissimilarities between cisgender and transgender brains. The third endnote of the chapter buries this quote on page 153, “Perhaps the most reliable conclusion we can draw about sexual dimorphisms in human brain structure is that there are so few of them.”
To be clear, I benefited from reading this book. The chapter on the history of transgender issues was very helpful and thorough. Likewise, much of the scientific research was illuminating. Also, it’s worth pointing out that I actually agree with the content of much of what the author says. However, I would never recommend this book to someone unless I was sure they agreed with it already. I do not believe it is written in such a way as to convince anyone or even allow for fruitful dialogue. If the issues with tone are not bothersome to you and you align with the author’s opinion, you will probably enjoy this book. However, it seems to be just another example of preaching to the choir that will do little if anything to advance discourse on this topic. In fact, if it is read by anyone in the transgender community, it will likely do precisely the opposite.
Note: I received the book for free but was not required to provide a positive review.
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