Reading the Bible Through a Transgender Lens
The Candler Foundry in partnership with Central Presbyterian Church.
Course Information
Course Dates: April 21, 28; May 5, 12, 19, 26 (6 sessions)
Course Time: Thursdays 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM ET (online)
Course Description
This course is intended for individuals who want to explore what the Bible has to say about issues regarding gender identity and how to become better allies of the transgender community. Whether you know all about issues affecting the transgender community or you don’t really understand what it means to be “transgender,” this course is for you. Participants in this course will learn about basic gender concepts and language, explore passages of Christian scripture which speak to transgender experiences, and brainstorm practical applications to make churches more inclusive and accessible.
Throughout this course, we will be referencing Austen Hartke's book Transforming. You are encouraged to find a copy of this book so that you can read along. It is also a great reference to have on hand!
For more information, please email our Coordinator of Courses in the Community Damellys Sacriste at candlerfoundry@emory.edu.
Pitts Theology Library Digital Resource Access
All registered participants in the Courses in the Community program have access to select Pitts Theology Library resources. These resources can be used to research topics, authors, or areas of interest from class discussions. Please click on the link below be taken to the library access portal. If you need any assistance, please contact Cristha Edwards, Coordinator of Digital Initiatives, at candlerfoundry@emory.edu.
Access will begin on Thursday, April 21, 2022.
Meet the Instructor: Janine Warrington
Post Graduate Fellow
Janine Warrington (she/he/they) received her Bachelor of Arts in religious studies from Gonzaga University in 2017 and her Master's in divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University in 2021. Areas of interest include the Hebrew Bible, evangelical America, sexual ethics, and LGBTQ+ advocacy. Outside of academia, Janine enjoys cooking, yoga, Broadway musicals, and bothering her younger sister.
If you have any questions about the course, please feel free to reach out to Janine at janine.a.warrington@emory.edu.
Please check this page regularly for all Course Recordings, Slides, and important updates.
Session 1
Thursday, April 21, 2022
Please click on the buttons below to view the course related materials for Session 1.
Session 2
Thursday, April 28, 2022
Read Genesis 1 and Transforming chapter 2.
Consider:
· What does this creation narrative tell you about humanity? About the rest of creation?
· What does it mean to you to think of God as creator?
· Where do you see God in this passage?
Session 3
Thursday, May 5, 2022
Read Genesis 2:19-3:13; Deuteronomy 22:1-11; 1 Corinthians 11:1-16; and Transforming chapter 4.
Consider:
• What do the laws in this section of Deuteronomy have in common? Why are they all in the same section?
• What do each of these passages teach us about human clothing?
• Where do you see God in these passages?
Session 4
Thursday, May 12, 2022
Read Isaiah 56:1-8; Matthew 19:1-12; and Transforming chapter 5.
Consider:
• What kind of gathering is God describing in Isaiah 56? In what ways does your church resemble this gathering? In what ways do they differ?
• What does it mean for someone to make themself a eunuch “for the sake of the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 19:12, NRSV)?
• Where do you see God in these passages?
Session 5
Thursday, May 19, 2022
Read Judges 11 and Transforming chapter 7.
Consider:
• Why do you think Jephthah fulfilled his vow?
• Why do you think the author does not record the daughter’s name?
• Where do you see God in this story?
Session 6
Thursday, May 26, 2022
Read Acts 8 and Transforming chapter 10.
Consider:
• What does this chapter tell us about the early church?
• Why do you think the Ethiopian eunuch asks, “What is to prevent me from being baptized?” (Acts 8:37, NRSV)
• Where do you see God in this story?
