The arrival of postmodernism has opened a Pandora’s box of confusion. It has torn down absolutes, including truth itself, and replaced them with relativism—the idea that what one perceives in his or her own mind is reality. This shift has caused deep divisions, from individual citizens all the way to the U.S. government. Caught up in this cultural storm is gender identity, which has fueled the transgender movement. But Christians must ask the crucial question: What does the Bible say about transgenderism and the Bible?
What is Transgenderism
Transgenderism refers to the cultural movement that supports people who identify with a gender different from their biological sex at birth. A transgender person may identify as the opposite sex and often seeks to live accordingly.
Some experience gender dysphoria—clinically recognized distress caused by a mismatch between one’s internal sense of gender and biological sex. It is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the handbook used by psychiatrists to classify conditions. Prior to 2013, it was referred to as gender identity disorder. This is a serious condition, and those who suffer from it need wise, compassionate help.
Common adult treatments include:
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Gender-affirming hormone therapy (estrogen or testosterone to produce secondary sex characteristics of the identified gender).
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Gender-affirming surgeries (chest, genital, and facial procedures).
Treatments are personalized and often combined with psychological support.
However, from a biblical perspective, these interventions align a person with a self-chosen identity rather than with their God-given bodily reality, which leads away from God’s design.
It’s also important to note: not all who identify as transgender have gender dysphoria. Recent surveys report ~1%+ of U.S. adults identify as transgender, while a smaller share carries a clinical diagnosis. Many cases are driven more by cultural formation than medical distress—which is why Christians must ultimately ask: What does God say about gender and identity?
Treatments for Gender Dysphoria
Two main treatments for transgender adults are gender-affirming hormone therapy and surgery, both aimed at aligning physical traits with the desired gender identity.
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Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy: Involves administering estrogen or testosterone to create the secondary sex characteristics of the chosen gender, such as breast development, facial hair, voice changes, or shifts in fat and muscle distribution.
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Gender-Affirming Surgery: Refers to procedures such as chest reconstruction, genital surgery, or facial alterations to better match one’s perceived gender identity.
These treatments are highly personalized, sometimes combined, and often accompanied by psychological support.
From a biblical perspective, however, these interventions attempt to resolve distress by reshaping the body to match inner feelings—rather than aligning inner feelings with God’s created design. This not only fails to bring lasting peace but also deepens confusion, since it works against the truth of God’s creation.
The Influence of Postmodernism
Although transgender identities have existed in various forms throughout history, what makes today different is widespread cultural acceptance—and that acceptance is being fueled by the postmodern movement.
Postmodernism rejects absolutes and redefines truth as subjective. This mindset has opened the door for society to redefine even the most basic realities, including male and female. As a result, what was once rare and discouraged is now promoted as inclusive and even celebrated.
From a biblical perspective, this shift is not progress but deception. Postmodernism has become one of Satan’s greatest tools, introducing ungodly doctrines and fueling movements like the sexual revolution, abortion rights, same-sex marriage, and now transgender ideology. Its goal is to reshape culture to reflect man’s will instead of God’s.
Movies, television, and social media all push the message that “you are whoever you feel you are.”
Nowhere is this rebellion clearer than in the attempt to overturn God’s original creation of male and female.
What Does the Bible Say About Transgenderism?
The word transgender does not appear in Scripture, but as with many topics (e.g., Trinity, abortion), God’s Word gives us clear principles.
So let’s look at Scripture: Gen 1:26-28
Creation Order —
26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our
likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over
the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and
over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be
fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have
dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and
over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. KJV
From the very beginning, God established His design: male and female, and blessed to multiply. There is no room for gender confusion here. If Adam had identified as Eve, or Eve as Adam, they could not have fulfilled God’s command.
Next, the New Testament: Matt 19:4-6
Jesus Affirms God’s Design —
4 …Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. KJV
Jesus confirms God’s creation order: male and female, joined in marriage. Again, no space for transgender identity.
Next, Leviticus 18:22
Boundaries Against Sexual Confusion
22 Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable [cf. 20:15]. NIV
Next, the New Testament: 1 Cor 6:9-10
9 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the
kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor
idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. NIV
Scripture is clear: sexual confusion and same-sex relations are outside of God’s will. Transgenderism falls within this rebellion against God’s design.
Deut 22:5
God’s Order in Appearance
5. A woman must not wear men’s clothing, nor a man wear women’s clothing, for the Lord your God detests anyone who does this. NIV
Even in dress, God distinguishes male from female. To blur those lines is to reject His order.
This is a black and white issue—there’s no gray area here. We’re either male or female. The actions of cross-dressing, drag queens, and identifying ourselves with the opposite sex are simply sinful behavior. The Scripture says, “…the Lord your God detests anyone who does this!”
Our Bodies Belong to God
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV
…you are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
Living by God’s Design
So we see clearly in the Bible that men are not to perform sexually as women, nor adorn themselves as women, and women are not to take on the role or appearance of men. When men and women engage in other-gendered expressions of identity, it is simply a disgrace.
We do not have an unchallengeable right to do whatever we want with our physical selves.
And here is where the confusion deepens. I will admit: I do not understand how professing Christians can be divided on this topic. Either we follow God and Christ and accept the Scriptures as God’s Word, or we do not. Being “true to oneself” is one thing — but going against God’s Word is another.
Christians are called to be the light on the hill, not to be lost in the darkness:
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14 NIV)
Yet sadly, the church is being infiltrated with modernistic views that compromise the Scriptures, leading to untold division.
Today’s Church
Things would go much smoother if we returned to the Word of God. (For more on this, see my article on Postmodernism and the Church.)
The same divisions we see in the church are now mirrored in society at large. Even governments are embroiled in debates over something as basic as bathrooms — should biological men be permitted to use women’s restrooms?
But let’s be clear: equating civil rights with transgender rights is a false comparison. Civil rights were designed to ensure equal treatment under the law — not to promote sinful and immoral behaviors.
Things will go much smoother when we get back to the Word of God. More on postmodernism in the article: https://TheChristianAdvocate.org/postmodernism-and-the-church
Let’s look at what the Scripture reads in Galatians 5:13 NIV, it says:
13. “You, my brothers were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.”
And in the end, the question is the same: What does God say about gender and identity?
So we must ask ourselves, is this really progress? We are embracing behaviors that God has previously destroyed nations for—will ours be any different?
Closing thoughts
God’s plan was never about confusion — it was about clarity, blessing, and life.
This is not a call to condemn transgender people. Scripture reminds us:
“…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23 NKJV)
We are called to restore gently, not to shame:
“Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:1–2 NIV)
The law of Christ is love. That means truth must be spoken in love, and love must never compromise truth. We are not to ignore the issue but to help people embrace the way God created them — male and female.
Our bodies are a gift from God, not to be altered at will. The deeper issue at stake is spiritual: confusion, deception, and rebellion against God’s design. Transgender people, like all of us, need healing and deliverance that only Christ can provide.
Transgender people need deliverance from the grips of mental confusion so that their minds can be relieved from the burden of the desire to be a gender other than the one God created them to be physically. They need much prayer!
Transgender people are in a state of confusion and need to be embraced and healed, as do all sinners—THAT IS EQUAL RIGHTS!
And here is the good news:
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14 NKJV)
Christians are called to shine — not to dim our light to blend into culture. The hope for every sinner, every broken heart, and every confused soul is found in Jesus Christ.
The cross is big enough for every sin, every confusion, every struggle – including gender identity. God’s grace reaches farther than any identity crisis. The question for us is: are we standing with the shifting winds of culture, or with the unchanging Word of God?
As Joshua declared:
“…choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15 NKJV)
Amen.
Blessings!
Our body is a gift from God and should not be altered or changed.
Amen!
Blessings!
This article only scratches the surface of a complex and deeply spiritual issue. For a fuller exploration, I invite you to watch my recent teaching on Transgenderism and the Bible. In this message, I walk through the Scriptures in greater depth and share practical insights for Christians navigating today’s culture.
And if you’re pressed for time, here’s a one-minute summary that highlights the key points from the same teaching:
However you engage — by reading, watching the full teaching, or catching the one-minute summary — my prayer is that God’s Word will bring clarity, truth, and hope. May we stand firm in His design and shine as lights in a confused world. Amen.
hey there =)I am not familiar with transgenderism that is why I looked at your website. You did a wonderful job explaining what does it mean and what does the bible says about it. A great point you made about man identifying as a woman (Adam wanting to be Eve) and the woman identifying as a man (Eve wanting to be Adam) would result in no creation at all. But today s society raised us in a different way and this is why we encounter this movement. It is not wrong, we just need help. My questions is, how would you help them?
H Jan – Thanks so much for taking the time to read the article and commenting. However, I don’t quite understand your statement: “it is not wrong, we just need help.” If you feel that it isn’t wrong, why is help needed? As far as how I would help them? Help is definitely needed. There isn’t much I can do other than share the truth and pray that it is received. But if the consensus is that it isn’t wrong, that makes it a very difficult task. It’s hard to help anybody that doesn’t feel that it is needed.
Have to say, there’s no ‘fence sitting’ from you, on this subject. I have not the intimate knowledge of the bible to question your views and interpretation. That said, one thing that does come up when these type of discussions fall into the mainstream, is the way the Bible is interpreted. I use that word lightly as I have found over the years, that two things happen.
The first is ‘cherry picking’ verse and scripture. There’s a good chance that if you ever managed to be able to recite the Bible, word for word, then there would be a paragraph to back up every contentious statement made, this is in relation to the ‘word of the Lord’.
Secondly, and this also comes under the ‘cherry picking’ guise, there is a tendency to ‘bend’ the references. In that way, the word ‘interpretation’ comes into play. So you have the best of both worlds. You’re allowed to interpret any passge to suit your argument and then recite verbatim, those lines that fully back up your viewpoint.
Just as a final thought. You have written very eloquently and you are probably a ‘learned man’ yet your whole argument, and credibility, falls apart when you reference Adam and Eve, or are they part of an ‘interpretation’ and not meant to be taken literally ?
Greetings – I referenced Adam and Eve to illustrate the point that God created male and female as He intended for His purpose and we should not tamper with it. If you’re a man, be a man; if you’re a woman, be a woman. This is God’s divine order. The passage makes the point clear that males and females were created in order to multiply. There is no other way. Again—divine order. Therefore, it actually substantiates the argument and credibility.
I understand your reference to interpretation. Individuals do twist Scripture based on their heart’s condition (their feelings and opinions) to substantiate their views. When studying Scripture, one needs to shelve their feelings and opinions. We would all be wise to simply read what it says and act accordingly instead of attempting to have the Scriptures interpret what we are thinking and feeling. Not much happens when we put the wagon before the horse.
As far as cherry picking is concerned, the Scriptures cover many, many topics and certain passages address certain topics. However, I have not found a Scripture that substantiates transgender. If you know of Scripture that refutes what I have written in this response or in the article, I welcome your response.
Actually your response is welcome on any topic at any time.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Have a Blessed Day!
Hi!
Just a few quick questions. If God made us in His image, are our brains/minds/souls not included in that? Are we vain enough to believe that it is purely our physical bodies which are made in His image? When we die, are our physical bodies taken to the afterlife? No, our bodies stay behind to be buried and it is our souls that are taken on, so does it not follow that it is our souls that are the core of our beings? And therefore that our souls are what are created in God’s image. So if our bodies don’t match up with our minds/souls then surely that leaves us with two options, to align our bodies to our minds or to align our minds to our bodies. To align our minds to our bodies is to warp and twist God’s true intention for how we should be, because we would be changing our soul by neglecting truer parts of ourselves. So that just leaves the other option – to change our bodies to match our minds so that everybody can see God’s intention and so that we can live in the way He created us. If God created us in his image, he created all parts of us in his image, the mind and soul included and arguably the most important as they are the part that live on.
As for the part on “be fruitful and multiply”, if you want to take that as literally as you are, does that mean you condemn any and all people who cannot “multiply” or those who choose not to? Biological males or females who are born with mutations or conditions or get into accidents and lose the ability to reproduce? What about biologically intersex people who are born with a mixture or physical and internal sex characteristics which prevents them from being able to reproduce. And on the flip side, what about transgender people who DO reproduce? Transgender men (born female) can freeze their eggs to be used at a later time and then have their own children. Transgender men can also sometimes carry out a pregnancy if they do not remove their internal reproductive organs. Likewise, transgender women (born male) can freeze sperm to be used, or if they don’t pursue medical transition then they can still produce children “naturally”. Some transgender people don’t pursue medical transition at all, or they postpone it, and alot of them have their own “biological children”. Are these cases simply ignored in the pursuit of making an argument against transgender people? Does it add to their value? Do they get a pass on being trans because they make babies? Hopefully this comment doesn’t seem malicious at all, and I hope you did learn from or appreciate some of the points I made. I also hope you’ve never eaten shrimp or other seafood (which is mentioned as a sin in the bible more times than homosexuality) nor been to a priest with a flat nose, and I hope against all hopes that you’ve never worn an outfit that mixes fabrics!! Just a couple of examples of other sins mentioned in the bible which as time has passed, people as a whole have decided to ignore because they no longer fit the thoughts and feelings of our time. The Bible also speaks about adhering to the laws and thoughts of the society you live in, which means we all must learn to adapt and find our core values rather than specific details which can change as time moves. I hope you spread love to everyone you meet regardless of how you view their life. 🙂
Greetings E.C: First, I want to thank you for commenting and asking such insightful questions. I do appreciate it.
According to the creation account, God formed man from the dust of the ground (in His image) before he became a living soul. After He formed man and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, then he became a living soul (Gen. 2:7). In my observation, when we die and the soul passes on, at that point it’s neither male nor female. When God created man, there was no question about what He was creating—a man, not a woman. Further, unquestionably, he was a man before he became a living soul. Also note from the account, it is man that was made in the image of God, not the woman. God woman created woman from the man (one of his ribs). When God formed and created the woman, He did so for a specific reason and a specific purpose. There was no doubt as to who was which.
If one’s mind doesn’t match their body as you mentioned, the first question to address is—why? If your body is physically one gender that is obviously what God intended as it was with the creation. Remember in both cases, (Adam and Eve) the body was formed and the gender was determined before it became a living soul. Likewise the gender of a fetus is determined before it is born. That is God’s, as you mentioned “true intention.” So if the mind doesn’t match the physical gender that is definitely an issue to be dealt with. To align our minds with our bodies puts us in alignment with God’s true intentions.
God is not the author of confusion and He doesn’t make mistakes. But because of man’s fall and subsequent sin, we all have to deal with imperfections of one kind or another. All of us are a work in progress. But God in His mercy and grace sent His Son, Jesus, and subsequently the Holy Spirit to deal with our imperfections. He has made a way for us to do this. Therefore we must overcome, and not merely accept them or attempt to change His will and original intentions to what we feel in our “minds” they should be. This is how we can, as you worded, “live in the way He created us.”
This issue of the mind brings up the point that the mind is the all important matter here. It is the crucial command center for the body and this is where so many of us are attacked. Many deceptions and conflicts occur in the mind.
I must say that this discussion is timely in that I’ve recently started a series of articles on this website regarding Spiritual Warfare which elaborates on this very issue.
As for being fruitful and multiplying, yes I do take this and all of Scripture literally unless it involves symbolism. But please understand that I do not condemn anybody. There is nothing in my article or anywhere on this website that does so. God’s original will when He made that command will always hold. But as I mentioned earlier, because of man’s sin and subsequent Adamic nature, imperfections came upon man and the creation. Therefore the issues you mentioned are the result of that condition. Individuals who are unable to reproduce for one reason or another, or are biologically intersex, etc. are all part of the imperfections we must bear. As far as transgender men freezing eggs and transgender women freezing sperm and afterward producing offspring is concerned, that substantiates the very fact that God’s original will cannot be changed, regardless of what our “minds” tell us. So, is transgender really the will of God?
As for your point on the number of sins, it really doesn’t matter how many or few times a sin is mentioned in the Scriptures, it is sin—sin is sin. Also note that the Scriptures make no allowances for our “feelings.” God knows our feelings; after all He created us.
To your point of ignoring sins: the phase in your statement “have decided to ignore” cements the fact that this is a choice. God has given us free will which was passed down from Adam and we must understand that there are consequences for every choice. There are passages in the Scriptures (available upon request) that contain examples, warnings and prophecies that have and will occur as a result of ignoring sins. Many of the events occurring in the world today are the result of “ignoring” sins and are contained in Biblical prophesy written and spoken hundreds of years prior. One thing important to consider concerning this: it’s not that the Bible hasn’t kept up with the times, but the times [“our core values”] has fallen from the Bible. There will be a price to pay.
It behooves us as individuals and our respective nations to adhere to the Scriptures and act accordingly.
You are welcome to respond.
Blessings!
Hi, no more essay style comments from me I’m afraid, I just wanted to thank you for your response. You raised some interesting points for me to consider.
You’re welcome E.C. feel free anytime!
Wow!
I never followed the bible or religion of any sort but surely any religion that excludes people because of their sexuality or gender (oh yes and that means transgender) really hold no weight in the world anymore.
I actually pity anyone that agrees with the ‘written word’ and if you are a friend of mine and agree then we are no longer friends.
I am proud to say I have four children one who is bisexual, one who is trans and two who identify as ‘normal’! Guess what. They are all happy. They all have morals and know right from wrong and they are all loved very much.
Who knows what that makes me and my husband. I don’t need a label and I certainly don’t have time for any of this rubbish!
Come on!
Remove yourself from my life. You won’t be missed!
Hi Tara – There is nothing in this article that excludes anybody from anything. How you and your family chose to live is your business. Thanks for commenting.
Have a blessed day!
Hello, I do follow the Bible and the word written down through the Holy Spirit. I agree with you on the word.
But so many forget to implement the part about, it is not our place to judge. Only God can pass judgment. We are to make the word known but never to condemn another for their actions. For if we love people God may use us to bring those to the word and the fold of Jesus Christ (salvation.)
If we judge, condemn and push transgenders away we will also be pushed away for leading one of his children astray.
I do commend your courage to stand by these strong beliefs. And I do not think you are condemning others but I needed to make my thoughts on this known.
Thank you
Laura
Hi Laura – Thanks so much for commenting! I agree with you, we are not to condemn or Judge transgenders or any other sinful actions. Sin is sin and we are all guilty in one form or another. [Romans 3:23] But we are to observe and address one another of our wrongful actions for the sake of restoring them according to the Word. [Galatians 6:1-2] All of us need correcting and restoring at some point (some more than others). Jesus came to save us but we are not to remain the same.
Have a Blessed Day!!