Books

The Body God Gives: A Biblical Response to Transgender Theory

In The Body God Gives: A Biblical Response to Transgender Theory, Robert S. Smith argues that God intends a person's gender to be grounded in the reality of his or her biological sex – the body God has given. In making his case, Smith critiques the central claim of transgender theory – that the sexed body does not determine the gendered self. He also evaluates contemporary changes in thought and speech about sex and gender, responding to modern confusion with biblical conviction and compassion. God speaks clearly, both in his word and in his world.

Table of Contents:

Part 1. Sex, Gender and Transgender: Setting the Scene
1. The Contemporary Sex and Gender Crisis
2. Evangelicals and Transgender Questions
3. Evangelical Theological Method

Part 2. Sex, Gender and Transgender: In Historical Perspective
4. The Creation and Construction of Sex
5. The Invention and Subversion of Gender
6. Reclaiming Sex and Rescuing Gender

Part 3. Sex, Gender and Transgender: In Biblical Perspective
7. Male and Female in the Beginning
8. The Making of Man and Woman
9. The Meaning and Mystery of Marriage
10. Sex and Gender Outside of Eden
11. Sex and Gender in the End
12. Conclusion

Bibliography

Subject and Author Index

Scripture Index

Reviews:

"Don’t bother picking up this book if all you want is a crisp slogan or two. But if you want judicious arguments that reflect years of work grounded in exact and compassionate reading of the evidence, this is the book to read.”– D. A. Carson, emeritus professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

“In this genuinely compassionate and deeply convictional work, Robert Smith offers a serious and thoughtful engagement with modern gender theory and transgender claims. Smith affirms the truth that both Scripture and Christian theology confirm that our Creator reveals our gender in our bodies. Christians will deeply appreciate his scholarship and his courage.” – R. Albert Mohler Jr., president, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

“A remarkably gracious, insightful, and clear book on a highly contested issue in the Western world today. Robert Smith combines the analysis of a scholar and the heart of a pastor, and done us all a terrific service in the process. Very highly recommended.” – Sam Allberry, associate pastor, Immanuel Nashville

“This is an in-depth, fair-minded, and delightfully clear examination of contemporary trans and gender theories. There are no ‘straw men’ to be found here. That this book also includes a compelling account of biblical theological anthropology makes it a must-read for Christians who desire thoughtful and faithful engagement on these questions.” – Abigail Favale, author of The Genesis of Gender: A Christian Theory