The Bible For Normal People [Bible] Episode 249: Shannon T.L. Kearns - Reading Scripture as a Transgender Christian
Jun 19, 2023
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Eunuchs As A Recurring Biblical Presence
- Eunuchs appear throughout Scripture and create a recurring conversation across texts.
- Their presence suggests ancient awareness of people outside binary genders and invites inclusion.
Eunuchs' Social Role And Changing Meaning
- In Hebrew scriptures eunuchs were often forcibly castrated servants after exile, later functioning socially as a third gender.
- By Jesus' time the category becomes murkier, including born, made, or chosen eunuchs in Matthew.
Why Trans Folks Identify With Eunuchs
- Trans and nonbinary people resonate with biblical eunuchs because they reflect longstanding existence outside gender binaries.
- Readings must avoid anachronism but can value the comfort of historical precedents of non-binary identities.