Counseling Gender Dysphoria by Means of a Theology of Embodiment
PAPER • This paper envisages Gender Dysphoria (GD) through the lens of biblical counseling, arguing that a theology of embodiment crucially reframes GD by contextualizing the experience within the doctrines of Creation, the Fall, God’s Providence, and the embodied person and work of Jesus Christ.
Read time: 75 min
Abstract
Gender Dysphoria (GD), the psychological discordance between an individual's experienced gender and their biological sex, is a phenomenon increasingly prevalent among youths. In an era dominated by “expressive individualism,” the mainstream approach to GD has shifted towards “gender-affirming care,” often involving social, medical, and surgical transition, a process gaining both normalization and celebration. This cultural shift raises profound concerns for churches, pastors, and biblical counselors, who are deeply invested in the wellbeing of those grappling with GD.
This paper posits that a theology of embodiment can profoundly reshape the understanding and approach to GD within biblical counseling. It unfolds in three segments: firstly, it explores GD as a triad of embodied suffering, the desire for gender transition, and the influence of transgender ideology. Secondly, it argues that GD often stems from an underdeveloped theology of embodiment, advocating for a recontextualization through the doctrines of Creation, the fall, God’s Providence, and the incarnate person and work of Jesus Christ. Lastly, the paper proposes a dual approach for individuals with GD: replacing the narratives of transgender ideology with gospel-centered biblical counseling and fostering spiritual disciplines, such as scripture meditation, authentic prayer, and exercises in confessional gratitude for one’s body. This approach aims to offer a compassionate, theologically grounded response to a complex and sensitive issue. ❖
