That said, this whole scenario is a bit contrived. Yes, it is entirely possible that a person can have sex reassignment surgery in error, and if that is what is intended here, then that is one thing. On the other hand, if the purpose is to imply that all who have taken that path are “wrong,” then I would have to disagree.

I sought God’s guidance all along the way. I researched the issue of transsexualism and the Bible and found no basis to consider it sin. I believe that there are relatively rare circumstances where people are born with a form of intersex that affects the brain. They are, in a sense, like the old cliche, women trapped in men’s bodies, or vice versa.

Right, Joan hasn’t said if she still feels right living as a woman. Various religions condemm (maybe too strong a word) transsexuals, and anyone that isn’t 100% heterosexual.

I’m guesing most of us discussing this are Christians, therefore, we strive to be Christ-like, however succesfull or unsuccessfull we may be.

When Jesus was alive, he didn’t hand around with the religious elite of the day, which to him would have been members of the Jewish faith. He hung around with the rejects of society, but never to my knowledge, did he condem them. Never did he reject them, and tell them they we’re bad people. He did say repent of your sins I believe, but up until the point that Jesus was alive, I don’t think God realised how difficult “being good” and not sinning we’re. As Jesus, he could be tempted, and feel that temptation, whether he succumbed or not, but he did have the advantage that he KNEW about heaven and hell, and the rest of us only have faith.

I believe that Joan should do what she feels is right. She is in the situation of having a 10 year old daughter though, which adds a complication. Often, critics of transsexuals, will use children in an attempt to stop people transitioning, saying that it will confuse them, that they will be the target for bullies. This little girl has only had Joan for a parent, and knows nothing else, so that same opinion shoud count here.

Joan has to make the decision for the right reasons, as she and her daughter are the ones who have to live that life. The decision to transition in the first place, is not a decision that is made lightly, it’s something that takes years of self analysis, and not decided on a whim.

WWJD - What Would Jesus Do, I believe he would give her a big hug, tell her not to be scared, and that she will make the right choice.

Thankfully, I’m glad that this situation is just a “what if” scenario, as I’d hate for someone to be in that situation.

It seems to me that would be rather difficult. Do you relate to that one as “Joan” until she sees her sin? Or do you lovely confront her and refer to her as “him”? How do we honor the God of Truth in that relationship when it’s clear that there is a transsexual visiting the church?

My instinct is to carefully and lovingly go with the truth. But I admit, I’m not sure. How can you preach from the pulpit about sin, but after the sermon ignore it until “Joan” sees it as sin?