Mark A. Yarhouse - Emerging Gender Identities: Understanding The Diverse Experiences Of Todays Youth

We are faced with a dizzying ongoing evolution in cultural understanding of and recommended responses to a kaleidoscope of emerging gender identities. This book offers richly informed and thoughtful Christian analysis of these phenomena, along with compassionate and challenging recommendations for ministry. Yarhouse and Sadusky have the breadth of knowledge and experience to challenge readers to move toward more theologically grounded and pragmatically effective engagement.

Stanton L. Jones , Wheaton College (emeritus); coauthor of the Gods Design for Sex family sex-education book series

Yarhouse and Sadusky are unafraid of exploring the overlap of Christianity, psychology, and cultures, and equally unafraid of reaching out in peace. I admire such a version of Christianity. I have read every page of this book. I disagree with the authors concept of suffering, but that is a minor point. I found myself nodding my head in agreement over and over. I greatly appreciated their breakdown of the theological positions (ultraconservative, orthodox, and liberal) and how these positions affect gestures toward those that carry gender-related questions. I endorse this book for ministers, parents, and gender-exploring youth.

Caryn LeMur , a male-to-female transsexual and a follower of the words and life of Jesus

Julia and Mark have written a much-needed book about a beautiful and complex topic. Every page oozes with grace and wisdom. Mark and Julia not only have the academic credentials to speak into transgender-related issues, but they have also spent countless hours listening to and loving the very people theyre writing about.

Preston Sprinkle , author of Embodied: Transgender Identities, the Church, and What the Bible Has to Say

I am not overstating things when I say that this book is a page-turner. Yarhouse and Sadusky anticipate readers questions. They carefully explore the historical and theological implications of the questions. But they never forget that they are writing about people with real pain who are seeking to understand a reality in light of their desire to love Jesus and retain their faith. Not everyone is going to like this book. But Yarhouse and Saduskys challenge is for men and women of faith who work with children, young adults, and others who are experiencing gender identity issues to seriously grapple with the complexities so that theyas parents, pastors, health-care practitioners, and educatorswill be known as people who will tackle difficult problems in such a way that the people of God will feel beloved.

Shirley V. Hoogstra , president, Council for Christian Colleges & Universities

Yarhouse and Sadusky unpack one of todays pressing issues: transgender and emerging gender identities. As Christian psychologists, they integrate Christian insight with accurate scientific knowledge, offering well-informed and up-to-date understandings of a rapidly changing dimension of society. Current political and cultural discourse offers little room for critical engagement, and Yarhouse and Sadusky courageously offer wisdom and advice. They challenge Christians to move beyond getting theology right, even asserting that correct theological knowledge doesnt always translate into knowing how to minister to persons with nonnormative gender identities. With many examples, they encourage Christians to accompany others, not simply instruct or admonish them from a distance. They invite the reader to renew their encounter with a merciful God, as part of developing ministry that incarnates Gods love. I came away with my faith strengthened, more certain that I can entrust my loved ones to Christ and that I can continue to question, learn, and wonder about transgender and gender expansiveness.

Jenell Paris , Messiah College

The many tensions and agendas that surround gender theories make it very hard to discern the truth through the forest of ideologies. And yet there are human beings in that forest, with an infinite dignity and a need for love and understanding. Drs. Yarhouse and Sadusky have worked hard to seek out the truth and to develop a compassionate approach to understanding and ministering in this very sensitive space. They provide a wealth of trustworthy information for us through their excellence in psychology based on their professional integrity, years of study, and substantial clinical experience. At the same time, they deliver this truth to us through hearts that have been shaped by the compassion of Jesus Christ, which they have internalized through their deep Christian faith.

Fr. Boniface Hicks , OSB, Institute for Ministry Formation, Saint Vincent Seminary