Fearfully and Wonderfully Made: Challenging Norms and Celebrating Differences

 

In our family, uniqueness is not just celebrated; it's adored. Take, for example, our precious kitty, Ming. She's not your average feline—Ming was born with thumbs. Yes, you read that correctly. As a polydactyl cat, she has extra digits, making her little paws look like they're donning tiny mittens.

At first, Ming's additional thumbs seemed like a cute anomaly, but they did pose some challenges. As she grew, we noticed that her extra digits sometimes got in the way, causing her to wobble and stumble. There was a fleeting worry that perhaps a vet might suggest removing them for her ease. However, Ming, resilient and adaptive, soon mastered the art of walking, and what was once a hindrance became her unique strength. Watching her use those little thumbs with such dexterity was a heartwarming affirmation of nature's quirks.

This experience with Ming prompted a deeper reflection on how we perceive and address physical differences. Consider children born with cleft palates, who, through medical intervention, can lead healthier lives. Such surgeries are widely accepted and even applauded for the doors they open for affected individuals. Yet, this acceptance of medical intervention contrasts sharply with the skepticism and outright condemnation that sometimes greets other procedures, such as gender-affirming surgeries.

 The Vatican's recent proclamation, Dignitas Infinita, refers to gender-affirming surgeries as a "...grave threat to human dignity," a stance that seems incongruous when we consider the church's universal acceptance of other medical interventions. Procedures like joint replacements, LASIK, or cosmetic surgeries, aimed at enhancing quality of life or correcting perceived flaws, are not met with the same moral scrutiny. This discrepancy begs the question: why are interventions that align one's physical form with their gender identity deemed a violation of divine design, while other alterations to the body are permissible and seen as benign or even essential? 

"...perhaps our Creator has given us much creative freedom in how we use the life He's given us...?"

Moreover, the argument that such surgeries contradict God's plan for an individual could extend to any number of life-saving procedures. When nature, God's plan, wanted a person to die, why do we think it is appropriate to intervene and try to thwart those plans? Even routine practices like haircuts or medical interventions like wearing glasses or hearing aids, these actions, too, alter the natural state ordained by a divine creator, yet they do not invoke the same level of theological condemnation from religious governing bodies. Are there women placed under "church discipline" for undergoing breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, or hormonal supplements used for birth control or to alleviate symptoms of menopause?  

This inconsistency may reflect a deeper cultural bias rather than a coherent theological position. When a conservative Christian minister preaches against tattoos by arguing, "If God wanted me to have that, He would have marked it on my skin," a parallel could be drawn to any modification or aid we employ for our bodies. Why are churches not lamenting the great many members employing hearing aids to increase their abilities beyond what God and His created order have ordained for their lives? Such arguments seem to selectively apply religious teachings, bending them to fit cultural norms or personal comfort levels rather than adhering to a consistent ethical framework. If we limit ourselves to only the way God made us, then the Elect should be distinguished by the 'birthday suit' uniform of an unkempt nudist, as clothes, arguably even basic hygiene like haircuts alter our "natural" state from God's plan. If this seems ridiculous, then perhaps our Creator has given us much creative freedom in how we use the life He's given us, and how we care for the body He's gifted to us.    

If God wanted our hair to stop growing, then He could do that, so why are you disrupting God's plan for your hair, beard, health, etc.? How many Christian women are disparaging their transgender sisters as 'inauthentic,' while sporting artificially blonde hair in place of their greying roots?

The selective condemnation of gender-affirming procedures underlines a potential incongruity within religious moral reasoning, suggesting that cultural influences and subjective comfort levels might be shaping religious narratives more than many in the contemporary church are willing to acknowledge. It's crucial for religious communities to engage in meaningful introspection on these inconsistencies, striving for a more coherent and compassionate application of their teachings that respects the dignity and autonomy of every individual, regardless of their need for medical interventions to align more closely with their true selves and personal convictions.

 "This inconsistency may reflect a deeper cultural bias rather than a coherent theological position."

Why is altering one's body acceptable in some contexts but not in others? If the goal is to align one's physical state with their well-being or identity, shouldn't the principle apply universally? If God hates my nose ring, then why does He smile upon your grandmother's pearl earrings? If the church has a problem with me growing breasts from HRT, then why do they not condemn those women skipping their periods with the same medication?    

I have presented many examples than can be attributed to the slippery slope, in that when the personal preferences of culture are removed, what are we really saying about someone and their individual choices? In essence, this debate touches on profound themes of identity, autonomy, and the very nature of creation. Are we not all, in our own ways, fearfully and wonderfully made by a Creator who loves us? Whether it's a child with a cleft palate or an individual seeking gender-affirming care, the underlying desire is the same: to live authentically and wholly, and enhance our quality of life.

Every morning, my day begins with a ritual that is both personal and transformative. I place 4mg of estradiol under my tongue, a small act that sets the tone for my day. Along with my breakfast, I take a testosterone blocker, and later, as night falls, I complete my routine with another dose of estradiol and progesterone. This regimen is more than a routine; it's a crucial part of my journey to align my physical self with my inner identity, a process of feminization that impacts both body and mind.

It's important to understand that these medications do not define my womanhood; they are tools that assist me in living more authentically in the body I've been given. This journey is deeply personal and, for me, is intertwined with my faith and understanding of the divine nature in God's created order.

The decision to embrace my true self and seek gender-affirming care has been life-changing. Those who know me can attest to the profound joy and fulfillment this path has brought me. It's a testament to the power of living one's truth, a truth that resonates with the happiness and peace I now feel every day.

I am on the cusp of a significant milestone: preparing for vaginoplasty, a surgical procedure that will transform my body in a way that aligns with my true self. This process, often misunderstood, involves the surgical transformation of 'boy parts' into 'girl parts'. Some might perceive this decision as conflicting with my belief that I was 'fearfully and wonderfully made' in God's image. However, this journey has not only deepened my joy and fulfillment but also strengthened my faith. I see this path as a testament to a compassionate God who understands his children's journeys, who provides us with challenges to surmount, and who celebrates our courage to embrace our authentic selves. It's a divine acknowledgment of our invitation to participate in the creative process of shaping our bodies to reflect our true essence, making each of us a unique masterpiece of creation. 

While we may not resolve this profound debate with a single blog post, I am immensely grateful for your time and engagement with my words. My hope is that this piece sparks a thoughtful introspection within you. I encourage you to examine your beliefs empirically, to delve into the reasons behind your convictions, and to consider the narratives you embrace. This isn't just about fostering understanding or acceptance; it's about encouraging a deeper, more informed dialogue that transcends mere opinion, inviting us all to reflect on the essence of our beliefs and the impact they have on the lives of others.

Finally, as we navigate these complex moral landscapes, let's remember Ming's little thumbs—a reminder that sometimes, what seems like an imperfection can become one's greatest strength. In embracing our differences and supporting each other's journeys toward authenticity, we celebrate the full spectrum of human experience, affirming that every individual is a unique, invaluable part of the tapestry of life.