We are spiritual beings living in a physical world. Our bodies are the packaging for our minds and consciousness. They are kind of like words. Words don’t mean anything by themselves; they only have meaning because of the concepts they represent and convey. Words are the packaging. Similarly, our bodies don’t mean much without the unique personhood that each body represents.
But without words, we cannot share ideas and express ourselves fully to others. Certainly there is non-verbal communication, but without shared words, one cannot be sure of agreement with others in understanding an idea. Words are relational in nature. Our bodies are also relational in nature. Perhaps we could exist as disembodied spirits, but it is through our physical senses that we experience beauty, sensuality, and pleasure, all of which contribute to our relational existence with others.
Our physical experience is a large part of being human. We strive for comfort, not just mentally and emotionally, but physically. We gain emotional well-being through physical touch. We find satisfaction through seeing reflections of ourselves, and are attracted to others’ physical manifestations, all the while knowing that our physical selves only partially represent the complex beings housed inside. We crave scent, taste, sound, color, and texture. Our physical bodies are mysteriously intertwined with our “real selves,” our inner persons. Continue reading
Don’t get me wrong, I’m fully aware that there are genetic propensities towards issues of gender and sexuality. I’m fully aware that there are environmental stimuli and triggers. I’m fully aware that most people don’t just wake up one day and say I think I’d like to be gay. I think I’d like to be transgender. Those are not the choices to which I refer in my title.
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