A diptych reading of Christ's transfiguration: trans and intersex aesthetics reveal baptismal identity. Issue 1 (4th May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wolff, Michelle
• Is Part Of: Theology & sexuality. Volume 25:Issue 1/2(2019)
• Page Start: 98
• Page End: 110
• Publication Date: 2019-05-04
• Subjects: Transfiguration -- baptism -- transgender -- intersex -- aesthetics -- biblical theology; Sex -- Religious aspects -- Christianity -- Periodicals; 261.835
• DOI: 10.1080/13558358.2019.1636173
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1355-8358

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The synoptic Gospels describe Jesus Christ's transfiguration not as a mode of ontological change, but rather as a means of revelation – that he is the second person of the Trinity. Through a diptych reading of Christ's transfiguration and crucifixion, I argue that those who experience hate crimes share in Christ's misrecognition in the midst of revealing truth, which can result in violence and death. Additionally, I offer a constructive, biblical theology of trans and intersex aesthetics that runs counter to neoliberal identity politics by illuminating how the bodily presentation of trans and intersex persons of faith reveal a baptismal truth – that through Christ humanity is adopted as co-heirs with him.