When a trans traveler and an autistic apostle cross paths: Reading Acts 8 in community

Blessed Are the Binary Breakers

When we delve into any holy text together, we all come away the richer for it — just as Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch enriched one another during their odd desert encounter, each sharing what they found in the prophet Isaiah.

In this episode, Avery shares a sermon they wrote on Acts 8:26-40 that draws not only from many transgender theologians but also from a conversation with a handful of people who all brought their unique insights to the story. Philip can be read as autistic, the eunuch as trans — and so much more! What unique experiences do we need YOU to share to expand our understanding of this story even further?

Click here for the episode transcript.

Talking Points:

(0:00 - 4:53) Introducing Acts 8 and sermon background
(4:54 - 9:00) Sermon starts - how eunuchs of old connect to trans persons today; conversing in community
(9:01 - 17:30) Part 1 of the Acts 8 text — on the wilderness road, Philip's autistic enthusiasm breaks down barriers
(17:31 - 26:30) Part 2 of the Acts 8 text — the eunuch's connection to Isaiah's suffering servant using theology of survival
(26:31 - 31:20) Part 3 of the Acts 8 text — the eunuch is baptized as they are, bringing all their differences into their relationship with God; our diversity is a gift we bring to our faith communities
(31:21 - end) Wrapping up with resource suggestions

__________

Blessed Are the Binary Breakers is part of the Rock Candy Podcast Network. Find more shows, such as Bible Bash, at www.rockcandyrecordings.com.

This show's theme song is "Aetherium" by Leah Horn. This episode also includes "Mod 4" and "Sept 15 Jam" by Jeremy SH Griffith.