Daily Christian Journey

Understanding the Transgender Identity Debate

The issue of transgender identity has become a significant topic in both public life and pastoral care, with far-reaching implications for Christians. The controversy surrounding school bathroom policies, women’s sports, and parental rights guarantees its continued presence in politics. Moreover, the increasing number of teenagers claiming to experience gender dysphoria underscores the need for churches and pastors to reflect on this issue.

Foundations of Transgenderism

Transgenderism relies on three fundamental foundations:

1. Gender Theory: Developed by Judith Butler, this theory views gender as performative. Being male or female is seen as a role or behavior expected by society, rather than a biological fact.
2. Technology: Advances in medical procedures, surgical and hormonal, have made it possible to alter one’s body to conform to a desired gender identity.
3. Modern Conviction: The modern conviction that our sense of self is essentially psychological, defined by how we feel or think, has contributed to the rise of transgenderism.

A Christian Response

In responding to transgenderism, Christians must consider several key points:

1. Distinguish between opposing the movement and caring for individuals: It is essential to separate opposition to the movement from providing compassionate care to those struggling with gender confusion.
2. Acknowledge the element of truth in gender theory: While rejecting the fundamental errors of gender theory, Christians can recognize that cultural expectations around male and female roles do vary.
3. Understand the community nature of the phenomenon: The rise in teenage gender dysphoria cases indicates that transgenderism has become a means of belonging and expressing oneself within a particular group.
4. Be informed about the wider cultural context and facts: Christians should acquaint themselves with the cultural context and data surrounding transgenderism, including the tragic impact of hormone treatment and gender reassignment operations.

The Church’s Role

The church must play a vital role in addressing the issue of transgenderism:

1. Be a strong community: The church should be a place where people feel a deep sense of belonging, shaping and fostering their sense of self.
2. Adhere to biblical teaching: The church must clearly uphold biblical teaching on identity (our identity is found in Christ) and sexuality (sexual desires or inner convictions about gender are not ultimately constitutive of who we are).
3. Practice corporate worship and loving community: Regular corporate worship and a loving approach to community are essential in shaping who we are and caring for those struggling with gender dysphoria.

Training Our Kids

As Christians, we must tell the truth about what the Bible teaches about gender, emphasizing the normative connection between biological sex and gender identity.

The Importance of Physical Body

For Christians, our bodies have been made sacred locations of God’s redemptive presence in the world, underscoring the significance of our physical bodies.

A Diagnosis of Our Culture’s View of Sexuality

Our culture has lost the ability to talk about sex and gender, asking sex to be what it was never meant to be.

Thinking Biblically about Transgenderism

Christians should think biblically about transgenderism, considering how to talk to our kids about it and what the Bible teaches on gender and sexuality.