In recent years, there has been a notable increase in awareness and identification of gender dysphoria, particularly among younger generations. According to findings from Pew Research published in June 2023, approximately 1.6% of U.S. adults identify as transgender or nonbinary, meaning they claim that their gender identity differs from the sex they were “assigned” at birth. This percentage is significantly higher among adults under 30, with 5.1% identifying as trans or nonbinary.
The cultural response to this rise in gender dysphoria is varied. Advocates of the LGBTQ agenda push for greater acceptance and recognition of diverse gender identities, while more conservative voices raise concerns about the implications for traditional understandings of sex and gender.
The classroom is now a not-so-unexpected battleground in the gender identity debate, with teachers, parents, and students all weighing in on what should be taught. A recent Pew Research study from February 2024 paints a picture of a nation’s schools divided on this issue.
Teachers are at the forefront of this controversy. Many are hesitant to broach the subject, with half believing gender identity has no place in the curriculum. Others feel it’s important to educate students on gender, though opinions vary on exactly what should be taught. Elementary school teachers are the most reluctant to tackle the topic.
Parents have strong and diverse opinions on what their children should learn. They are split almost evenly between those who want their kids to understand gender as fluid, those who see it as fixed at birth, and those who would prefer to avoid the subject altogether in schools.
Teenagers themselves are just as divided. While some are eager to explore gender identity, others prefer a more traditional view. A significant number of teens, however, would rather not discuss the topic in school at all.
Gender vs. sex
In his 1968 book, The God Who Is There, Francis Schaeffer analyzed the changing attitudes toward sexual identity during the sexual revolution – a time when traditional values were being challenged. Although he specifically focused on homosexuality, his insights can be applied to the various gender and sexual identities/behaviors that exist today:
"Some forms of homosexuality today … are not just homosexuality but a philosophic expression. One must have understanding for the real homophile’s problem. But much modern homosexuality is an expression of the current denial of antithesis. It has led in this case to an obliteration of the distinction between man and woman. So the male and the female as complementary partners are finished. … In much of modern thinking, all antithesis and all the order of God’s creation is to be fought against – including the male-female distinctions."
The discussion about the distinction between gender and sex – or if there is a distinction at all – has become central in debates across the world today. Some argue that gender is a social construct separate from biological sex, while others maintain that the two are inextricably linked.
Douglas Groothuis, in his 2024 article titled “Sexual Identity and the Biblical Philosophy of Gender,” published by the Christian Research Institute (equip.org), offered a perspective rooted in biblical teaching:
"A key idea is ‘gender fluidity,’ the rejection of fixed and God-given categories of gender identity, decoupling gender from biological sex. Supposedly, sex is ‘assigned’ at birth based on sexual organs and chromosomes but need not define one’s gender identity. Thus, a biological male could identify as female with respect to gender. … If one denies a Creator as the moral governor of the universe, all antithesis and all absolutes die away."
Objective biology
Those who hold to the biblical understanding of sex argue that it is an objective, biological reality determined by chromosomes, hormones, and reproductive anatomy.
“The biblical position on sexuality is rooted in Genesis 1-3,” Groothuis wrote, “where we find the foundational principles for relationships. God’s design for human sexuality is heterosexual monogamy. Both the man and woman are created in God’s image and likeness, and in marriage the two become one flesh, which is the basis for bringing children into the world (Genesis 1-2).”
The Bible clearly outlines God’s views on marriage, upholding marriage as a sacred bond between one man and one woman, a lifelong commitment blessed by God, in which biological sex (gender) is clearly important: “For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24).
Marriage is promoted as the exclusive and cherished context for intimate, physical closeness, again with biological sex (gender) featured prominently: “But because of immoralities, each man is to have his own wife, and each woman is to have her own husband” (1 Corinthians 7:2).
Realistic affirmations
While recognizing the challenges faced by those experiencing gender dysphoria, Groothuis advocated for affirming individuals in objective biological reality while practicing grace and love. He encouraged Christians to be compassionate toward these individuals, acknowledging the physical and psychological challenges they may face as well as the feelings of shame and self-hate they may experience.
However, compassion never means denying the truth. Groothuis emphasized the importance of maintaining biblical principles while addressing such complex issues: “Moral values are based on the unchanging character of God (Exodus 20:1-18; Malachi 3:6; James 1:17) and on the heterosexual and monogamous norms God established at creation.”
In his letter to the Romans, Paul instructs all believers to submit their bodies to the will of God – an apt antidote to today’s confusion.
“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:1-2).
(Digital Editor's Note: This article was published first in the September 2024 print edition of The Stand. Click HERE for a free six-month subscription.)
