Transgenderism, Part 2: Going Forward

Philip C. Strong
08/23/17 - Bulletin Articles

In the previous article on this subject (“Transgender Part 1: Realities and Results” [i]), the notion was put forth that “Transgenderism is not real, but the hurt and harm being done by the myth and its proponents are VERY real.”  Though the statement is true, there is an important addendum to it: Gender Dysphoria is ALSO real.

Gender Dysphoria is a psychological disorder (according to the American Psychiatric Association[ii]) in which a person senses or feels that their gender identity may not align with their biological sex, and therefore experiences emotional distress as a result.  In turn, these senses, feelings, and emotional distress may lead them to act or present themselves as the gender opposite to their actual physiology.  People that think or feel they are someone or something (“Trans-Species”- where people think they are a different species in a human body) other than who/what they are suffer under a delusion, and deserve sympathy and help.  The human mind, despite its immense power, can be a fragile thing- sometimes easily influenced by external forces.  Children and adolescents are especially vulnerable, and can be induced or predisposed to think and feel in hurtful and harmful ways about themselves... even contrary to reality.  The reality regarding gender is clear, “But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female,” Mark 10:6. 

Given these things, how should we see, feel, and treat those with Gender Dysphoria?

With Compassion.  Regardless of how they see, think, or feel about themselves, those with Gender Dysphoria are human beings, and as such, deserve compassion from their fellowman.  Jesus once stepped off a boat and saw a multitude of people that were like “sheep without a shepherd” (without proper guidance, and in danger of perishing), and “He felt compassion for them…” Mark 6:34a.  However they got to the position of being lost sheep, His feelings toward them led Him to provide what they needed- guidance in truth, “and He began to teach them many things,” Mark 6:34b.  Just because Transgenderism is not real, doesn’t mean that Gender Dysphoria (with its feelings and fears) isn’t real.  Those with it, regardless of how it was acquired, deserve to be treated with compassion, sympathy, and respect as human beings rather than being despised, ridiculed, and dismissed.  Please read and consider carefully Matthew 9:10-13.  Does your attitude and activity toward those with Gender Dysphoria more closely resemble that of the Pharisees, or Jesus?

As Individuals.  It is easy to see “Transgenderism” as a hurtful delusion, for such it is.  It is not always as easy to see someone with Gender Dysphoria issues as an individual- but we must do just that.  Each person has his/her own set of history and current circumstances.  While we are not the product of our environments, our past and present are often at least a great influence on who we are, and who we become.  But if we see and deal only with the abstract group of the “Transgendered,” we may well miss or dismiss the individual with Gender Dysphoria who deserves our compassion and needs our help.  There was a great crowd of people- surely some who followed, and some who came out to see Jesus in and around the city of Jericho.  No doubt He was well aware of their presence and needs, but such did not prevent Him from seeing, paying special attention to, and helping one individual named “Zaccheus.”  The results were transformational, Luke 19:1-10.

With Grace.  I’ve often said and written, “It is easy to tell someone that they’re wrong, especially if you don’t care whether or not they become right.”  But if on the other hand, you do care if someone becomes right, then great care should be taken how you tell him or her they’re wrong.  Being dismissive by saying nothing, becoming complicit by “accepting” or applauding or championing, or being harsh or cruel or unloving in attitude or action doesn’t do anything to help them overcome the fears and delusions of their disorder.  Remember (and practice!) the admonition of Colossians 4:5-6, “Conduct yourself with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.  Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt, so that you may know how to respond to each person.”

With Consistency.  It is grossly hypocritical and patently unfair to ridicule and condemn “Transgenderism” (and homosexuality) while giving only “a wink and nod” disapproval to pre-marital and extra-marital fornication, cf. 1Corinthians 6:9-11.  While Truth is truth regardless of who speaks it, and sin is sin regardless of who commits it, the unequal treatment of these subjects, or outright hypocrisy regarding them, does little to nothing to further the understanding and accepting of Truth to the elimination of sin.  If “the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles” because we who suppose ourselves knowledgeable of God’s laws, teachers of the immature, guides to the blind, and lights to those in darkness, fail to understand, practice, and teach it consistently ourselves, may God help us, cf. Romans 2:17-24!  However, we must understand that Truth, on this or any other eternal matter, is not relative to anyone’s feelings one way or the other, or subject to approval by the majority.  It is Truth because God expressed it, or it false because it contradicts what God has expressed, period.  Practices do not cease to be “sinful” because society devolves to acceptance of them.  Thus, the truth of God’s Word must be consistently understood, practiced, and taught.

With Empathy rather than Acceptance.  To think, feel, and act in the ways that God commands toward others neither means nor requires the “acceptance” of sin.  To love, regard, and be compassionate and empathetic toward individuals likewise doesn’t require the “acceptance” of their beliefs as “true,” their feelings as “valid” (for justification), or their practices as “right.”  We will all stand before our Creator and be judged and “recompensed for the things through the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad,” 2Corinthians 5:10.  But we don’t get to decide what is “good” and “bad” for ourselves- God’s Word does that, John 12:48.  Ignoring, suppressing, or rebelling against the Truth doesn’t change this- for “Transgenderism” or anything else.  But please, never forget that God’s Word is intended and given to save us from the consequences of sin by graciously instructing us in the ways of righteousness and godliness.  For it to accomplish this goal, we must understand and obey It.  “These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority.  Let no one disregard you,” Titus 2:11-14. 

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