Harmonizing Sound Biblical Christian Teaching with Intersex and Gender Identity
The scientific, and to a much lesser extent the social, understanding of gender has significantly improved as more study and research into this matter has yielded proof that has served to disprove numerous harmful myths. Nevertheless those who are intersexed and those who do not fit the conventional expectation for gender identity continue to suffer social stigma and merciless marginalization. Included with those who are guilty of this ill-treatment of fellow human beings are, very shamefully indeed, those who claim to be Christians.
The purpose of this study is to shed some light on the Biblical application, meaning and purpose of gender. Upon close examination of scripture, we will discover that there is nothing hideous or remotely negative about being in a state of gender identity that defies the traditionally rigid definition. The truth of the bible and the assertions thereof, if correctly understood, cannot be contradicted by any findings. It is the duty of the Christian to humbly, prayerfully and diligently search for the truth in the bible. Do remember that one cannot come to a perfect understanding in this realm, but the Lord is faithful and very generous with wisdom to those who are his. We also look forward to perfect knowledge with the next coming of Christ.
"For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. " KJV 1Cor 13:9-13
Due to the vast implications of this subject and in the interest of brevity, I will avoid lengthier explanations, so do feel free to contact me be email if you seek further elaboration or if, in your judgment, I take too many liberties, especially with the Word of God. My email address is domingo@japan.com
For starters let us define our key earthly terms for this study; - Gender, as pertaining to humans, refers to the notion that people can divided into groups known as sexes, i.e. male and female, or neither. - In sociology , gender identity describes the gender with which a person identifies (i.e, whether one perceives oneself to be a man, a woman, or describes oneself to oneself in some less conventional way), but also can be used to refer to the gender that other people attribute to the individual on the basis of what they know from gender role indications (clothing, hair style, etc.). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender_identity. - An intersexual or intersex person (or organism of any unisexual species) is one who is born with genitalia and/or secondary sex characteristics determined as neither exclusively male nor female, or which combine features of the male and female sexes. The terms hermaphrodite and pseudohermaphrodite, introduced in the 19th century, are now considered antiquated, misleading and stigmatizing, and patient advocates call for these terms to be abandoned [1]. The phrase "ambiguous genitalia" refers specifically to genital appearance, but not all intersex conditions result in atypical genital appearance [2] . http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intersex
While these definitions above may need some improvement they do provide a provide us with a point of reference as we delve into the bible for the spiritual application of gender concept and in so doing, we will hopefully dispel most, if not all, sexist ideas that are erroneously accepted as biblical or for that matter Christian.
Since we will be making some seemingly revolutionary assertion, we will begin in familiar territory. This is the most basic upon spiritual teaching that embodies gender; Christ and His Bride. The bible insists that Christ is in a marital relationship with those he has saved. This is illustrated in the letter to the Ephesians as the Christian is instructed on his or her walk in Christ: (It is suggested that the reader read entire chapters of the bible in order that one may grasp the context better)
"21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. 22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." KJV Eph 5:21-27
As we skim though the verses above it looks obvious that God is drawing parallels between the two relationships, one earthly (man and wife) and the other spiritual ( Christ and his spiritual church). This may lead to the notion that the spiritual marriage somehow the copy or shadow of the earthly marriage between a man and a woman. This instinctive deduction is only natural because we exist in the physical realm and we have to really try a little harder to see things spiritually. Upon reading on to the end of the chapter, we find that the focus of this passage is clearly the Lord and his spiritual church as opposed to marriage as we commonly know it.
"28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband. " KJV Eph 5:28-33
What we should understand from the example above is that the perfect marriage is the spiritual one, the heavenly one. The marriage between two physical humans is the shadow of that true and perfect marriage between the Lord and his people, this can be referred to as the Fulfilment.
This shadow and fulfillment relationship of earthly things and concepts to heavenly ones is seen throughout scripture, and a proper understanding of how God uses it to illustrate spiritual themes is crucial to the bible student. The following are some example of shadow - fulfillment relationships:
Sacrificial lamb - Jesus Christ
"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." John 1:29
Physical Birth - Spiritual Birth
"6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again." John 3:6-7
Related Tags: bible, christian intersex, gender crisis, gender identity disorder, transgenderism, gender dysphoria
Domingo Mora - Bible Student
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