HOPE FOR THE HOME: Confronting claims concerning sexual identity

Father and Mother: We are seeking to raise our children according to the teachings of Scripture, especially regarding gender and sexuality. We believe God created male and female, and we want our home to reflect that biblical conviction. At school, our children hear a different message from some peers and even a few teachers: that there are more than two genders and each person may choose whichever gender identity they wish to claim. As you can imagine, this makes for interesting conversations around our dinner table. What suggestions do you have for helping us navigate these unbiblical cultural ideas our children face daily?

Jerry: Isn’t it amazing that we are living in times which reflects the teachings and practices of ancient pagan cultures? Those who label themselves as “progressives” believer that sexual identity is determined by choice and not the Creator of life itself. The late Dr. Joseph Nicolosi, founder and president of the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality stated, “There is no such thing as a homosexual person. We are all heterosexuals. Homosexuality is a description of a condition. It is not a description of the intrinsic nature of the person.” Based on this research perspective, individuals may choose a homosexual lifestyle for a temporary period or as a long-term way of life. However, their choice does not contradict the biological reality as stated in Genesis 1:27, “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God, He created him; male and female He created them.”

Becky: From Biology – 101, in nursing school, I remember that the mother's egg always carries one X chromosome. The father's sperm can carry either an X or a Y chromosome. If the sperm carrying an X chromosome fertilizes the egg, the resulting embryo will have two X chromosomes (XX) and develop as female. If the sperm carrying a Y chromosome fertilizes the egg, the embryo will have one X and one Y chromosome (XY), leading to male development. This chromosomal combination is established at the moment of fertilization, making it the primary determinant of the baby's gender. As hard as the progressives and liberals may try this is a biological certainty. Reassure your children that questions about sexual identity and feelings are often a normal part of growing up, especially during the many physical and emotional changes that come with puberty. Encourage them to stand firm on biblical truth for clarity and know that many of their peers who strongly embrace certain views today may later abandon those opinions tomorrow.

Jerry: Our culture is confronted with messages that contradict the truths of scripture; especially those dealing with sexuality. However, truth does not cease to exist simply because it is ignored. Television programs and commercials present homosexuality as a normal and accepted lifestyle, intentionally encouraging viewers to support that viewpoint. Just as a reminder, the rainbow, as described in Scripture, was given by God as a sign of His covenant, not as an endorsement of the LGBTQ community. God has never been confused about His creation. The temptation to yield to various sinful lifestyles confronts everyone. It is both a spiritual and physical battle. Only through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ can permanent victory be achieved. The Apostle Paul addresses this in II Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”  Share with your children that professing faith in Jesus Christ does not mean temptation will disappear. Instead, Christ gives believers a new nature and the spiritual strength needed to face temptation with a new identity, new power, and new perspective.

Jerry and his wife Becky are on American Family Radio weekdays at 4:20 PM (CT) and on Sundays at 5:35 PM (CT). You can freely subscribe to their podcast at Apple Podcast, Spotify, or directly at HopoefortheHome.org/podcast. Check out their resources for the family at HopefortheHome.org. Becky’s latest book, “The Bright Side of Blue” and Dr. Drace’s, “44 Ways to Strengthen Your Marriage” offer biblical principles and timely advice for dealing with the challenges and trials of life. You may order these and other resources by contacting them at: hopefor thehome@juno.com, or directly at: jdeainc@juno.com.