Why Identity?
Our Hope
In this series we will help people by:
Modeling an approach that’s theologically sound, intellectually honest, and gracious in demeanor
Equipping people with practical takeaways each week
Providing a distinctly Christian framework that’s anchored to both the Old and New Testaments
Exploring why increasing numbers of people are questioning their gender today
Considering why there’s so much conflict and tension when people disagree
Creating safe spaces to ask sensitive questions and have candid conversations
Challenging the extremes of “hostile confrontation” and “uncritical enthusiasm”
Providing regular reminders that these are not just issues to be discussed, but realities affecting people we know and love
Contrasting distinctly Christian perspectives on marriage and sexuality from alternative views
Discussing important moral questions related to rapid onset gender dysphoria and trends in gender-affirming care
Providing a helpful, curated resource list that clarifies important terms, assists with a deeper dive, and points people to ongoing support
“If you’ve met one transgender person, you’ve met one transgender person.”
Words Matter: here’s how we are using them.
Nonbinary: refers to a wide range of gender identities that are not exclusively male or female, or masculine or feminine; someone who identifies as neither male nor female; related terms: genderqueer, genderfluid, pangender.
Transgender: typically refers to a biological female who identifies as a male (or vice versa).
Trans*: a broader umbrella term that can include a whole range of identities that aren’t strictly transgender, such as nonbinary, genderqueer and the like.
Gender dysphoria: a psychological term for the distress some people feel when their internal sense of self doesn’t match their biological sex (formerly known as gender identity disorder).
Transition: the term most trans* people prefer for what is sometimes called “sex change”; can include three different levels: social, hormonal, and surgical.
Cross-sex hormone therapy (CHT) or hormone replacement therapy (HRT or HT): hormonal intervention in the transition process.
Gender confirmation surgery (GCS) or sex reassignment surgery (SRS): surgical intervention in the transition process.
Transman: a biological female who identifies as male; can be shortened to FtM (female to male).
Transwoman: a biological male who identifies as female; can be shortened to MtF (male to female).
Cisgender: a more recent term that refers to those who identify (and are comfortable) with their biological sex; anyone who doesn’t identify as trans*.
Non-trans*: a more neutral term that refers to people who don’t identify as trans*.
Intersex: a term used to describe the sixteen or so medical conditions where a person is born with one or more atypical features in their sexual anatomy or sex chromosomes; the medical term for intersex conditions is “differences/disorders of sex development,” or DSD (don’t use the term hermaphrodite as it is potentially offensive and considered outdated).
Sex: “Sex refers to a person’s biological status and is typically categorized as male, female, or intersex. There are a number of indicators of biological sex, including sex chromosomes, gonads, internal reproductive organs and external genitalia.” (definition from the American Psychological Association as quoted in Embodied.)
Gender: the psychological, social, and cultural aspects of being male or female.
Gender identity: the psychological aspects associated with being male or female.
Gender role: the social and cultural aspects of being male and female.
Detransitioner: a person who transitions from their biological sex (socially, hormonally, or surgically) and then decides they want to live as their biological sex again.
Rapid onset gender dysphoria (ROGD): a term used by some psychologists to describe the growing phenomenon of the role social networks at school and in online communities can play in shaping a person’s trans* identity.
Terminology taken from Preston Sprinkle’s book Embodied, primarily chapter 2
Series Breakdown by Week
10/2- “Hermeneutic of Hope” | Psalm 139
As a church that cares about people, we can’t sit on the sidelines as influential voices turn potential allies into adversaries. In our series opener, we’ll invite you to experience the hope that comes when we anchor to God’s Promises and pursue His vision together.
10/9- “Back to the Beginning” | Genesis 1-2
Let’s start at the beginning. How does Scripture answer the question, “What does it mean to be human?” Let’s talk about why that question matters and the answer that can change your life.
10/16- “Falling Forward” | Genesis 3
Prevailing worldviews that place the self at the center didn’t emerge overnight. In Part 3, we’ll provide the history behind our current events. Beginning with an event that we call “The Fall.”
10/23- “The Consistency Covenant” | Matthew 10:5-16 (cf. Luke 10:1-12)
There’s a LOT of inconsistency between what people claim to stand for and what their actions reflect. In Part 4, we’ll cast a vision for how a “Consistency Covenant” could be a game changer when it comes to how we approach a conversation as complex and as emotionally charged as this one!
10/30- “Wilde at Heart” | Matthew 19:1-12 (Genesis 2)
In Part 5, we’ll introduce folks to Oscar Wilde and the philosophy he represents. We’ll then go on to contrast that popular approach to sexuality and marriage with the Sacred Christian Texts. Along the way, we’ll wrestle with the question, “Are Biblical boundaries obstacles to human happiness?”
11/6- “The Rapid Onset” | Matthew 18:1-35
There have been rapid and radical shifts in how adults are caring for kids who come out. Does Scripture offer any guidance when it comes to the polarized opinions regarding rapid onset gender dysphoria and gender-affirming care?
11/13- “Title IX Today” | 1 Timothy 5
What does advocacy for fairness, safety, and flourishing look like in an age where people don’t agree on the definition of “woman.” In Part 7, we’ll do our best to offer Biblical perspectives on questions people are asking about sports, bathrooms, prisons, the workplace, and more.
11/20- “Homecoming” | Matthew 22:23-33, 2 Corinthians 4
As we bring this series to a close, we’ll discuss what it means to “find our identity in Christ” and how fixing our eyes on our Homecoming brings perspective to our pain.