Month: April 2025

Gender Dysphoria-What The Bible Says

Gender Dysphoria – What Does the Bible Say About It?

In today’s world, conversations around gender are complex and often deeply personal. For those seeking to understand these issues through the lens of Christian faith, a natural question arises: What does the Bible say about gender? The answer isn’t always simple, but the Bible does provide foundational principles that can guide thoughtful reflection.

1. Creation: Gender as Part of God’s Design

The Bible introduces gender in the very first chapter: “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” — Genesis 1:27 (NIV)

This verse highlights a few key points:
Gender—male and female—is part of God’s intentional design.
Both men and women are created in the image of God, which means they are equally valuable, dignified, and capable of reflecting God’s character.
Gender is not a mistake or afterthought; it’s woven into the creation story.

2. Equality and Distinction

While men and women are equally created in God’s image, the Bible also acknowledges differences between the sexes—biologically, relationally, and sometimes in roles. These distinctions are often emphasized in marriage and family contexts.

In Ephesians 5, Paul describes a model of mutual love and respect in marriage, using metaphors of Christ and the Church. Some interpret these verses to affirm complementary roles; others see them as cultural expressions not meant to be universally prescriptive.

It’s important to note: wherever differences are mentioned, the Bible consistently calls for love, humility, and service—not superiority or domination.

3. Jesus and Gender

Jesus’s life and teachings brought radical dignity to both men and women. In a time when women were often marginalized, Jesus:

Taught women directly (Luke 10:38–42),

Defended them publicly (John 8:1–11),

And included them in His ministry (Luke 8:1–3).

This shows that Jesus challenged gender norms that were unjust or oppressive, without discarding the idea of gender itself.

4. Paul’s Letters and Cultural Context

Some of Paul’s writings, like 1 Corinthians 11 or 1 Timothy 2, are often cited in discussions about gender roles in the church and home. These passages have been debated for centuries, with interpretations varying across denominations and cultures.

However, Galatians 3:28 offers a broad and unifying vision:

“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

This doesn’t erase gender but emphasizes unity and equality in Christ.

5. A Call to Love and Wisdom

While the Bible affirms that gender is real and meaningful, it also calls Christians to approach all people with compassion, humility, and grace. In an age where gender identity and expression are sensitive and evolving topics, the church is invited to listen well, love deeply, and speak truth with kindness.

6. Gender Dysphoria and Transgender Identity: A Compassionate Conversation

As conversations around gender deepen, many people—inside and outside the church—are grappling with questions of gender dysphoria and transgender identity. These topics are emotionally charged and often personal, so it’s essential for Christians to approach them with both theological clarity and pastoral sensitivity.

What is Gender Dysphoria?

Gender dysphoria is a psychological term describing the distress someone may feel when their gender identity (how they experience or perceive their gender) does not align with their biological sex. Some people with gender dysphoria may identify as transgender, meaning they adopt a gender identity different from their biological sex.

What Does the Bible Say?

The Bible does not specifically address modern terms like “transgender” or “gender dysphoria,” but it does speak to the nature of humanity, the reality of suffering, and the hope of restoration.

At its core, Scripture affirms that we are embodied souls—created with purpose by God (Psalm 139:13–14). Our bodies are part of that design, and there is an intrinsic connection between body and identity in the biblical view of humanity (Genesis 1:27, 2:7).

However, the Bible also acknowledges that we live in a fallen world where brokenness affects every part of our being—including our sense of self. Just as some people experience physical, emotional, or psychological pain, others may experience deep inner conflict related to gender. Scripture doesn’t minimize this kind of suffering, but meets it with the compassionate heart of Christ.

7. How Should Christians Respond?

With Compassion and Truth, Not Condemnation. It is wrong and not helpful  to affirm those who are confused about their gender.  If you were born a male, God also gave you a male mind, soul and spirit.  If you were born a female, He gave you a female mind, soul and spirit.  No amount of hormone therapy or mutilating surgery can change that.  Instead a gentle compassionate truthful conversation that will help guide them back to the reality of their gender will be quite helpful.  Jesus consistently moved toward people with compassion, not away from them. When someone wrestles with gender identity, the first response should not be judgment, but love. Listening to someone’s story with empathy can go a long way toward building trust and offering hope.

With Truth, Not Dismissal
Compassion doesn’t mean abandoning biblical truth. Christians believe that our bodies matter—and that gender, as designed by God, is meaningful. That said, each person’s experience is unique, and many are navigating these questions with sincerity, not rebellion. It’s important to affirm God’s design while also walking gently with those who are hurting or confused.

With Patience and Wisdom
For some, the path through gender dysphoria may include counseling, prayer, and discipleship rooted in the hope of Christ. Others may make different choices, and the church must wrestle with how to remain a place of welcome while staying faithful to biblical convictions. This tension isn’t easy, but love compels us to stay in it.

Hope and Redemption for All People

Ultimately, the Christian gospel is good news for every person—cisgender, transgender, or questioning. It tells us that our identity is not ultimately found in our feelings, our bodies, or our social labels, but in being beloved children of God through Jesus Christ.

“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28

For those experiencing gender dysphoria, and for the families and churches walking with them, the message of Jesus offers hope: that in Him, there is grace for the present, healing for the broken, and a future where all things will be made new.

Final Thoughts

The Bible teaches that there are only two genders, male and female and that  gender is part of God’s good creation—reflecting both equality and distinction. At the same time, the story of Scripture emphasizes love, justice, and redemption for all people, regardless of gender.

As Christians engage with questions about gender today, we’re called not just to ask what is true, but also how do we walk in love as we live out that truth.  If you or anyone you know is struggling with gender dysphoria

A very helpful resource about gender dysphoria and many other topics is the Allen Jackson Podcast.

Jesus and Politics – Did Jesus Talk About Political Issues?

 

Did Jesus Christ Ever Talk About Political Issues?

The life and teachings of Jesus Christ have inspired countless people around the world for over two millennia. Known for his messages of love, forgiveness, and the Kingdom of God, Jesus’ words and actions have shaped the moral and spiritual compass of millions. But when it comes to the question of whether Jesus ever spoke about political issues, the answer isn’t as straightforward as we might hope. To understand this more deeply, we need to explore the context of Jesus’ time, his teachings, and how they intersect with the political realities of the Roman Empire.

The Political Context of Jesus’ Time

During the time of Jesus, Judea was a province of the Roman Empire. The people of Israel lived under Roman rule, and the political environment was tense. Roman governors, such as Pontius Pilate, ruled over the region, while Jewish leaders, particularly the Pharisees and Sadducees, had varying degrees of authority in religious matters. There was widespread discontent with Roman occupation, and many Jews were waiting for the arrival of a Messiah who would deliver them from this oppression.

It’s essential to understand that when we talk about “politics” in Jesus’ time, it wasn’t the same as modern-day politics. However, the Romans controlled the land, and political issues were deeply intertwined with social, religious, and economic life. Some groups, like the Zealots, advocated for armed rebellion against the Romans, while others, like the Pharisees, focused on religious purity and adherence to Jewish law.

Did Jesus Take a Stance on Political Issues?

On the surface, it might seem that Jesus avoided political engagement altogether. He didn’t rally against Roman rule or take up arms against the Empire, and he often appeared to distance himself from the political dynamics of his day. In fact, when asked directly about political matters, Jesus sometimes deflected or reframed the question in ways that shifted the focus away from earthly politics to spiritual principles.

However, this doesn’t mean that Jesus was apolitical. Instead, his approach to political issues was often indirect, prioritizing the Kingdom of God over the kingdoms of the world. Let’s explore some of the key moments where Jesus’ words and actions had political implications.

1. The Question About Taxes: “Give to Caesar What Is Caesar’s” (Matthew 22:15-22)

One of the most famous exchanges in the New Testament concerning politics occurs when Jesus is asked whether it is lawful to pay taxes to the Roman emperor. The question was designed to trap Jesus, as a “yes” would make him appear to support Roman occupation, while a “no” could lead to accusations of sedition.

Jesus famously responds, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” (Matthew 22:21)

This response is a masterclass in navigating political questions. Jesus doesn’t outright reject Roman authority or endorse it. Instead, he acknowledges the reality of earthly rule while directing people’s ultimate allegiance to God. By drawing this distinction, Jesus points to a higher spiritual kingdom that transcends political structures.

This passage has often been interpreted as suggesting that while Christians should respect political authority, their primary loyalty lies with God. In essence, Jesus presents a vision of civic responsibility without endorsing political involvement as an ultimate goal.

2. Jesus and the Zealots

The Zealots were a political movement that sought to overthrow Roman rule by force. Some scholars believe that Simon the Zealot, one of Jesus’ disciples, may have been associated with this group. Despite this, Jesus never endorsed violent revolution. Instead, he preached nonviolence, love for enemies, and peace. For instance, in Matthew 5:44, he says, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

In the face of political oppression, Jesus offered a radically different response from groups like the Zealots. His message was not about earthly rebellion but about the radical transformation of the heart and mind. Rather than challenging the political structures directly, he focused on personal and societal change through love and justice.

3. The Kingdom of God: A Political Vision of a Different Kind

While Jesus didn’t engage in partisan politics, his teachings often had political overtones. The phrase “Kingdom of God” (or “Kingdom of Heaven”) is central to his message, and it offered an alternative vision of society. The Kingdom of God, as Jesus described it, wasn’t about political power in the conventional sense. It wasn’t about controlling territory or overthrowing governments; rather, it was about God’s reign of justice, mercy, and peace. Jesus’ Kingdom was one that upended conventional social and political hierarchies, where the poor, the meek, and the marginalized would be exalted.

In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus reads from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah, announcing his mission: “He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.” This mission sounds deeply political in its focus on justice for the oppressed and marginalized, but Jesus’ approach was spiritual and relational, seeking to transform individuals and communities through love and the message of God’s Kingdom.

4. Jesus and the Temple: Challenging Religious and Political Power

Jesus’ actions in the Temple also had political implications. In what is known as the “Cleansing of the Temple” (Matthew 21:12-13), Jesus drove out the money changers and those selling animals for sacrifice. This act was a protest against the corruption and commercialization of religious practice, which had significant political undertones. The temple was not only a religious center but also a place where political power intersected with religious authority.

By overturning tables and driving out merchants, Jesus demonstrated a challenge to the status quo of both religious and political elites. His actions symbolized a rejection of systems that exploited the poor and marginalized, pointing to a Kingdom of God that was radically different from the systems of power that existed in his time.

Conclusion: Jesus and Politics – A Radical Reorientation

While Jesus didn’t engage in political activism in the way we might expect from modern leaders, his teachings and actions were deeply political in their implications. His vision of the Kingdom of God was a direct challenge to the prevailing power structures, not through rebellion or armed conflict, but through radical love, justice, and mercy. Jesus’ message redefined power and authority, shifting the focus from worldly dominion to spiritual transformation.

In a world that often seeks to divide politics and religion, Jesus reminds us that true power lies not in political dominance, but in the Kingdom of God — a Kingdom that seeks justice, mercy, and peace for all people. Whether or not Jesus directly addressed political issues, his life and teachings continue to inspire us to engage with the world in ways that reflect God’s love and justice.  When society looses its moral compass, it’s a sign that it’s time to put God back in to our lives

A very good resource called the Allen Jackson Podcast, untangles political and biblical issues and explains how what we think are political issues are actually spiritual issues.  You’ll find videos covering many societal issues and how to
overcome them.