Theolographs

This one will be a doozy! Today we're talking about the difference between s*x and gender. Some Christians use these terms interchangeably. Others go along with secular definitions of s*x and gender. But even those who do see distinctions between the two terms don't see eye to eye with one other. Specifically, is only s*x part of our identity, is only gender part of our identity, or are both part of our identity? In total, here are four common views.

S*x and Gender Are the Same: God created human beings to be male and female, and the s*x we are born with is who God designed us to be. The separation of s*x and gender is a modern phenomenon that has no biblical precedent. While some people may "feel" that they have a gender that is different from their s*x, subjective feelings do not equate to objective identities.

S*x Is Part of Who We Are; Gender Is Not: Though the Bible doesn't distinguish between s*x and gender, our culture does, and it is fine to use the words in ways that are understandable to culture. S*x is ontological, while gender is social and cultural. However, how we are perceived (whether by others or ourselves) has no bearing on who we are. Just as we should not identify as a different race, we should not identify as a different gender.

Gender Is Part of Who We Are; S*x Is Not: Our s*x is assigned to us at birth by our doctors or parents, but it is just a label we have until we can determine for ourselves who we really are. Our true identity is who God created us to be on the inside. But because of the Fall, we may be born with bodies that are outside of God's original design. Some people are born with genetic diseases, and others are born with incorrect s*xual parts.

S*x and Gender Are Different Parts of Us: Our gender identities are central to who we are. However, our biological s*x is also a part of us. That is why people with gender dysphoria feel such distress. Two of their identities are out of sync with one other. Thankfully, God allows us to remedy our broken bodies. Just as people can get laser eye surgery to fix their eyes, people can get gender-affirming surgery to fix their bodies.

What do you believe, and why?

*xandgender

It's Theolographs Thursday! Today we're talking about the role of the Holy Spirit in biblical interpretation. What exactly does the Spirit do for Christians when we are reading the Bible? Here are two views.

Understanding, Conviction, & Application: The Holy Spirit is needed not just for spiritual conviction and practical application, but also for cognitive understanding. This is why the Psalmist prays for understanding (Psa 119:27), and why the two men going to Emmaus could not understand the Scriptures until Jesus opened their eyes (Luke 24:31-32). One without the Spirit cannot understand the things of God (1 Cor 2:14).

Conviction & Application Only: People without the Holy Spirit are able to cognitively understand the Bible. Felix, for example, is described as having an "accurate knowledge of the Way" (Acts 24:22). That is why many non-Christian scholars have contributed great insights to the interpretation and application of Scripture. However, those without the Spirit are unable to be convicted to trust and apply the Bible to their lives.

What do you think? Is the Spirit needed for someone to cognitively understand the Bible? Or can a non-Christian understand what they are reading without the Spirit?