What happens when a culture rejects God’s Word as the authority? Ultimately, anything goes! And this is exactly what we’re seeing here in the West. The most recent example? A judge in Oregon recently granted a 27-year-old video game designer’s request to become “genderless.”
Reportedly, “Patch,” as this person goes by, is “likely the first legally agender person in the United States.” The same judge also granted Patch’s request to drop Patch’s last name and become “mononymous,” having only one name instead of a given name and surname. Patch has also chosen not to use any pronouns, explaining:
Even gender-neutral pronouns don't feel as if they fit me. I feel no identity or closeness with any pronouns I've come across. . . . What describes me is my name.
our culture has decided for itself that gender is whatever you want it to be.
Now it’s not surprising that a judge has granted this request. Without the authority of God’s Word to say there is male and female, why not? After all, our culture has decided for itself that gender is whatever you want it to be. As this sentiment grows, we will likely continue to see more legal decisions that reflect this new way of thinking.
Gender is a touchy subject in our day and confusion abounds. But for those who start with God’s Word as the authority there is no confusion.
So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. (Genesis 1:27)
We were created male and female—that’s God’s design. Do some people in this sin-cursed, broken world struggle with gender identity? Sadly, yes they do. And we need to respond to their struggle with love, compassion, and biblical answers.
We don’t have the authority to redefine what God has created. Our culture needs to hear that truth!
Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,
Ken
This item was written with the assistance of AiG’s research team.
Answers in Genesis is an apologetics ministry, dedicated to helping Christians defend their faith and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.