According to news reports, the Obama administration has released new guidelines that force all women’s shelters in America that receive federal funding—even those that are faith based—to admit men who identify as women. Apparently there was previously a provision that allowed shelters to make the determination on a case-by-case basis, but no longer.
Some individuals have expressed concern that male abusers or predators can take advantage of this new law to enter women’s shelters, which are supposed to be safe havens for those who have been victimized. This new law ignores this reasonable objection in an effort to “ensure full acceptance of transgender and gender nonconforming individuals.”
Now as Christians, we should have compassion on all people who are in need of help, including those who call themselves transgender. But we also recognize that God created male and female (Genesis 1:27), and choosing to live as the opposite gender is sinful. Our secular culture does not recognize the biblical truth that we were created male and female, but instead tries to accommodate sinful behaviors. Of course, we will only see this increase as our culture continues to turn further from God’s Word.
President Obama has not only rejected God’s clear teaching in Genesis about male and female, but he also has no understanding of the sin nature of all humans.
Once again, President Obama has not only rejected God’s clear teaching in Genesis about male and female, but he also has no understanding of the sin nature of all humans. Yes, we should be extremely concerned about predators, for after all, “the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9).
All of us will stand before the Lord one day. Can you imagine President Obama bragging about his legacy of attacking marriage, undermining the family, openly promoting those who willfully rebel against God’s created order, and putting children and others at risk from sinful behavior?
What is the appropriate response from those who follow Christ to those who consider themselves transgender? Well, it’s the same response we should have whenever we meet broken, hurting individuals—share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Instead of ignoring or avoiding unbelievers who have chosen this sinful lifestyle, we need to reach out to them in love, offering them the only things all of us really need—the peace, love, and forgiveness that Jesus offers all who will believe (Romans 10:9).
You can learn more about a biblical response to transgender issues in this article from Answers magazine, “Transgender Identity—Wishing Away God’s Design.”
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.