This quarter we’ve been embarking on a learning journey centred around gender and human uniqueness. We want to provoke conversation surrounding these topics. Join us as we, together, try to discover God’s heart for each and every person’s identity.
In recent years, media has been explosive on topics centring on gender. Campaigns have been implemented, court cases have ensued, and individuals have taken stances that have shaped society. Mention gender studies, feminism or religion in a casual conversation and watch as tensions and offence arise.
For the sake of avoiding confusion, let’s get some clarity on a few definitions.
- Gender: this is the range of characteristics pertaining to, and differentiating between, masculinity and femininity. Depending on the context, these characteristics may include biological sex, sex-based social structures, or gender identity.
- Sex: the biology that determines whether you’re a man or a woman.
We often get the terms gender and sex confused. Sex is what you’re born as whereas gender is more fluid in that you can choose your gender based on the characteristics of the gender (masculine or feminine) that you feel like you most identify with. Hence your gender identity.
Still with us? Good. This can be confusing stuff!
Gender and Human Uniqueness Today
Along with the rise in the conversation and liberalism on gender, so has the rise in the amount of people in the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, and others) community occurred. More and more people are feeling comfortable enough to come out and boldly declare their preferred sexuality and gender identity.
What’s the point of unlocking this can of worms?
This is a massive, difficult topic – we get that. One where there are people standing in support on each side of the discussion. Our intention here is simply to learn more through trying to discover what God has to say about it in His Word, and by trying to understand the different perspectives out there better. Through it all, we’re holding onto this simple truth: our identity is God-given and can only be found in Him (Genesis 1:27).
We would like to provoke a conversation around gender and human uniqueness. We want to hear how and why people think what they do, we want to discover where people find their identity, we want to encourage people to embrace who God made them to be.
The Goal
Our main goal here is to foster an atmosphere of open, safe discussion. Remember, we’re all neighbours here! We’re on a journey, and we would love for you to join us as we embark on this road to discovery.
What is your opinion on gender and human uniqueness?
