This week, we delve into the critical intersection of gender, parenting, and the pervasive influence of societal ideologies, particularly transgenderism, on children. It’s a bold claim to suggest that every child is affected by this issue, but we’ll explore why that statement holds weight and how it can become a significant point of contention between a child’s understanding and biblical teachings. We will address these societal issues that our children face and present some practical wisdom and guidance.
The core question is not whether every child will struggle with gender identity or become transgender. Statistically, gender dysphoria remains relatively rare. The real concern lies in how children will reconcile the biblical concept of gender with the increasingly prevalent societal view that gender is a matter of personal choice. This can create a wedge between children and Scripture, potentially leading them to question or reject aspects of their faith.
Consider an experiment where different age groups were shown a video advocating for same-sex marriage. While older generations largely rejected the idea, younger generations, particularly high school students, expressed significant agreement. This highlights a concerning trend: what one generation confidently rejects, the next may embrace, influenced by shifting societal norms.
Many young people who adopt society’s sexual ethic often end up rejecting either Christianity altogether or parts of Scripture. These cultural issues become a wedge between Scripture and the individual. Children grow up in a society that increasingly rejects a biblical view of gender, and pressure to conform can lead to a conflict between loyalty to Scripture and loyalty to societal expectations. It becomes a question of where one’s allegiance lies, making this a crucial wedge issue.
Matthew Vines, the creator of The Reformation Conference, aimed to normalize same-sex relationships within the church. Interestingly, he conceded that persuasion through arguments alone is often ineffective. Instead, shifts in perspective typically occur through relationships, where individuals are forced to choose between their relationships with loved ones and their understanding of the Bible. This illustrates the power of relationships in shaping beliefs and highlights the wedge issue at play.
Even those advocating for societal acceptance of changing gender norms acknowledge the existence of this wedge issue. It’s increasingly difficult to simultaneously uphold traditional interpretations of Scripture and embrace society’s evolving views on sex and gender.
Every parent needs to address this issue. It’s crucial for parents and guardians to care about this issue, not because their child will likely grow up to be transgender, but because all children are being discipled by society whether or not their parents are actively participating. While children may struggle with their gender identity, the vast majority will come to peace with their biological sex. Encouraging questions is healthy, but affirming transitions should not be the default option, especially given scientific evidence suggesting most children ultimately identify with their biological sex.
Stating that sex and gender are determined by biology is not bigotry; it’s simply scientific fact. Therefore, every parent needs to be informed about what Scripture teaches and how to understand and defend it, particularly regarding gender and related topics.
Society is actively discipling our children. While parents may hesitate to discuss uncomfortable topics, the media and popular culture readily address these issues. Top 40 radio, Teen Vogue, Cosmo, MTV, and countless other platforms are shaping the perspectives of our children. Parents must not only participate in these conversations but also lead them. It’s essential to be equipped and intentional in guiding our children.
These discussions shouldn’t be one-time events; they should be ongoing conversations. Unlike “The Talk,” which is often treated as a single, momentous occasion, discussions about faith, reason, gender, and God’s design for humanity should be continuous dialogues. Opportunities for conversation arise constantly, such as when encountering something questionable in public. Instead of shielding our children, we should use these moments to explain the biblical perspective and demonstrate our awareness of the world around us.
Children often perceive their parents as increasingly ignorant as they grow older. Therefore, it’s helpful for parents to show that they are informed and knowledgeable, demonstrating that they understand the issues and know what the Bible teaches. This helps children understand God’s good and pleasing design for all areas of life, especially those that could create a wedge between them and their faith.
Ultimately, parents must take these issues seriously and not allow society to dominate the conversation. We must engage in these discussions, even if it means having them sooner than we would prefer. Given the choice between letting others shape our children’s beliefs or proactively teaching them ourselves, we must always choose to lead the conversation.
This requires parental engagement, research and thoughtfulness. Your children will naturally begin to ask questions and challenge ideals. Prepare yourself now for thoughtful dialogue, based on truth and grace.
In conclusion, understanding the pervasive influence of societal ideologies on children, particularly concerning gender, is crucial for parents. By fostering open communication, grounding discussions in biblical truth, and proactively addressing challenging issues, parents can equip their children to navigate these complex landscapes while maintaining fidelity to their faith.
