The Human Person: The Image of God Created and Restored

Today’s reading continues in Section IV: The Human Person – The Image of God Created and Restored. Read here.

The Christian understanding of sexual identity

The biblical account of creation recognises that humans are created as sexual beings with clearly identifiable physical characteristics as male and female and relational characteristics as man and woman. The “sex” of an individual refers to the biological characteristics that distinguish male from female, whereas “gender” refers to the psychological, social, and cultural associations with being male or female. The Bible unambiguously affirms that human beings, both male and female, bear the image of God, representing the Creator in the care of his created earth. (Gen 1:26-28; 2:22-23)

We lament any distortion of sexuality. We reject the notion that individuals may determine their gender without regard to our createdness. Although biological sex and gender may be distinguished, they are inseparable. Maleness and femaleness are an inherent fact of human createdness—a fact to which cultures give expression in distinguishing between men and women. We also reject the notion of gender fluidity (the claim to fluctuating gender identity or gender expression, depending on situation and experience).

Throughout history, however, persons whose sex is not observably clear at birth (broadly designated today as intersex individuals) have faced significant psychological and social challenges. In the Scriptures God expresses his deep concern for eunuchs in their experience of alienation and pain, and has prepared a better future for those who put their trust in God, promising them the restoration of their dignity. In this same way, the people of God are called to respond with compassion and respect towards those who face similar circumstances today. (Isa 56:4-5)