and if this mom was a member of your church???

[canadyjd]

Did you even read what I wrote?
I said that you speak truth to this person, telling them that God created them with a specific gender and saying differently is telling God He is wrong. That is sin against God. We must be honest with our neighbors, even if they hate the truth.
This does not mean that I don't love my neighbor if they don't repent. I am still called to love my neighbor even if they don't repent.

Yes, I read every word you wrote and agreed with most. I should have stated that in my response, so I apologize for not saying so. You make good scriptural arguments here.

There is no connection, however, to not “loving” a sinner and following God’s commands concerning an orderly worship service. Allowing cross dressing in worship is a distraction from worship and should not be allowed.

I also disagree with your statement, apparently, we should allow our children to be exposed to cross dressing men in order to show children how to love sinners.

peace to you

 

[canadyjd]

@canadyjd wrote:
Where we fail is not seeing this as a mental health issue. As with all mental health issues, the man needs professional help.

I would say this isn't a mental health issue. This is a spiritual health issue.
Sadly, the term mental health gets used when the term means there is a muscular and neurological malfunction of the brain as a muscle. Science does not recognize that humans have a spiritual nature so science only addresses the physical functioning of the brain without addressing the spiritual corruption of man's spiritual nature. Science does not see anything being wrong with a transgender person because the brain is functioning fine, physically. But, the spirit of a person is corrupted and in transgenderism we see the spiritual corruption and dissonance being displayed. In short, people need Christ.

Of course first and foremost, people need Christ.

“Transgenderism” is a recognized mental illness that use to be treated with counseling geared toward accepting biological truth.

Recently, politics have changed the treatment. Now, many doctors, still recognizing the mental illness involved, say treatment should be “transitioning” from one gender to another.

Just to be clear, it is completely unscientific and impossible to change genders and any doctor prescribing such treatment is prescribing a lie that prevents these folks from getting needed mental health counseling.

Concerning the spiritual conditions involved, there can be no doubt that is also an issue. However, I believe sound medical treatment cannot be ignored in any case. God can do whatever He wants, but cannot be manipulated to to change someone’s medical condition.

Unless and until He does heal someone, seek sound medical treatment.

peace to you

 

[Judith]

Mom should be taken through church discipline as laid out in scripture. First spoken to and explain how God feels about her daughter, NOT new son, but daughter, and that she can in no way support her in this. If she will not listen two or three go and hear from her. If they will not listen to them she can be disciplined by the church.

From Dear Amy:
I have a 17-year-old daughter who identifies as a male.

I am OK with this. I am a Christian and attend a traditional Methodist church.

I am involved in a lot of church events, but my child is not.

I am not sure how the church is going to react to my child’s transition. I also don’t know how my side of the family will react. I had one guy from the church already make a comment about my teen wearing a tux to the prom.

I told people that she doesn’t do dresses, which is true.

My question is — how do I support my daughter/son and also hold on to my church? — Mom


Dear Mom: If your child identifies as a male, then he is not a daughter/son — but a son.

This gender transition is also a transition for you, and you should continue along this path by using your child’s preferred pronoun.

Regarding your church, this may seem like a complex doctrinal or cultural issue, but it’s not!

You have one child.

There are other churches.

I suggest that you take some time to get very comfortable with your child’s gender transition, and then share this knowledge with friends, family, and fellow congregants over time. You don’t need to make a big announcement but acknowledge the truth the way you would other aspects of your child’s life to people who are interested. (The “tux” comment was one opportunity for you to say, “The reason my teen didn’t wear a gown to the prom is because they identify as male.”)

People may let you down—but please — do not let your faith fail you!

If people at church respond unkindly, you can assure them that you will pray for them to open their hearts. Then, you should look for another place to worship.

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Open for discussion