January 13 I posted my 2018 reading plan. My coach helped me develop it as an answer for personal growth. Apart from that plan, I would have missed an important read.
In my search for a book on the divisive cultural topic of sexuality, I discovered author Mark Yarhouse, a Wheaton College graduate and a psychology professor at Regent University in Virginia. He’s written several books in this field for the Christian audience, so I figured he would be a good choice. He proved me right.
It is important to consider that original sin has corrupted all of existence, including human sexuality and experiences of our gendered selves.
Scripture reminds us that God does not abandon us in our fallen state.
The topic of gender dysphoria is not the same as homosexuality.
This 7-chapter book is graciously written for readers on all sides of the conversation. To assist us all in the conversation, he gives a great explanation for where we could fit in an integrated framework in the dialogue. He divides everyone into one of three groups: integrity, disability, and diversity. These names are lenses through which people often approach the topic of gender identity. Evangelical Christians are drawn to the integrity framework as it emphasizes the sacredness of maleness and femaleness. He encourages learning from all three in order to inform ministry settings and engage the broader culture. I agree.
You may be asking, “So what is gender dysphoria?” If you haven’t already googled it, do so. But then give Yarhouse the opportunity to give you an exhaustive look at the topic. If you are asking “should I read this book,” allow me to answer with the following questions:
- Are you a church leader who truly wants to engage your community? If so, yes.
- Are you a therapist? If so, yes. Your specialty field doesn’t matter as much as this subject does.
- Do you know someone in your family or in your friend’s family who struggles with sexuality questions? If so, yes.
- Do you struggle with giving grace to others outside your belief system but wish you didn’t? If so, yes.
Christians can benefit from valuing and speaking into the sacredness found in the integrity framework, the compassion we witness in the disability framework, and the identity and community considerations we see in the diversity framework. No one framework in isolation will provide a sufficient response or a comprehensive Christian model of pastoral care or cultural engagement.
For everyone’s sake, consider reading this book.
John Gregory 