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Transgender People and Our Community – A Rational Understanding and Approach

Transgender People and Our Community – A Rational Understanding and Approach

Over the last several years, there has been much in the press about transgender individuals, transgender rights, and legislators battling over various issues (public bathrooms, etc.). In my practice, I have had a number of patients who are transgender, and even more family members of transgender individuals struggling with some aspect of this issue.

Therefore, I thought it might be helpful to try and set a framework, based on known facts and healthy principles, on how to relate to individuals in your family or community who identify as transgender.

Facts First:

  • This blog only addresses issues related to transgender, not gay or lesbian issues or intersex conditions.
  • What is transgender? The definition I am using is: “noting or relating to a person whose gender identity does not correspond to that person’s biological sex assigned at birth.” (dictionary.com)
  • Causes of transgenderism: Unknown. However, strong evidence supports this condition is neurobiological in origin and not characterological. The rate of gender confusion is up to ten times higher among those with Autism Spectrum Disorder than the general population. One study found that, within the Autistic group, 5% had gender identity issues, compared to 0.7% of the control group. Another study found the rate among the Autistic population to be 7.8%. [1]

Questions:

  • During childhood and adolescence is there a normal period of gender uncertainty that a person can experience and NOT be transgender?

    Absolutely yes! In fact, during childhood and adolescence, the brain is in a heightened stated of change and vulnerable to wiring in life experiences that are not originally in the DNA. Language, religious values, and sexually arousing stimuli can be wired in during childhood and adolescence. It has been known for many years that during puberty, individuals are at greater risk for developing paraphilias (sexual arousal to atypical things — sometimes pathological things). This is important to recognize, because not every person who experiences a same-sex attraction or a gender confused feeling will actually have a gender identity problem.

  • How should Christians treat individuals struggling with questions of sexual identity?

    With love, respect, kindness, and regard for them as individuals. I recommend focusing on character, not sexual preference. In other words, make value judgments based on character qualities (honesty vs. dishonest, kindness vs. cruelty, altruism vs. selfishness, loyalty vs. disloyalty, reliability vs. unreliability, etc.) rather than sexual preference. Learn to love people for who they are in character and don’t focus on their personal sexuality.

  • Is it possible that heterosexual young people could be influenced by others who are in the LGBTQ community and have their sexuality confused by that community and, if so, what would cause this?

    It is well known that all people can be influenced by others, and that adolescents are more vulnerable to recruitment and influence than those of older years. Examples of young people being influenced by various groups include: recruitment by gangs, extremist groups (which focus their recruitment on adolescents), and cults. The reason this occurs is that adolescence is a period of normal identity uncertainty, fear of rejection, feelings of inadequacy, and longing for a place to be valued, loved, and found special for who you are.

    With this in mind, we can examine the likely impact on young people of a condemning and critical church and an embracing and validating LGBTQ community and realize that as long as the church remains critical and condemning, and the LGBTQ community communicates acceptance and love, the experience of love and acceptance will draw, while the fear of condemnation will drive away.

    Therefore, the church has a real need to do some introspection and change its approach to how it deals with such questions — moving away from a behavior-oriented, judgmental approach, to a character-development and loving-the-individual approach.

  • Does the LGBTQ community and their political supporters demonstrate a healthy concern for all citizens?

    In my experience, they do not. Individuals, struggling with questions of gender confusion or sexual identity issues, and the entire LGBTQ community make up less than 3% of our society, while transgender individuals total less than 0.5%. I must praise the LGBTQ community for opposing and resisting the abuse, mistreatment, and discrimination of gay, lesbian, and transgender people. Abusive treatment and discrimination is wrong no matter who is being abused or mistreated. Yet, despite this real need to protect the rights of the LGBTQ community, some advocates have been imbalanced in their approach and are willing to injure heterosexuals in their zeal to protect their own constituency. Here is a case in point:

    Several years ago, an issue arose in Tennessee, which exposed a lack of concern for all people by those who actively promote the LGBTQ agenda. In that state, psychologists’ licensure was tied to adhering to the ethical standards of the American Psychological Association (APsychA). In pursuit of advancing the LGBTQ agenda, the APsychA changed its ethical guidelines and made it an ethics violation for a psychologist to refer out a gay couple for couples counseling based on the religious beliefs of the psychologist. In other words, if the psychologist believed it was a violation of their conscience to counsel same-sex couples and wanted to refer the couple to another psychologist who did not object to providing this counseling, the new rules would have made such a referral unethical and, since adhering to the ethics of the APsychA was required to maintain licensure to practice, a psychologist making such a referral risked revocation of their license.

    In response to this, legislators in Tennessee introduced a bill which would eliminate this risk and allow a psychologist to refer such cases to other providers. The bill passed the Tennessee legislature and, while it waited the signature of the governor for implementation into law, I received an urgent call from the American Psychiatric Association (APA). At that time, I was serving as the President of the Tennessee Psychiatric Association (TPA) and the APA contacted me, wanting the TPA to write a brief to the governor advocating he veto this legislation. In discussion with the APA leadership, I affirmed my concern for the protection of the rights of the LGBTQ community, but also my concern for all human beings, not just the LGBTQ community. I had concerns for the mental well-being of the psychologists who might find themselves coerced into providing care that violated their consciences. I also expressed my concern that the quality of care the LGBTQ patients might receive from individuals, who morally opposed their lifestyle, might be compromised and it would be in the LBGTQ patient’s best interest to be referred. However, the APA leadership only expressed concern for the LGBTQ community and were not willing to pursue any compromise that protected the rights of all human beings involved.

Our society is in a place of major flux and the issues around gender often stir intense emotions and make healthy discussion difficult. Our challenge is to move past our own emotional gut reactions and refocus our actions on love for others, challenging ourselves to deal with others from compassion and concern for their welfare — as we would have them deal with us. In short, our approach, as Christians, in dealing with others, no matter who they are, is always to be like Christ — to love others more than self, treating others with respect, kindness, and interest in their welfare.


[1] Glidden, D., et al., Gender Dysphoria and Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review of the Literature, Sexual Medicine Reviews, Volume 4, Issue 1, January 2016, Pages 3-14

Strang, J.F., Kenworthy, L., Dominska, A. et al. Increased Gender Variance in Autism Spectrum Disorders and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Arch Sex Behav (2014) 43: 1525. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-014-0285-3

de Vries, A., et al, Autism Spectrum Disorders in Gender Dysphoric Children and Adolescents J Autism Dev Disord. 2010 Aug; 40(8): 930–936.

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Testimony 14

We really appreciate your views on the judgment and they make good sense considering our free choice.

Anonymous

 

Testimony 71

When I was 9 years old, I remember setting at our devotional table with a hunger and thirst for God that wanted more, deeper, BETTER. I can remember literally crying and pounding on the table, “I know these teachers didn’t mean to give us error. They taught what THEY had been TAUGHT, but didn’t ANYBODY READ THE BOOK?!?!?” It mattered to me then. It mattered to me as a teenager. It matters now as I teach bible classes. It didn’t have to be so hard as I watched so many give up and lay God’s great plan and gift of salvation aside as being “impossible.” Then, a friend sent me a link to Come And Reason’s website. I grew excited. YES! FINALLY! Then another friend told me to stay away, saying her son had just broken up with a girl because she was involved with Come And Reason and that “Tim Jennings preaches a false gospel.” But, AFTER many years of developing an authentic and, dare I say FUN relationship with Jesus, through the Holy Spirit I see this message has been around a LONG time, since the apostle Paul, Ellen White, Graham Maxwell, Ray Foucher, and yourself (though I admit, you’ve made me back up, rewind and replay the clips, and get out my well-worn Bible on a few things.) I’m so thankful I have found LIGHT during these DARK days. I am not alone.

Vicki DiNitto

Testimony 56

I cannot thank you enough for opening my understanding to the beautiful truth of God’s Law of Love and how it applies to everything. I have been a Christian for over forty years, but I feel like I am only now seeing with my eyes open. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

Tammy Cinzio, Australia

 

Testimony 33

I was invited over a friend’s house to see the “God and Your Brain” seminar today. I became [a christian] 36 years ago at the age of 19, but have struggled with the concept of God taking His ‘pound of flesh’ out on His Son to be appeased. Wow. Your seminar has been an incredible revelation and breath of reason and fresh air! I have your book, “The God Shaped Brain,” and it is SO eye opening. Finally, after 36 years enlightenment has come! Praise the Good Lord! What can I say, but that the Real Gospel is truly “Good News!” Thank you for your efforts in giving the Gospel a clear sound!

Paul C.,  Springfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 24

I wanted to thank you very much for presenting your understanding of God. I’ve always been troubled by this question: Why did Jesus have to die? Since my conversion I understood that The Father & Jesus are one, I did not have issues with that. But was there not any other way to save us than for Jesus to die? I guess I actually had a question about God – if He is so wise, how come He did not find another way? I did not see the real ‘beauty’  in the cross. Only when you explained the picture in the medical context, Jesus providing medicine for my selfishness, have I started to finally ‘see the light’. Thank you so much. Your seminar, “Healing the Mind,” are absolutely marvelous & have shared them with my family and many other people, including colleagues at work. Thanks, thanks, thanks. May God bless you abundantly in your ministry.

M. W., Australia

 

Testimony 54

I had a lot of pressure, as a pastor’s kid, to conform and be “good.” I was good at being “good.” I thought my life was going along well until it all started falling apart and I could not figure out why! In my search for “why is this happening to me, God?” I came across your book, “Could it be this Simple,” and God started revealing to me the many distortions I held about His character, His principles, and how He has designed His universe to operate. I remember thinking, “Wow, I have had this all backwards.” I was happy and angry all at the same time. Happy to have the light of truth break through the darkness, revealing a wonderful, beautiful way of understanding God and His plan for His children, and angry, because I felt deceived and cheated by the church, my family, and myself!

My heart thrills when I listen to your bible study lessons. Literally I have gone from death to life. It is a journey I look forward to every day, as God reveals areas this distortion affects. Praise GOD! I will ever be grateful to God for this ministry and your cooperation with the Spirit!

Karen S., Portal, AZ, USA

 

Testimony 31

It was very touching to hear the testimony of your class share how viewing God’s true character has changed their lives. My feelings are the same – there is so much freedom in knowing that God LOVES me – regardless of my… just, REGARDLESS! I’m still blown away by the true gospel, the fact that God is not ready to strike us when we fail. He is not arbitrary. He simply loves us and warns of the natural consequences because He can’t stand to see us suffer. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS GOD!!!

Ceil V.,  UT, USA

 

Testimony 2

I continue to enjoy your lessons every week. The more that I research your conclusions, the more I am convinced that the Holy Spirit has lead you to distill out the essence of human redemption. Thank you for your courageous stand for the truth.

S. G., TX, USA

 

Testimony 4

I’m a youth leader in South Africa. We as a youth group are currently using a lot of the material on the Come and Reason site. Since we’ve started using the material, our youth group has grown.

R. V. N., South Africa

 

Testimony 38

Since November 2015, when I started studying Gods word from this God Is Love point of view, my life has been transformed. My troubled marriage of 15 years has been healed and my husband and I are truly happy for the first time in 15 years. Now When I read the word of God I understand it so much better and I can’t help but see Gods love radiating through the pages to humanity. Gods word is living and active and I am blessed beyond measure to be having this amazing experience. God has given me a beautiful understanding of Jn 3:16 that amazes me more and more each day. Thank you again for your ministry.

Helen D., London, England

 

Testimony 26

Your teachings about our heavenly Father have changed my life. Thank you sooooooo very very much! I know He’s doing some serious healing in my heart and life and I look forward to each new day to learn something new about Him and to just hear you speak about Him. Thank you, forever.

Nancy S.

 

Testimony 65

I have been tuning into your weekly study classes for a while now and wanted express my appreciation for the teachings that ha been a huge blessing in opening up the true message of the word. Viewing scripture under an imposed law theory always, without fail, raised more questions, concerns, and conflicting scripture interpretations that were discouraging at the very least. Looking at scripture through the design law lens has brought more truth to light for me personally and an understanding of our Heavenly Father that places Him “above all others,” where I am now more than thrilled to witness and serve Him.  I “stumbled” across this ministry a year or so ago and would only watch a few minutes at a time. But the more I listened and the longer I paid attention, the more my spiritual eyes were opened to the ever present truths of scripture. The comprehension of the great controversy and it’s origin by the lies perpetrated and perpetuated throughout the Bible on the attack of God’s character and government is truly priceless. Keep up the Good Work! Your servanthood is desperately needed in such a time as this!

Jeff D., Reading, MA, USA

 

Testimony 27

Your teachings about our heavenly Father have changed my life. Thank you sooooooo very very much! I know He’s doing some serious healing in my heart and life and I look forward to each new day to learn something new about Him and to just hear you speak about Him. Thank you, forever.

Nancy S.

 

Testimony 37

Hearing Dr. Jennings’ presentations in person came at a pivotal moment in my spiritual journey that began about nine months ago, when the fault lines inherent in my belief system began to crack under questions that most reasonable people end up asking about God and His nature. These were questions I couldn’t find answers to, and they shook my faith. I was unable let it go any longer and be satisfied. My Christian experience became distant. I was afraid; the fear in me rose like thorns, pushing me away from Jesus. And then someone heard my questions and introduced me to this ministry, and my life has totally changed.

I can tell you that this new, “present truth” message is far grander and life-changing than when I shifted from being an agnostic and then a nominal Christian. It has radically altered my worldview, because it reveals a God that makes sense. It is a revolution. I believe that Dr. Jennings’ message is the final message that must go to the world. If any message could be called “righteousness by faith,” as abused as that term is by the right and the left, this is that message, because Jennings’ biblical message identifies a God who is different, whose character isn’t an impossible contradiction.

I walk this path now without fear. I see people differently, and the Holy Spirit burns in my heart. Many call Dr. Jennings’ message false and compromising, but it isn’t false, because I’ve seen the fruits within my mind and body. It is not compromising, because in this message is the only road to holiness that makes any sense. No longer do I behold a pagan god who is always angry and suspicious. Instead, I behold a God who is freeing and loving, always working for our good, and giving me every reason to love my enemy even to my own death, just as Jesus pleads with us. God is good.

Anthony L., CA, USA

 

Testimony 13

I borrowed “Healing The Mind” DVDs from a friend and showed them at my home for a small gathering of women friends. Neither of my friends are Adventist, but they both enjoyed and embraced the messages you taught. In fact, one of the ladies prayed out loud in our group and that was the first time she had ever had public prayer.

J.B. ,Dalles, OR, USA