Gender Ideology: What Do Christians Need to Know?

What is gender theory? Can people change sex or genders? What does the Bible have to say about these matters? These are questions that are becoming more and more prevalent in evangelical culture as the sexual revolution marches forward. For many, the ideas of gender, gender theory, gender dysphoria, and transgenderism can be confusing at best and faith- shattering at worst. Conference speaker and author Sharon James has delivered in Gender Ideology: What Do Christians Need to Know? a clear and concise guide for Christians attempting navigate the ever-changing waters of gender.

James’s goal in writing Gender Ideology is to “explain in simple terms what is going
on” (16). Basically, James understands that the always-changing definitions and theories within the realm of gender ideology have the potential to frustrate and confound Christians. Her goal in this book is to give Christians confidence “in the truth that we have been created male and female” (16).

James begins by giving a brief overview of the sexual revolution as it has unfolded around the globe, helpfully bringing the reader up to speed on some recent developments. The real gold of this book is found in chapter two, in which James presents ten frequently asked questions concerning gender, sex, identity, gender dysphoria, and more. The questions are some that many Christians are thinking about and James gives concise responses.

James then spends time defining “gender theory” and discusses its origins in secular— atheist even—psychoanalysis and extremist political theory. James then explains the biblical design regarding sexuality, complementarity, gender, and sex. To close the short volume, James outlines some dangerous trends in the “transgendering of children” and how Christians ought to respond to all of this, namely with respect and love, but firm in truth.

Sharon James has given us a short, accessible book that successfully answers some of today’s hardest questions. I would highly recommend this book to pastors who are attempting to build up a culture of biblical faithfulness in their churches while simultaneously confronting culture with Scripture. This book will also benefit college and university students who are being faced with these issues on a daily basis on campus. Lastly, I would highly recommend this title to Christians who have personally struggled with gender issues in their own lives. James’s passion for truth and keen biblical awareness will serve well those who might be confused about these tough topics.

Order the book here.