In this conversation, Bridget Ruth and Stan Wallace explore the complex issues surrounding gender and sexuality from a Christian perspective. They discuss the definitions of key terms such as transgenderism, gender identity, and gender dysphoria, and emphasize the importance of a biblical understanding of gender. The conversation also delves into the cultural evolution of gender ideology, the arguments for pro-trans theology, and practical guidance for students and churches in navigating these discussions. Ultimately, they highlight the significance of the gospel in providing a hopeful vision for identity and human flourishing.

Takeaways

• Bridget Ruth has a personal story that informs her understanding of sexuality.
• Transgenderism is defined as the belief that biological sex is independent of gender identity.
• Key terms in the conversation include biological sex, gender identity, and gender dysphoria.
• A biblical anthropology is foundational for understanding sex and gender from a Christian perspective.
• Genesis provides the origin story for male and female creation, which is crucial for Christians.
• Cultural shifts have influenced the understanding of gender and sexuality within the church.
• Pro-trans theology argues for compatibility with scripture, but this is contested by traditional interpretations.
• Practical guidance is needed for students navigating gender issues on campus.
• The gospel offers a better vision of identity and flourishing than cultural narratives.
• Engaging with these topics requires love, respect, and a commitment to truth.
• Preparing Students for Gender Discussions on Campus

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to the Conversation on Gender and Sexuality
• 03:02 Understanding Transgenderism and Key Terms
• 06:01 Biblical Anthropology and the Foundation of Gender
• 12:02 Cultural Context and the Evolution of Gender Ideology
• 21:56 Pro-Trans Theology and Its Arguments
• 30:11 Practical Guidance for Students and Churches
• 47:02 Navigating Gender Dysphoria and Christian Identity

Resources mentioned during our conversation:

• Bridget Ruth’s website
• Carl R. Trueman, The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution
• William J. Webb, Slaves, Women & Homosexuals: Exploring the Hermeneutics of Cultural Analysis
• Stan W. Wallace, “Finding Common Ground in the LGBTQ+ Conversation”
• Robert S. Smith, The Body God Gives: A Biblical Response to Transgender Theory
• Abigail Favale, The Genesis of Gender: A Christian Theory
• Nancy R. Pearcey, Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions About Life and Sexuality
• Institute of Biblical Sexuality
• Walt Heyer, Sex Change Regret website
• Linda A. Seiler, Trans-Formation: A Former Transgender Responds to LGBTQ
• Transformed, Linda Seiler, PhD’s website

Many are leaving the faith today, or not considering it in the first place, not always because they don’t believe it is true, but because they don’t believe it is good or beautiful. My guest in this episode wants to change this. Dr. Paul Gould has written Cultural Apologetics: Renewing the Christian Voice, Conscience, and Imagination in a Disenchanted World and A Primer on Cultural Apologetics: Conversations on Faith and Flourishing in a Disenchanted World to help others understand that the biblical worldview connects with the deepest longings of the human heart in our search for all that is truly good, valuable, and beautiful.

In this podcast we discuss:

• What “cultural apologetics” is
• Why apologetics is sometimes frowned upon in some circles, and what the corrective is
• How we flourish when we again see the world as “enchanted” by God’s presence
• How our longings can point us toward the God who can satisfy them
• The importance of imagination and desire in our quest for the Good, True, and Beautiful, and ultimately God
• How students can practice cultural apologetics on campus
• Errors Christians tend to make when engaging culture
• How technology, including AI, is increasingly having negative impacts on younger generations (as well as positive aspects)

Resources mentioned during our conversation:

• C.S. Lewis, “Talking about Bicycles” in his Present Concerns: Journalistic Essays (pp. 83-90)
• Peter Kreft, Back to Virtue: The Traditional Moral Wisdom for Modern Moral Confusion
• Alasdair MacIntyre, After Virtue
• Jonathan Haidt, The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness
• Paul-Gould.com
• The Two Task Institutes
• The Eudo podcast