“God created Adam in his image, in the image of God he created him, male and female he created them” (Gen 1:27). This opening statement concerning the creation of the human being sets the pattern for all that follows in the Scripture. What the Scriptures have to say subsequently is infrequent and concentrated on the phenomenon of homosexuality, although transvestism also is mentioned. This concentration does not leave a vacuum: the various issues surrounding gender identity for Christians are centered on the opening words of Genesis. Homosexual practice is to be regarded theologically as one expression of a broader phenomenon. What, then, does the Bible really have to say about homosexuality and why does it say what it says? What do Moses, Jesus and Paul have to say on this issue? Why are they silent where they are silent? We especially will reflect our identity as man or woman given to us by God the Creator, and its relationship to the new identity given to us by God in Christ. In listening to the biblical text we learn much about how we are to deal with the issues of gender identity and homosexuality as Christians and as churches. How are we to respond to neighbors, coworkers, and family members who wrestle with these questions? What responsibilities do we bear as churches? We will consider the challenges that the message of Scripture sets before us as Christians concerning this issue.
Dr. Mark Seifrid is one of the featured speakers for the upcoming Theological Conference Let’s Talk Male and Female, to take place February 11, 2017 at Our Savior, Lansing. For more information, or to register, click here.
