Discussion F

Sex and Gender Disorders 

This discussion has the potential to be one of the more controversial of all of them.  As such, be sure to be respectful in your discussion, even where disagreements occur. 

Traditionally, religious perspectives have identified same-sex behavior as sinful, and often even included certain aspects of temptation.  The medical and psychological fields previously identified such as a disorder, with previous editions of the DSM defining homosexuality as defiant.  In more recent years, the psychological community, and many even in the religious realm, have adopted such desires and behaviors as normal, thus removing the perspectives of sin and a disorder.  Yet, not all agree.  The matter can certainly be complex, and in recent years, the terminology seems to change every day with additional designations added to further label and identify individual’s sexual preferences, gender, thoughts, and behaviors.  Consider also that gender is not the same as sexuality, and there are malformations that make gender designations difficult (i.e. intersexed persons).   

After reading the information on what is currently considered abnormal in the areas of gender and sexuality, discuss what you believe should be considered a disorder and what should not be from a Christian world-view.  Be sure to include scriptures related to sexual sins as well as others that may be relevant to the discussion.