How do I talk to my kids about Caitlyn Jenner?

How do I talk to my kids about Caitlyn Jenner? 

Several have asked me about my reaction to Bruce Jenner’s revelation of his transgender identity he calls “Caitlyn.” Parents want to know how to talk to there kids about this issue.

To be honest, I unfortunately vacillate between anger and compassion. I wish I was continually anchored in the gospel compassion camp. But I feel like the 1 year old that is being forcibly made to eat his vegetables. The reaction of a child being force fed vegetables is often projectile spitting, if not vomiting.

To the surprise of many of my peers, at first I was inclined to group gender identity confusion issues into the company of the unexplainable physiological abnormalities of the hermaphrodites or intersexed. These issues are similar because the biblical data is insufficient concerning both issues, to express a simple biblical outlook.

Nevertheless, the culture is all-over-the-place on the issue of gender confusion. Further, compounding the confusion, the issue has been adopted and exploited by the shrewd and powerful LBGTQ political agenda. The controlling LBGTQ political agenda continues to declare the narrative – regardless of the biblical data – attack those who disagree with shouts of bigotry and bias. It is difficult to know how to respond in a Christ-like manner.

The table below is a demonstration of the various responses (both right and wrong) to the gender confusion issue and my reaction to each. The middle column is the reaction to which I aspire.

 

VIEW PERSPECTIVE:	This is view that demonstrates acceptance of transsexual identity.	This is view that demonstrates compassion for transsexual identity.	This is view that demonstrates anger for transsexual identity.
DESCRIPTORS:	Existential theology / Syncretism	Gospel theology / Compassion	Law-focused theology / Legalism
ARTICLE WRITER:	This blog was written by Josh(ua) Cobia. He is a Worship Worship Leader & Pastor. He recounts his involvement with the Jenner/Kardashian family in a church plant early in his ministry.	This blog was written by Jon Bloom. He is the president of Desiring God. This perspective is perhaps the best depiction of the Gospel point of view. This is the point of view that should direct my thoughts, actions, and reactions.	This blog was written by Matt Walsh. He describes Himself as a blogger, writer, speaker, and professional truth sayer. This perspective, while logical and full of truthfulness, is also full of anger and sarcasm.
LINK TO BLOG:	I Went to Church with Bruce Jenner and Here’s What Caitlyn Taught Me About Jesus.	How Should We Respond to Caitlyn Jenner?	Calling Bruce Jenner a Woman Is an Insult to Women
MY REACTION TO THIS BLOG:	As I read this blog I was moved with compassion as I began to considered the untold amount of damage that had been done to the Jenner/Kardashian family because of the intrusion of reality television and subsequent fame. I also felt the judgment that I typically feel when I know that I am not able to accept behaviors that are not acceptable in scripture.	As I read this blog I was filled with hope because I was reminded that the issue is not an us against them issue. The Gospel of Jesus Christ reminds us that there is no “them.” The Gospel reminds us that we that all have sinful hearts and all struggle with a wide variety of sexual issues (impure thoughts, adultery, pornography, homosexuality, gender identity, etc.). I was reminded that the right reaction to every sinful soul is compassion. Further every disciple of Jesus shares the responsibility to testify of God’s redemption through Jesus Christ for those who believe.	As I read this blog I must admit that I was first filled with nearsighted vindication. Matt Walsh was able to articulate all the frustrations I was feeling. It felt good to hear a voice that expressed my concerns. However, my righteous indignation was short-lived. I also felt some personal disgrace. For me to ignore my own faultiness and focus on the shame of others is neither grace-focused nor Gospel-driven. How can I be the thankful recipient of grace and yet refuse to extend grace?

May we be receivers and givers of the unsearchable riches of God’s grace. May we be partakers in God’s promise of Christ Jesus through the Gospel . May this be our eternal purpose (Ephesians 3:6-11).

Dr. Phil Sallee, Pastor
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