Book Review – Gender Ideology: What do Christians Need to Know? – Sharon James
Gender ideology, transgenderism, LGBT activism – these are terms that we hear so often at this present time and have really taken off over the last few years. As Christians living through these times it can be difficult to know how to respond when faced with these challenges and the ideologies of the ‘trans’ movement.
Sharon James’s book provides a background for Christians on this movement – she starts by helping to define the terms that are used today as these in themselves can be confusing and therefore it is important that the reader understands the definitions before continuing. Sharon James then goes on to described ‘gender theory’ – the core theme underpinning this movement and how language has been manipulated to suit the world’s needs and the reason being is that ‘ if you control the language, you control the debate’. Sharon James takes us through the history of gender theory and the most influential figures such as Freud, Hirschfield and Kinsey – this section was particularly enlightening as it shows how much of this theory came from child abuse and the deprivation of childhood innocence in the name of science. Following this has led to ‘the transgendering of children’ where the focus has been on manipulating the young minds of children to make them believe ‘they can be whoever they want to be’. Following this sad chapter Sharon James brings the focus back to God and His Creation – the fact that we have been created male and female and more importantly how the union of man and woman in marriage is the reflection of Christ and the Church which is weaved throughout the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. She discusses how acceptance of gender theory goes against the core teachings of the Bible and how as Christians we need to stand firm in this age. Finally, she provides 10 points for Christians in how to respond respectfully to this movement.
This book provides a good overview on a difficult and worrying topic – reading the origins of this theory was particularly eye-opening and shows how much of this has been founded on the depraved thoughts of mankind. Everything has been designed to focus on the individual – ‘what AM I, who AM I, what gender AM I, I can be whoever I want to be’ – Sharon James shows how so much of this has been built on emotion and feelings with very little scientific evidence to back up their claims. In 21st century medicine we are encouraged to support evidence-based practice and yet despite the lack of scientific evidence in gender theory, treatments such as puberty blocking treatment and surgery are allowed to occur with an exponential rise in referrals to the gender identity clinics. Sharon James reminds us that we are ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ (Psalm 139:14) and that to entertain this ideology is far from God’s word. Sharon James focuses heavily on the education of children and how the introduction of learning materials from the LGBT community have made their way into schools and the curriculum. It is so important we are aware of this topic and know how to respond if asked or even confronted about this topic, particularly for those with children in school.
This is a fairly brief book and provides the reader with a good background and starting point. Links and other book titles are provided for further reading and research for those that wish to read around the subject in more detail. Scripture references are from the ESV.
Gender Ideology: What Christians Need to Know? by Sharon James; Pages: 132; Published by Christian Focus Publications (November 2019) ISBN 9781527104815; Price £7.99 Obtainable online and from Christian Bookshops. Listed at Christian Bookshop Ossett (https://christianbookshopossett.co.uk/)
