Redefining Male and Female

New York City is considering a proposal that will allow a person to alter the sex listed on their birth certificate. No sex change operation is required - just some sort of proof that the person has acted like or lived as the opposite sex for at least 2 years.

Such an easy sex change has certain practical implications such as which bathroom will an employer allow "it" to use at work. Or a boy, if he thinks quickly on his feet, will act like a girl for a couple of years and conveniently change sexes just before being required to sign up for Selective Service.

Of course the whole process is designed to make it easier for two males or two females to marry since their birth certificates will indicate that they are male and female, a marriage allowed by New York law. If this proposal becomes law there will probably be the usual outrage expressed by those in the religious community, but I want to suggest that many "Christians" are guilty of similar redefinition.

The Scriptures clearly teach in 1 Corinthians 14:34 "Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says." You see, this passage is as clear as the passages that teach us that homosexuality is "not permitted." Yet many of our religious friends want to redefine the role of women not only to allow them to speak but even to preach rather than to "keep silent in the churches" as Paul commands (see verse 37).

The Scriptures clearly place qualifications upon the role of the bishop (pastor, elder, presbyter). "A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence..." (1 Timothy 3:2-4). Yet many of our religious friends want to redefine the role of the bishop, saying it really isn't necessary that the bishop be a married and a male ("husband of one wife") and they appoint unmarried men who have no children ("having his children in submission"). After all, Paul said the bishop "must be" these things (verse 2).

If Christians are going to insist that people must live according to God's teachings in regard to homosexuality and sex changes (and we should), then it is absolutely necessary that we live consistent lives and not take liberty with the Scriptures and presumptuously redefine roles when it is convenient to our own wishes and desires. Submission to God's will is the duty of all men - to those who want to reject His will regarding sexuality AND even to those who call themselves by Christ's name.