“So, the argument I make is let’s try to be ambassadors of the kingdom of God around issues of sexuality and gender. And so, ambassadorship should be characterized by these 3 c’s: it’s conviction, it’s civility, and it’s compassion.” – Dr. Mark Yarhouse.
Mark Yarhouse, Psy.D., is the Dr. Arthur P. and Mrs. Jean May Rech Chair in Psychology at Wheaton College. Dr. Yarhouse has spent several years promoting dialogue between people who view the topic of sexual identity differently.
During this episode, Dr. Yarhouse dives into the complex and often misunderstood topic of gender dysphoria and how parents can navigate these conversations with their children. He emphasizes the importance of the “3 C’s”—conviction, civility, and compassion—when addressing issues of gender and sexuality from a Christian perspective. Additionally, he discusses the valuable resources available through the Gender Identity Institute at Wheaton College, aimed at supporting families dealing with these challenges.
Key Takeaways:
- Importance of addressing misinformation about gender identity.
- The 3 C’s: conviction, civility, and compassion.
- Culture warrior and cultural capitulation models.
- Ambassadorship as an alternative model.
- The importance of respectful dialogue with those holding different views.
- Equating approach towards gender dysphoria with approaches to other beliefs (e.g., atheism, alcoholism).
- Difference between chapter-and-verse Christians and those who follow broad themes from scripture.
- Parental support strategies for kids suffering from gender dysphoria:
- Reducing fear and anxiety.
- Developing a Christian understanding of sexuality and gender.
- Seeking professional help if needed.
- Resources and services provided by the Gender Identity Institute of Wheaton College.
- The importance of having open conversations about gender from a young age.
- Potential causes of gender dysphoria and the most popular theory: intersex condition of the brain.
- Validation of the experiences of individuals with gender dysphoria.
- Differentiating between genuine gender dysphoria and cultural trends.
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