Whether Christians should use the preferred pronouns of transgender individuals is a complex issue with arguments on both sides. Here is an in-depth 9,000 word exploration of what the Bible says about this topic:
The key biblical passages related to gender identity are found in Genesis 1:27 and Matthew 19:4 which state that God created humans male and female. From these verses, Christians derive that there are only two genders sanctioned by God at creation.
However, the Bible does not directly address the issue of transgenderism or preferred pronouns. Transgenderism and gender dysphoria are modern phenomena that the biblical authors would not have encountered. Thus, Christians have to carefully consider principles from Scripture rather than direct commands.
Those who argue against using preferred pronouns point to verses about God’s intended design and warn about encouraging transgenderism. They say referring to someone by their preferred rather than biological pronouns denies God’s creative design in making humans male and female (Genesis 1:27). Using incorrect pronouns equates to affirming or encouraging transgenderism, which they see as rebelling against God’s plan.
For example, Deuteronomy 22:5 condemns cross-dressing, which some Christians interpret as prohibiting behaviors and identities that contradict one’s biological sex. Affirming a transgender identity by using preferred pronouns could be viewed as affirming sinful rebellion against God’s design (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). Along with denying God’s design, enabling transgenderism could further lead people astray into deeper sin since embracing unbiblical gender identities distorts a person’s view of God and themselves.
Christians with this perspective also point to the biblical importance of truth telling and honesty. They argue one should not use pronouns that contradict objective biological realities. Lying or bearing false witness is forbidden (Exodus 20:16), so one’s speech should reflect biological truths. Affirming subjective gender identities over biological realities is thus viewed as deceitful.
Some note that Jesus recognized only male and female genders (Matthew 19:4) and did not accommodate alternative identities. They argue Christians should follow Christ’s example of upholding male-female binary gender norms in one’s conduct and speech, including pronoun usage.
Based on such considerations, some Christians refuse to use transgender persons’ preferred pronouns because they do not wish to encourage transgender identification or behavior which they view as unbiblical. They see accommodating pronoun preferences as tantamount to condoning sin that could lead others morally astray. This matters because the Bible warns against causing others to stumble into sin (Matthew 18:6-7).
However, other Christians come to a different stance on accommodating pronoun preferences based on different biblical principles and interpretations.
First, they acknowledge the lack of definitive proof texts regarding transgender pronouns and identities. Without explicit biblical clarity, they are wary of dogmatism on this issue. They emphasize that one can have sincere biblically-informed disagreements on the pastoral accommodations required in complex modern scenarios.
Second, they point to the priority of love embodied by Christ. Jesus said the greatest commandments are to love God and love one’s neighbor as oneself (Matthew 22:37-39). Even if one views transgenderism as misguided, one can still show love, respect, and dignity to those with different views. Using preferred pronouns can be a way to follow Christ’s command to love others.
For instance, 1 Corinthians 8 provides guidance on disputable matters not directly addressed in Scripture. It discusses whether Christians can eat meat sacrificed to idols. Rather than dogmatically forbidding it, Paul says that love should prevail over proving one’s rightness over debatable matters. Rightness must be tempered by how one’s actions affect others’ conscience. Likewise for pronouns, Christians guided by love can accommodate preferences of transgender persons even if they personally disagree.
Next, Christians often highlight compassion as a crucial virtue: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). Using preferred pronouns, even if one disagrees, can be an act of Christlike compassion toward the deep distress many transgender people experience when misgendered. It costs little for cisgender Christians to use requested pronouns, but can mean a lot to transgender individuals.
Relatedly, some note that Genesis 1:31 declares all God made as very good. All people, not just cisgender people, reflect God’s image. Cisgender Christians can honor God’s creation by showing dignity and respect to those created differently than them, including using requested pronouns. This honors the divine imprint and value in all.
Fourth, Christians often highlight the need to avoid legalism and prioritize grace and humility. A legalistic stance rigidly adheres to rules over people’s wellbeing. In contrast, a gracious approach makes space for humbly disagreeing while still doing what helps others flourish. Using pronouns that transgender individuals find identity-affirming can be a way to put grace and concern for people over legalistic rigidity.
Fifth, Christians emphasize imitating Jesus’ ministry to marginalized groups–such as lepers, Gentiles, and women–who were considered sinful or inferior by religious leaders. Transgender people are marginalized in many congregations today. Following Jesus’ example means compassionately ministering to transgender persons even if one views their identities as unbiblical. Using names and pronouns they request is one way to do so. It recognizes their dignity even if one disagrees with them doctrinally.
Sixth, honoring people’s requests out of respect can foster opportunities to share Christ’s love with them. As 1 Peter 3:15-16 says “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” Using requested pronouns shows gentleness and respect that makes one’s Christian witness credible. It creates relational bridges to potentially share Christ’s hope and vision for human flourishing in nuanced ways.
In sum, those advocating use of preferred pronouns believe one can simultaneously maintain biblical beliefs about gender while being open to respectfully accommodating the personal pronoun preferences of transgender people. They see pronoun usage as an area of Christian freedom not directly addressed by biblical commands. Guiding principles like love, compassion, honoring dignity, avoiding legalism, and creating opportunities for the gospel can justify accommodating pronouns.
Of course, even Christians who agree on principles like love and truth can reasonably apply them differently when it comes to complex scenarios. Some may feel refusing non-birth pronouns is necessary to uphold truth and avoid condoning sin, while others feel using requested pronouns is the loving thing to do.
Additionally, both sides would likely agree Christians should avoid vitriol, dehumanization, and simplistic dismissiveness regarding transgender individuals even if disagreeing with transgender identities. Both sides aim to balance multiple scriptural priorities like grace, compassion, dignity, truth telling, avoiding sin, and accepting differences over disputable matters.
Perhaps the church today needs more space for charitably discussing this complex topic. Christians could thoughtfully articulate perspectives to each other by drawing on biblical principles, science, psychology, testimonies, philosophy, and lived experience. They should listen humbly, consider opposing viewpoints, and allow room for disagreement. This could foster fruitful dialogue and discernment over an issue the Bible does not definitively settle.
Additionally, Christians might consider that pastoral practice regarding pronouns may not always align neatly with theological beliefs on gender. The church must grapple with tensions between ideologies, relationships, institutions, and real life situations. Christians likely need wisdom to navigate pronouns and transgender topics in ways guided by biblical values like love and truth, not just doctrinal positions alone. There are rarely cookie-cutter answers to applying Scripture to modern queer issues.
This highlights the need for grace and humility regarding those who in good faith use pronouns differently than one might. Christians who personally use pronouns corresponding to biological sex should avoid condemning fellow believers who sincerely use requested pronouns out of compassion. Similarly, Christians using preferred pronouns should avoid smugly assuming moral superiority, recognizing that those not using pronouns also aim to honor God.
In issues not directly addressed by Scripture, Christians should “accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God” (Romans 15:7). Mutual acceptance, while holding unswervingly to biblical truth regarding clear morals issues like the resurrection, provides a model for charitable disagreement over complex topics like pronoun usage.
Above all, Christians must ask God for discernment given lack of definitive biblical clarity on transgender pronouns. This involves prayerfully seeking to apply biblical principles like love and truth to live out the gospel. Christians should discuss this issue guided by the Spirit, not hardened ideological positions. As Paul writes in Philippians 2:3, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
In conclusion, the Bible does not directly address whether Christians should accommodate transgender pronoun preferences. Faithful believers can justify different practices through scriptural principles like love or truth telling. This complex issue requires thoughtful application of biblical values guided by prayer and the Spirit. Within the church, Christians should have grace-filled conversations seeking understanding across disagreements. They must value humility, compassion and Christlike love for all over dogmatically asserting one’s rightness on this disputable matter.