God’s Distinction: “male and female He created them.” Because of the systematic working of error in our culture, we have to talk about things we thought we would never have to bring up. I had no idea in my earlier years I would be addressing this peculiarity of our culture: the blending and blurring of gender differences! That distinction God built into nature is today denied, re-defined and perverted, to accommodate the culture (and ultimately, the perverse desires of individuals serving their own lusts). This is where we are in the culture of the 2000’s.

Sometimes we become aware of men who want to be women, and women who want to be men! There is such a powerful movement, rushing and running away from traditional “gender stereotypes” and roles. According to some who are given their voice by the media, it is no longer good to let the little girls play with dolls and let the little boys have trucks and learn to throw a ball. There is an agenda (subtle in some cases, but bold in others) and the purpose is to deny, confuse and blend the sexes.

Before the Bible is ever opened, the uniqueness of male and female is evidenced in nature. Men and women are different, and that is objectively discernable. Once you get away from the “softer sciences,” the evidence joins Biblical truth to confirm the obvious. There are differences in metabolism rate; in skeletal structure; in the circulatory system and certainly in the reproductive system. Forensic scientists can detect the differences between male and female years after the body and spirit have parted! In addition to biological differences, there are social, emotional and psychological differences – about which there was no debate, before the current gender neutral movement (sometimes called “unisex.”). {For an excellent study of these issues, see Florida College Annual Lectures, 1995 – In His Image: Male and Female In Nature, by Wayne T. Galloway, p.#151}.

Biblically, here is the case: “And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” God created man, in His own image, and the distinction is God’s: male and female. Sexual differentiation was not a result of social evolution; it was explicit in divine creation. The suitable partner for man was a woman (Gen. 2:18)!

Romans chapter one is describing the behaviors of a people who have forsaken God. This has always been the context of Romans 1 (long before current discussions that confuse the genders).

“For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.” (Rom. 1:26,27).

Paul uses the terms “natural” and “unnatural,” reflecting what is explicitly written in Genesis 1:27 – male and female. When men or women choose to ignore the gender distinction God ordained, they go against God, against nature, corrupt themselves, produce victims, contribute to the decay of their society and work against the purposes of Almighty God. And every work against the purposes of God will be defeated.

“We ought not fear the differences between men and women, rather we should fear a loss of that distinction. Does not nature itself teach us that men and women are different? And in agreement with these natural differences and building on them, the Scriptures clearly teach the proper role for men and women. These innate differences and these traditional gender roles have been so fundamental to mankind’s progress and happiness that we may have taken for granted their importance. But if we lose these distinctions it will be painfully clear how important they are.” (Thaxter Dickey, “Male and Female Created He Them” in the book, “A Tribute To Melvin Curry,” p.#87).

Conclusion:

The book of Genesis must continue to inform our faith. Do not be intimidated by any modern efforts to confuse or merge human science with divine revelation. In these early chapters of Genesis, there is truth given in simple terms, for us to digest and act upon today. If you think you have “grown” beyond the book of Genesis, you have deceived yourself and you have confused growth with apostasy.

Helpful Resources:

“In His Image,” The Implications of Creation; FC Annual Lectures, 1995.

“A Tribute To Melvin Curry,” see page #71: “Male and Female Created He Them” by Thaxter Dickey