How Do We Respond to Pro/Nouns?

Before I dive headfirst into this blog post, it's important to preface that the Bible doesn't explicitly address pronouns. Pronouns have always existed; your middle school English class should have taught you that. However, the usage of pronouns as labels and titles didn't become a prominent discussion until more recently.

For me, my first exposure to the idea of pronouns came during my sophomore year of high school in 2019. In 2020, I was asked to fill out a form indicating my pronouns in my choir class. As someone who was closeted and identified with the LGBT community at the time, I admired the inclusivity. It affirmed the idea that what I think of myself may not align with what the world thinks.

Times have changed, and I've changed drastically along with them. Instagram bios, LinkedIn profiles, and emails are now frequently adorned with one’s pronouns. As Christians, how should we respond to this shift? Is the use of pronouns consistent with biblical teachings?

As someone who formerly place their identity in their same-sex attraction, but now has been born again, I believe I can offer some insights into how we, as Christians, should navigate these conversations about gender identity in today's world.

Should Christians use pronouns?

To be honest, I find that question rather challenging. The way it's framed seems overly polarized, implying that the answer must be a simple 'Yes' or 'No.' In the world we live in today, we've seen numerous issues arise from such a two-tiered system, where people are unwilling to engage in meaningful conversations with those who hold opposing views.

Instead, I'd like to rephrase the question. If you identify as a Christian, it's natural to seek answers in the Bible and turn to the Lord in prayer. Therefore, let's approach it this way:

Would Jesus have used pronouns if He were on Earth today?

The short answer: No.

The long answer: Maybe. Maybe not.

Now, before you send me an email or respond harshly in the comments, let's take a moment to reflect on what Jesus came to accomplish during His time on Earth:

Jesus arrived on Earth, taking the form of a human boy while remaining fully God and fully man. He lived a life without sin and ultimately offered humanity a way to find redemption from sin. This redemption was available to those who believed in Jesus, turned away from their sinful ways, and wholeheartedly followed Him.

As Jesus began His ministry, which began roughly 30 years into His earthly life, He gathered His disciples and started spreading the gospel beyond His hometown of Nazareth. The ministry was characterized by remarkable acts of goodness:

He exemplified God's unconditional love to people.

He demonstrated God's grace and mercy.

He treated people with dignity and respect.

He revealed Himself as the Son of God.

He openly declared Himself as the Son of God.

He illuminated the path toward holiness for all to see.

Now, let's return to the question of this post: Would Jesus have used pronouns?

Forgive me if you disagree, but my belief is that He would not have. The reason I hold this view is because using pronouns implies a tolerance and acceptance of a broad spectrum of gender identities. At first glance, tolerance and acceptance may not appear negative; in fact, they might seem like potential solutions to many of the world's issues. But as Christians, embracing tolerance and acceptance is akin to standing near the edge of a cliff without warning people about the abyss on the other side.

Tolerance and acceptance can be spiritually lethal. I'm referring to a kind of death that's eternal. True Christians believe in the existence of only one path to heaven, but there are thousands of paths that lead to eternal damnation. Are our actions inadvertently suggesting otherwise?

As I mentioned earlier, the Bible doesn't explicitly mention pronouns, but it provides examples of Jesus demonstrating unconditional love, grace, and mercy.

If we turn to the Gospel of Luke, specifically in Luke 8, we find two stories illustrating Jesus's unconditional love for individuals who were outcasts in society. In the first story, beginning in verse 26, we encounter a man who was possessed by demons and had been cast out to live among the dead in caves and graveyards. He was completely ostracized from society, and demonic forces controlled him. However, Jesus arrived in this village with His disciples, and everything changed for the man. Jesus rebuked and cast out the evil spirits, clothing the man and restoring his dignity and worth. The man responded by willingly dedicating his life to follow the Lord wholeheartedly. Instead of casting him away, tolerating him, or justifying his behavior, Jesus spoke life and truth into the man. Through that truth, the man found freedom and eternal life. Jesus's actions saved and restored this man's life.

In the next story, beginning in verse 40, Jesus is on His way to heal the daughter of a temple official. Along the way, a woman who had suffered from 12 years of bleeding touched Jesus's clothes and was miraculously healed. She risked her life in her act of faith. Jesus turned to this woman, who had been considered "unclean" and outcast for 12 years, and told her that her faith had made her well. Jesus didn't have to heal her; many people were bumping into Him as He made His way to perform another miracle. However, her deliberate touch filled with faith resulted in her healing. She believed that Jesus would restore her body and, with it, her identity.

In both stories, Jesus engaged with those who were marginalized by society, demonstrating unconditional love, clothing them (both physically and figuratively), and restoring their dignity as children of God.

So...Would Jesus have used pronouns?

Jesus would not have used labels to define people by their sin. He wouldn't refer to an alcoholic as an "alcoholic" but as His child who struggles with alcohol. He wouldn't label a porn addict as such, but rather as His child who grapples with their sexual nature. He wouldn't categorize those in the LGBT community by their pronouns but as His children navigating questions of gender identity.

How loving is it that Jesus came to Earth and shared the truth with us? How loving is it that we have a Bible where we can find answers to modern-day problems? Jesus loved us so deeply that He didn't concern Himself with how we would react to Him. Even when we hated Him, He loved us more. He was willing to lay down His life for us, to pay the price for our sins. However, as His followers, are we willing to do the same for others?

Are we willing to demonstrate Jesus' unconditional love?

Are we willing to extend Jesus' grace and mercy?

Are we willing to show others the dignity and respect that Jesus showed?

Are we willing to proclaim that Jesus is the Son of God?

Are we willing to declare that Jesus is the only path to heaven?

Now, It's Your Turn to Decide.

So, I leave the question of whether Jesus would use pronouns up to you. If you believe He would, then continue to use them! But use them in a way that allows you to speak truth into the lives of His creation. Don't use pronouns merely to show tolerance or acceptance, but as a form of unconditional love. However, remember that people will not enter heaven unless they identify as children of God and believe He died for their sins. If we truly believe that Jesus died for our sins, why would we need to identify with anything other than being a child of God?

Conversely, if you believe Jesus would not use pronouns, then refrain from using them! But in not using them, ensure that you are still lovingly sharing the truth. Jesus did not condemn the demon-possessed man, nor did He cast out the bleeding woman. When not using someone's preferred pronouns, be careful not to inadvertently cast people out of the kingdom of God. Jesus engaged with the outcasts. He preached to them. Ultimately, Jesus left a seat at the table, not for "the outcasts," but for His sons and daughters. They were never outcasts in His loving eyes; they were simply lost children.

Are you willing to seek after the lost?

How Do We Respond?

We Respond With Truth and Love

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