I take my leave of the United States today for a long time and am not sure when, exactly I will be back. Hence, my thoughts turn to reflect on this land I love that I am nonetheless leaving.
I am often asked, what is going on in America? Especially, the enquirers mean, in regard to the degradation of the gender binary in our time. In response, I recommend placing ourselves in God’s narrative. Then the Author of the story can illuminate our understanding, calm our hearts, ground us in His peace. We cause ourselves great consternation when we fail to relate current events (or our current problems) to what God is doing.
My departure marks the end of this phase of effort to help people build a theology of gender. I have finished the last few years of touring around, speaking and counseling and writing about how to ground this essential of our identities. Those interested who yet missed it can find the seminar I developed online in Bucks County Faith Presbyterian Church’s excellent recording of the full eight part Gift of Gender Series (2022), or in an abbreviated form at Brandywine Valley Baptist Church’s Gender & Sexuality Forum (2022). On this, of course, the books and sermons (check Series: Gender Matters) elaborate.
But I do not exit ungratefully, without a parting gift to this fertile soil of experiment from which I sprung. I had the opportunity, this year, to bequeath to my beloved nation a diagnosis in the words of Romans 1, a treatment in the working of Christ’s gracious kingship over our world. Here is a link to My Message to America, which is not only to America but to the American Church along with advice on how to respond. (I gave an earlier version of the message last year, out West in California, though for some reason I left off the ending. The message actually grew out of a summarizing post I did a few years ago.)
The message invites one to think of our cultural situation in a particular way, in a way that, if one is a Christian, helps to align oneself with Jesus Christ’s stated purposes in what is going on. What do you think?
And with this I utter, Farewell, my dear America. I pray that your greatness be not so soon overshadowed by the dark surrender to a secular age. May you consider carefully your ways while I am gone.
This American shall sorely miss our visits on this page, and the inspired author behind them.
I pray blessings over your new journey and the land you will now make home . I affirm the calling to follow the Creator of gender where He calls.
May this new chapter be full of His truth and blessings!
Thank you for shaping our American culture.
Thank you very much, Michelle. I will try to remain American while turning into a Scot!
May I ask where you are going and to what end? Does this mean no more posts?
Hi Chris. Certainly. I have now arrived in Scotland to study at the University of Edinburgh. I am doing a PhD under Dr. James Eglington here. My research questions is: How does Herman Banvinck (the great 20th century Dutch theologian) use human gendered relationship in his trinitarian theology and neo-Calvinist application? More posts? Well, I have little idea what my life will be like now so we’ll have to see. Thank you for following these posts.
The home team here will miss you. May the Lord bless you and your family in your time away.
Thanks, Ted. Keep the fire burning.
We need your thoughts more than ever, dear Sam! Thought of you so many times these last 2 weeks since the Charlie Kirk assassination and would love to know your reflections since it is so relevant to the gender confusion discussion. I do hope you will share them here when you have a chance to do so. You are missed and loved.
The Wang family
Thank you, Sarah! I will make some time to write on that in the next few days.
I have known of you for a little time but your impact on my life has been great. God placed “Across the Kitchen Table” in my hands prior to an invitation to share with the church what I have come to know walking alongside families of trans-identified children for the past ten years. It provided a perfect outline and remains a great resource. Thank you for your faithful service and writing! I have appreciated every post. Taking time to pray now for what God holds for you in the days ahead. May God continue to be your strength and portion forever.
Linda, it is wonderful to hear how the book has been helpful to someone of your experience and work. That was my hope in writing it. And I so appreciate your prayers for me. Mary K. and I are facing the funny challenges of being immigrants trying to set up life in a strange land. Sometimes the UK seems a bit daft to us. (And, no doubt, we to them.)
I appreciate so much your thoughtful, articulate and courageous voice! I’m saddened that you are leaving the USA, and am assuming you will be going to the UK because of the map image, right? We followers of Jesus both inside the USA and outside the USA are in desparate need of voices like yours, to articulate a robust, biblical theology of gender.
Yes, Steve, going to try to go deeper into a theology of gender. I appreciate your thoughts. –Sam