How Should We Respond to the Bathroom Controversies?

I never thought I'd title a blog post using toilet language, but such is the world we live in. With news swirling about Target stores allowing people to use whichever restroom fits their "gender identity" and President Obama's administration issuing a letter to all public schools requiring the same thing, we must think biblically.

First, we must remind ourselves that our God is on his throne. Early Christians lived in a world of confusion, sin, and a government which allowed all sorts of terrible things. We find ourselves in a similar situation. And the most important thing that is the same is that our God still reigns. Nations may rage against him but he is still building his kingdom. So, let's not lose hope. The power of the gospel transformed lives then and it does today.

Second, in light of that truth, we must not give in to rage and bitterness. Those argue with bitterness and rage are like caught animals that are backed into a corner. We, however, are under the sovereign reign of our God. And we know how the story ends. Also, we know that we too were once enslaved to our own fallen minds, flesh, and even the Devil. Therefore, we, as recipients of grace, must be full of grace as we argue for what is good and right (Titus 3:1-8).

Third, we ought to know the facts of what is going on and be thoughtful about how to bring the gospel to bear on the situation. Out of our love for God and neighbor, we must see the significance of these cultural developments. More and more we are seeing the idolatry of self. The demand to be able to define one's own self contrary to the Creator's design. Out of love for God, and his glory, and out of love for those blinded by Satan and sin, we must lovingly speak truth and the gospel message. We must be prepared to suffer for doing good. We should argue for what is true and right, even if we are misunderstood and condemned by those we are seeking to love. Below are a few good resources to help in this.

• Albert Mohler's podcast from May 16, 2016 on the issue is helpful in getting an understanding of what is happening and how we might think about it.
• John Piper's podcast on May 16, 2016 on whether or not he would use the restroom at Target.
• A copy of the letter from the Department of Education and Justice. 
• Here are  few excerpts. 
• Regarding locker rooms: "A school may provide separate facilities on the basis of sex, but must allow transgender students access to such facilities consistent with their gender identity. A school may not require transgender students to use facilities inconsistent with their gender identity or to use individual-user facilities when other students are not required to do so."
• Regarding overnight accommodations (ie. hotels on trips):  "Title IX allows a school to provide separate housing on the basis of sex.22 But a school must allow transgender students to access housing consistent with their gender identity and may not require transgender students to stay in single-occupancy accommodations or to disclose personal information when not required of other students."

• Joe Carter's "Explainer" regarding what the Obama Administration has done with this letter it issued (he explains what the letter is, how it functions in government, what penalties will be imposed on non-compliant school districts, etc.). 
• This video (see below) from the Family Policy of Washington State which highlights the foolishness of current cultural thinking. If we can self-determine our gender, why not our age? I would wonder if a high school student self-identified as a 21 year old if they could skip school and, when brought in on truancy charges claim their new self-identity as a defense. And could they legally drink and when arrested again claim their new self-identity of 21 years old? 

You might also be interested in this video: