Divine Design vs. Modern Identity: A Catholic Perspective on Gender Choice in Children

The topic of gender identity, especially when it involves children, intersects deeply with theological, biological and psychological considerations, each offering its perspective on what is naturally given versus what is chosen or imposed by societal trends. From a Catholic viewpoint, particularly one steeped in the teachings of the Bible, the issues around children choosing their gender identity are multifaceted, touching on themes of creation, divine order and the sanctity of the human person.

The Bible, particularly in the book of Genesis, establishes a clear binary in gender: "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them" (Genesis 1:27, KJV). This scripture underscores that gender is part of God's design, not a human construct to be altered at will. Allowing children to choose their gender identity might be seen as questioning or even rejecting this divine order, suggesting that what God has created might be imperfect or changeable according to human desire or confusion.

From a psychological perspective, childhood is a period of profound identity formation. The Catholic Church, while compassionate towards those who experience gender dysphoria, traditionally holds that gender confusion, especially when encouraged or affirmed without critical examination, can lead to psychological distress. The Bible often speaks of confusion as a consequence of moving away from God's plan, as seen in the story of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11). Here, one might argue, encouraging children to choose their gender could lead to a form of modern-day Babel, where the natural order is confused for personal or societal constructs.

St. Paul, in his letters often addresses issues of morality in the context of the body and spirit. While he doesn't directly address gender identity, his teachings on the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) suggest a respect for the body's given state as part of one's spiritual journey. Altering one's gender, especially under the impressionable age where consent and full understanding are questionable, might be seen as a form of rebellion against this bodily respect, leading to spiritual disarray.

The traditional family structure, championed in Catholic theology, is built on the complementary roles of male and female, reflecting the divine relationship between Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:22-33). If children are allowed or encouraged to choose their gender, it could, from this perspective, undermine the foundational roles within the family, leading to broader societal implications where the natural distinctions that foster certain forms of love and respect might be diluted or lost.

From Catholic viewpoint, allowing children to choose their gender identity poses several dangers:

It might lead children away from understanding themselves as God's creation, introducing a form of idolatry where self-identity becomes the worshipped idol. Encouraging such choices could contribute to identity confusion, potentially leading to long-term psychological issues as they grow into adulthood. It challenges the ethical framework where the body's given state is seen as part of one's spiritual journey, potentially leading to a culture where human choice trumps divine design. It might weaken the traditional family structures and societal norms that are seen as reflective of divine order.

This perspective emphasises the importance of guiding children with love and truth towards an acceptance of their given gender, seeing it not as a limitation but as an aspect of their unique identity in God's image. However, it also calls for compassion, understanding and pastoral care for those struggling with gender identity, urging a path of counselling, prayer and acceptance of one's biological sex as part of their spiritual journey.

Brother Hereward