Jerry, we often think alike, but this is one where we are probably going to differ.
Transgenderism is an issue, among many, where both sides (in my view) are wrong. It is a real phenomenon (for a very small minority). At the same time there is the "power of suggestion" at work, making transgenderism appear larger than reality, even to the point of making some people think that they are transgender when in fact they are not transgender. Some "adults" on The Left are even exasperating this problem through the power of suggestion with children. It is sickening.
In terms of probability and representation in society, think of it along the lines of hermaphroditism. It isn't hermaphroditism, but hermaphrodites do in fact become born. We cannot simply dismiss that it happens, nor should we have disdain for people who are born this way.
Like homosexuality, transgenderism is an issue with the mind. Such people do not choose to become born this way. (Nor are they necessarily homosexual.) It simply happens, like a mutation. We know about it in modern times because we have a better mechanism for communication, i.e., the media and internet.
As is becoming ever more common, the Left is blowing up a small issue into a gigantic smokescreen to deflect from their real agenda while growing their base of support. Transgenderism is one of their tools.
The Right, on the other hand, seeks to disregard or marginalize something that is real (sometimes on the grounds of morality). Transgenderism is nothing like homosexuality, but I think most conservatives have come around to understand that homosexuality is what it is: A person who is biologically attracted to the same sex. This is ingrained in a brain. It isn't (usually) a choice made after birth. It's like many other things that we might consider to be a "mutation" from the mean. Early environment probably plays a role, but I doubt that it is the only role. We cannot simply dismiss the possibility of either, or both effects -- genetic and environment.
So, like so many of our problems, the truth and real solutions are muddled within the middle. We make no progress because our society has migrated into tribes. You are either with us or against us. You are either Right or Left. You either let males in the women's room, or you're insensitive. It is madness.
The disturbing thing to me is that The Left is forcing a lot of difficult subjects onto our children. Many subjects are age-appropriate. We have a movie-rating system for a reason. Break that down (as we have) and bad things start to occur.
Transgenderism is something that most adults are not prepared to understand, just like homosexuality not too long ago.
Knight, well stated as usual and I actually agree with most of what you say above.
The thing is, none of it actually contradicts the post to which you responded. Which is not to say you agree with the point I made...just that your answering comment didn't refute it.
This discussion generally gets tied up in extremes and stereotypes deployed by both sides. One could cite the wisdom of the ages as set forth by some of the great minds of our race in their works of theology and philosophy, but really it can also be boiled down to one resounding line in Scripture:
Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you and before you were born I set you apart...Jeremiah 1:5.
That is, all of us were made a certain way for a certain purpose. Our mission in life must be to discern the purpose and live it out. The notion that we can or should "improve" on God's design by literally re-creating ourselves is folly and leads to misery.
Regarding homosexuality, it comes down to the order of nature. God ordained the laws of nature. He made it a certain way to work a certain way. We can discern the order of things by observing and understanding the way they work. The body of theology governing this is called natural law and has a long history. Accordingly, it is against the natural order, hence
disordered, for a male to have sexual relations with another male.
To be clear, I do NOT presume to condemn individual homosexuals or transgendered persons nor wish them to be persecuted or harassed. Being a sinner myself, I have no standing to do this. And besides, only God can judge a person's heart and soul.
In addition, for the most part, I don't believe people choose their sexual orientation. Rather, it's a complex product of nature and nurture. As for transgenders, I think most of them are tragically disturbed. In fact, what these people do in the privacy of their own homes, assuming it is not overtly against the law, is neither my business nor the state's.
That said, I also believe that both conditions are disordered and unhealthy both for the individuals in their grip and the societies that normalize them...let alone demand the rest of us approve or even celebrate them. But the expression of this view on my part has suddenly become intolerable...even possibly illegal as thousands of years worth of traditional wisdom and the moral principles that formed the basis of our civilization have suddenly been tossed overboard overnight.
Here's the thing: either I'm right in believing moral truth surrounding life, gender, and sexuality can not be invented or cancelled based on human whims...in which case it would seem our own nation and civilization have now put themselves on a path to ruin.
Or I'm wrong, and a New Moral Order has suddenly been discovered whereby people rightfully get to make up their own truths and their own reality, ushering in a new dawn of enlightenment and happiness. (Oddly, the New Moral Order doesn't appear to be producing a lot of happiness.)
Keep in mind, if we go with the latter scenario, there is literally
nothing, no individual moral choice, that can not be justified. The moral walls come tumbling down with no logical defense left on even the most obvious and fundamental issues.
In any case, the stakes are high. But one thing for sure: I ain't changing my view regardless of how unpopular or unfashionable it may be.
