Written by Jack
Jason Evert is a Christian chastity speaker who has been speaking at high schools and churches across the country and overseas for 20 years. He has spoken to youth at over 3,000 institutions worldwide. In his ministry, he has been seeing the rise of gender issues among our youth. After talking with many young people with gender issues, he started doing in depth research on gender theory that led him on a two-year journey to write: Male, Female, Other? A Catholic Guide to Understanding Gender. It is available on his web site Chastity.com as well as on Amazon.
His premise is that today we have two sides on this issue. One that pushes the concept that the only way to help gender dysphoric individuals is to validate them and push them into harmful medical procedures that do not address their real issues. The other side tends to blame individuals with gender dysphoria for many of the ills in our society and condemn them. While these two sides fight each other, the true victims, those who suffer from gender identity issues, are ignored and suffer. We as Christians are called to befriend those who struggle with these complex issues and lead them to the only source of true healing, Jesus Christ. We need to be willing to hear each person’s unique story and to walk with them on this journey even if we may have different views on gender.
The book has 18 chapters. Every chapter addresses a claim made by the supporters of gender theory. Some of the claims addressed include: Gender is a social construct, Puberty blockers are safe and effective and reversible, and Refusing to affirm a person’s gender leads them to suicide. He even has a chapter on how to communicate with your child who is dealing with gender issues. Jason’s book follows the format of Thomas Aquinas’ Summa. Each chapter takes an argument from those who support gender theory. He gives the proponent’s best defense of their position. He then shows the flaws in their position using science, theology, and the testimonials of individuals who are battling with gender issues.
The book starts with a chapter to explain and introduce the reader to the terms and common phrases that are used by those in the gender theory community. Jason states that to communicate and understand those with gender issues we need to learn the language in which they speak. I found this extremely helpful for me in understanding many of the remarks and statements I am seeing in the world today. He identifies the fact that we live in a society that claims to want to break down stereotypes, but when it comes to gender issues, we seem to double down on them. In the past a girl who liked sports would have just been called a tomboy. Today many say that this young woman may be trans and needs to have irreversible surgeries. Jason notes that there are not male and female activities, there are male and female bodies. What makes an activity male or female is the type of body doing it. The example he uses is sewing. Many people view this as a female activity; however, this is not the case. If a woman is sewing it, is a female activity. If a man is sewing it, is a male activity. The Apostle Paul, a very masculine person, was a tent maker. He engaged in sewing as part of his trade.
When dealing with people who identify as trans, most see only two possible paths, affirm them or reject them. Many people are afraid to be called transphobic, so they just give unquestioning affirmation. But to affirm a false idea isn’t love. Jason invites us to follow a third, seldom followed path; accompaniment. This path calls us to walk with an individual in truth and love. Jason’s book gives the reader the tools to embark on this journey and to help a friend in need.
One of the best things about the book is that Jason shares personal testimonials from many people he has met. He relates that everyone has a unique story that deserves to be heard. This helped me reflect on my journey and see similarities and differences to others. In chapter 14, Jason addresses a dozen factors that can influence a person’s sense of sexual identity. These include things such as sexual abuse, trauma, autogynephilia, family dynamics, body image, and more. I found this to be very interesting and helpful in understanding myself better. Additionally, the book is very easy to read. It gave a very detailed and understandable explanation of gender issues. I have found it to be an outstanding resource that has helped me relate to people more effectively and talk to friends about gender issues.
The book is full of great information on the gender debate and is documented with 24 pages of references. Jason hits the latest science on gender, testimonials from numerous individuals who suffer from gender issues, and a variety of religious sources on gender and sexuality. He addresses all issues with truth and compassion. Jason even quotes Augustine and Thomas Aquinas on gender issues. I didn’t know this issue was something that has been addressed in the past. I learned a lot not only about gender theory and how to approach those who suffer from gender issues from a Christian perspective but I also learned a lot about myself. He has a section that discusses the top 12 reasons people suffer from gender dysphoria. I could identify with at least 4 of them. The book is 220 pages long and is also available at discounted rates for groups that wish to purchase in bulk. Jason talks extensively about his book on the 24 March Episode of Matt Fradd’s podcast, Pints with Aquinas. I feel this book is a great reference for those who have questions about gender issues. It is designed for both those who struggle with these issues and those who wish to understand and help others on their journey to Christ.
By Jack
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