As a basis of understanding, I fully claim to believe in Christ. I believe the Bible is truth, and I believe that we should use it to govern our lives. Yet, I know that even with that truth, Christians are bound to have differing opinions on things. And that’s okay. It’s okay if you don’t agree with me on this. That is the world we live in. We come at things from very different backgrounds and experiences that shape the way we view the world. I don’t believe that God would find anything wrong with that. Christ sent out his disciples to preach to all nations (Matthew 28:19) and I think that means that we will be bound to run into differences of opinions and convictions.
This was really hard for me to write, and I pray that it can be taken in love. This is a tough issue, because I know that people I have talked to have felt deeply convicted about their decisions. However, I equally feel as convicted to share my thoughts on the issue. Please allow me to explain, knowing that no matter what your opinion, I accept and respect you.
For a quick rundown of the situation, Target announced back in April that it would allow transgender customers and employees to use the bathroom of choice that aligns with their gender identity. Supporters are glad that discrimination is lessening for the LGBT community. Critics are worried about safety and taking a stance on their beliefs. I understand where Christians are coming from. By opposing this decision, Christians want to make firm their beliefs on homosexuality. It is clear that in the Bible, homosexuality is listed as a sin. However, there are several reasons that I find this to be extremely hypocritical.
If the point of opposing this decision is to take a stance on sin, this is misguided. If we oppose this decision, we are saying that people who feel aligned with a different gender are worse sinners than we are and we are saying that certain sins should be discriminated against. Here’s the deal: If we’re going to take a stance on sin, then why am I allowed to use the bathroom when and where I want to? I lie, cheat, and swear on a daily basis. I don’t understand why Christians are elevating the sin of homosexuality against above all others, as if it is somehow worse than other sins.
I find this hypocritical, because there is a double standard. I expect people to respect me for my beliefs and allow me to stand up for what I believe in. At the same time, I’m more than willing to hear others’ beliefs as well, because I think this is how we learn about the world. If we completely shut people down for having a different view on the world than us, how can we expect them to listen to or care about a word we say?
On the issue of safety: I know that there was recently a case of a transgender woman taking pictures in dressing rooms and this adds fuel to the fire of Target critics calling for opposition. However, this is one case. Here’s a fact: There are bad people in the world. There will be people that will do terrible things, but it has nothing to do with whether or not people can use the bathroom they want to. If people were going to take pictures or do terrible things, they would do it whether this was allowed or not.
What I’d like to see from Christians is more of a spirit of love and a spirit of open-mindedness. I’m not calling you to forsake your beliefs or stop taking a stand, but I think that if we want people to hear our values and beliefs, we have to first be willing to hear theirs.