The Supreme Court called a man a woman and inserted “gender identity” into the word “sex” in Monday’s 6-3 landmark ruling on the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The potential fallout from this is enormous. Naturally, I immediately attempted to recall any recent teaching that could help guide my thoughts and response in this cultural moment. Incredibly, no Christian sources came to mind. Instead, I recalled the June 6 tweet of J.K. Rowling:
If sex isn’t real, there’s no same-sex attraction. If sex isn’t real, the lived reality of women globally is erased. I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. It isn’t hate to speak the truth.[1]
J.K. Rowling is best known for being the author of the Harry Potter series which follows the adventures of a boy wizard. Where are we as a nation when a pagan is giving greater voice to truth than our Christian leaders? And how is it that she managed to stand more firm in her beliefs when she came under fire for her boldness than what I often witness in the Christian community?
Perhaps it is time we ask ourselves why non-believers seem to be more motivated to defend truth in our culture than many Christians. Why is a famous and beloved author like J.K. Rowling willing to risk everything to give voice to truth while we who have a divine mandate to defend truth are not willing to take such risk?
Something needs to change!
1. J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling). 2020. “If sex isn’t real, there’s no same-sex attraction. If sex isn’t real, the lived reality of women globally is erased. I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. It isn’t hate to speak the truth.” Twitter, June 6, 2020, 6:02 p.m. https://twitter.com/jk_rowling/status/1269389298664701952.
