“Lesson 7 Class Preparation Material: The Eternal Nature and Purpose of Gender,” The Eternal Family Teacher Material (2022)
“Lesson 7 Class Preparation Material,” The Eternal Family Teacher Material
Lesson 7 Class Preparation Material
The Eternal Nature and Purpose of Gender
Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that our gender, used in this and following lessons to mean our biological sex at birth (unless otherwise noted), “in large measure defines who we are, why we are here upon the earth, and what we are to do and become” (“Marriage Is Essential to His Eternal Plan,” Ensign, June 2006, 83). As you study the material for this lesson, consider how Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation can help you better understand the importance of your eternal identity and purpose as a son or daughter of heavenly parents.
Note: Gender is a sensitive issue for many people. These materials are intended to help you understand Heavenly Father’s doctrine concerning gender and explore how it applies to varying circumstances in our world today. Seek the help of the Spirit to understand the messages God intends for you as you study.
Section 1
How can my understanding of gender be strengthened as I better understand Heavenly Father’s plan?
The family proclamation states: “All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
The term gender can have different meanings for different people. As explained in the Church handbook, “The intended meaning of gender in the family proclamation is biological sex at birth” (General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 38.6.23).
Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said of our creation:
This [creation of male and female] was done spiritually in your premortal existence when you lived in the presence of your Father in Heaven. Your gender existed before you came to earth. (“The Joy of Living the Great Plan of Happiness,” Ensign, Nov. 1996, 73)
President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency further taught that the “binary creation [of male and female] is essential to the plan of salvation” (in “General Conference Leadership Meetings Begin,” Oct. 2, 2019, newsroom.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
Understanding our heavenly parentage can help us better understand God’s plan for us and help us better see the significance of our gender in that plan.
Study in Preparation for Class
Read Genesis 1:26–27, and think about what it means to be created in the image of our heavenly parents.
Consider why gender is essential in Heavenly Father’s plan. Here are some truths you might reflect on:
The eternal marriage of a man and a woman is essential to becoming like our heavenly parents. The nature of eternal life, or exaltation, is the continuation of families for eternity. This potential can only be reached “through the creative powers inherent in the combination of male and female joined in an eternal marriage (see Doctrine and Covenants 132:19)” (Dallin H. Oaks, in “General Conference Leadership Meetings Begin”).
“By divine design, both a man and a woman are needed to bring children into mortality and to provide the best setting for the rearing and nurturing of children” (David A. Bednar, “Marriage Is Essential to His Eternal Plan,” Ensign, June 2006, 83; see also Genesis 1:28).
Heavenly Father endows men and women with distinct capacities to help them fulfill these and other divine responsibilities in His plan. Men and women need each other to progress and reach their full eternal potential. As Elder Bednar taught:
The natures of male and female spirits complete and perfect each other, and therefore men and women are intended to progress together toward exaltation. …
For divine purposes, male and female spirits are different, distinctive, and complementary.
… The unique combination of spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional capacities of both males and females were needed to implement the plan of happiness. Alone, neither the man nor the woman could fulfill the purposes of his or her creation. …
… Just as the unique characteristics of both males and females contribute to the completeness of a marriage relationship, so those same characteristics are vital to the rearing, nurturing, and teaching of children. (“Marriage Is Essential to His Eternal Plan,” 83–84)
Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Sister Ruth L. Renlund have also taught:
Male and female spirits were created to complement each other. That is why gender is not fluid in the eternities—because it provides the basis for the ultimate gift Heavenly Father can give, His kind of life. (“The Divine Purposes of Sexual Intimacy,” Ensign, Aug. 2020, 16)
Ponder in Preparation for Class
Consider the role of gender from an eternal perspective. How can the plan of salvation help you understand that “gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose”? (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World”).
Section 2
How can I better understand questions regarding gender?
You may have noticed that in our day there are many different ideas about gender and identity. Some people separate the term gender from biological sex. They may speak of their gender identity, which can refer to a person’s inner sense of their gender even if it is something different from their biological sex. (Note that this is different from sexual orientation, which involves physical, emotional, and sexual attraction to others. Sexual orientation will be discussed in the next lesson.)
A person’s understanding of being male or female can be influenced by culture, social norms, and upbringing. For these and other reasons, rigid gender stereotypes can sometimes cause confusion for some people and may even be harmful. For example, some people may worry that their interests and abilities do not match some cultural and social expectations for their biological sex. That does not necessarily mean that there is incongruence between their biological sex and their gender identity. It is important to remember that a number of elements make up our complete individual identity, including our divine identity, biological sex, gifts, aptitudes, desires, and choices.
Even when we understand eternal truths about gender, complex realities in our lives can result in challenging questions or circumstances. Consider the following points:
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For reasons not fully understood, some individuals at some point in their lives, “experience feelings of incongruence between their biological sex and their gender identity. As a result, they may identify as transgender. The Church does not take a position on the causes of people identifying themselves as transgender” (General Handbook, 38.6.23).
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Some people may feel uncomfortable or frustrated with the cultural and social expectations that are associated with their biological sex.
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As noted in the General Handbook, “In extremely rare circumstances, a baby is born with genitals that are not clearly male or female” (38.7.7). This is often referred to as intersex. This circumstance, and how it is treated by parents or medical advisors, may or may not impact the individual’s gender identity.
As one Church publication on the topic of transgender notes, individuals who identify as transgender “face complex challenges.” They “are just as deserving of Christlike love as any of God’s children and should be treated with sensitivity, kindness, and compassion” (“Transgender: Do I Belong as a Member of the Church?,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Instead of allowing a lack of understanding or unrighteous judgment to dictate how we interact with others, we can “try to see others through Christlike eyes” (“Transgender: What Can I Do to Show Christlike Love?,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
Ponder in Preparation for Class
How can I be more thoughtful and sensitive when discussing gender with others and when considering the complex realities of others I may know or come in contact with?
Section 3
What if I have questions about my gender identity?
If you have questions about your gender or experience feelings of gender incongruence, know that you are loved by your Heavenly Father and your Savior. They are always there for you. Consider how Jesus Christ and His gospel can help and strengthen you. The Transgender resources published by the Church share these important truths and reminders:
The Savior has a perfect understanding of our unique circumstances. As mortals, our understanding is limited. We can declare with Nephi that we “know that [God] loveth his children; nevertheless, [we] do not know the meaning of all things” (1 Nephi 11:17). (“Transgender: Does the Savior Really Understand What I’m Going Through?,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org)
Not everyone around you will be perfect in expressing love, compassion, or sensitivity. In the world today, it is easy to find offense and to cause offense. Significant challenges can make us vulnerable to unintended offenses due to misplaced words or misguided comments. As members of the Church, we are all learning and growing. (“Transgender: Do I Belong as a Member of the Church?,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org)
Sister Michelle D. Craig, First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, has also taught:
Latter-day Saints come in many shapes and sizes, but “all are alike unto God” [2 Nephi 26:33]. … No matter who you are or what you’re dealing with, you are invited to the Lord’s table. (“Spiritual Capacity,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 21)
Be reassured that all blessings of the gospel are available to any who choose to obey God’s commandments. You “can make and keep promises to God” and “walk in His light and participate in His Church” whether or not you experience feelings of gender incongruence (“Transgender: How Can I Contribute to the Lord’s Kingdom?,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
The Church handbook notes that “transgender individuals who do not pursue medical, surgical, or social transition to the opposite gender and are worthy may receive Church callings, temple recommends, and temple ordinances” (General Handbook, 38.6.23). (Note: “A social transition includes changing dress or grooming, or changing a name or pronouns, to present oneself as other than his or her biological sex at birth” [General Handbook, 38.6.23].) If you would like to understand more, talk with your bishop or branch president.
Although not against Church policy or doctrine, publicly labeling yourself as transgender could limit your ability to reach your eternal goals. President Oaks cautioned:
Be careful how you characterize yourself. … The only single quality that should characterize us is that we are a son or daughter of God. That fact transcends all other characteristics. (“How to Define Yourself,” New Era, June 2013, 48)
Each of us is a child of God with a potential destiny of eternal life. Every other label … is temporary or trivial in eternal terms. Don’t choose to label yourselves or think of yourselves in terms that put a limit on a goal for which you might strive. (“Where Will This Lead?,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 62)
Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles also gave the following assurance:
Everyone has gifts; everyone has talents; everyone can contribute to the unfolding of the divine plan in each generation. … So many of you are doing your very best. And when you who bear the heaviest burdens of mortality stand up in defense of God’s plan to exalt His children, we are all ready to march. With confidence we testify that the Atonement of Jesus Christ has anticipated and, in the end, will compensate all deprivation and loss for those who turn to Him. No one is predestined to receive less than all that the Father has for His children. (“Why Marriage, Why Family,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 52)
Ponder in Preparation for Class
How can the teachings in this lesson and faith in Jesus Christ help you or someone you know address questions about gender?