The Gender Revolution | Patricia Weerakoon with Robert Smith and Kamal Weerakoon
As our society’s understanding of what makes a man or woman changes rapidly, how can we best love others? This book is a great resource to explore these questions.
This book is written primarily by Patricia Weerakoon, a medical doctor, sexologist and academic, together with her co-authors Robert Smith, a theologian and Kamal Weerakoon, a pastor.
Patricia’s medical background is a strength of The Gender Revolution. I especially appreciated the clarity of the chapters which explain the difference between our biological sex (as observed at birth), sexual orientation (who we are attracted to), gendered behaviour (our culture’s stereotypes for how a boy or girl behaves) and gender identity (the gender we feel we are on the inside). Their explanations are all integrated with a deep understanding of our personhood as made in the image of God.
Like any good doctor, Weerakoon and her co-authors speak directly. This is needed, but sometimes makes for uncomfortable reading. For example, Patricia doesn’t shy away from asking the tough questions about the efficacy of medical treatments referring to recent research in her field, and the book contains discussion of suicide. Their final chapter gives principles and some worked examples of responding with love and compassion in churches, Christian schools, families and to individuals.
As our society radically redefines what it means to be human, every Christian would benefit from prayerfully reading this book. But if the Lord has placed you in leadership, whether as a teacher, ministry or as a mum or dad, then for you it is especially important. Then, when we come across transgender questions, or indeed, struggle ourselves, we will have a robust Biblical understanding to frame our response.
To coincide with our annual conference, EQUIP Picks are 10 great reads, chosen and reviewed by the EQUIP Women Team for women.
EQUIP24 Picks will be available for a limited time online via our ministry partner, Reformers Bookshop.
A percentage of the sales from books bought via the above link will support our CMS missionary, M.
Meet Leah Blake
Leah turned to Christ in her university days and now she serves with her husband Pete and toddler at St Stephen’s Anglican Church, Normanhurst. As a lifelong bookworm she is excited to join the EQUIP Women team this year to help pick the top ten Equip books.