When I read about the concept of gender in society today, this is the definition I typically come across: gender is a social construct that is self-determined, may be fluid and/or hierarchical, and is largely independent of one’s life purpose. This definition is very different than the understanding of gender offered by the Family Proclamation. Here is my current understanding of how the proclamation answers these questions:
How is gender determined?
Gender is “an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity.” In other words, our gender is not something we choose as we move through life; rather, it is an essential part of our identity and one that was formed and determined before we came to earth.
Is gender fixed or fluid?
The proclamation teaches that “all human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God.” I take that to mean that there are only two gender categories, and that they are distinct, eternal, and perfect - and therefore fixed.
Is gender related to our purpose in life?
I think the teaching that gender is an essential characteristic of our premortal, mortal, and eternal purpose, is one of the most radical parts of the proclamation. In it, we are taught that “God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force,” that procreative powers are to be used only by “man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife,” and that “by divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families” while “mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children.” We are also taught that fathers and mothers are to "help one another as equal partners."
It appears that we have specific responsibilities in mortality that are inextricably linked to our gender. Our charge to procreate relies mainly on the physical manifestation of our gender. Our respective gender roles are less tethered to our physical bodies, though still not completely independent of them (breastfeeding is a prime example of a nurturing capacity). I don’t know if our differing gender roles and responsibilities are a function of our inherent spiritual capacities, or divine decree, or both. Moreover, we have been commanded to seek all good gifts, and there is no reason why a man cannot or should not also seek to develop his ability to nurture, or a woman her ability to preside, protect etc. Nevertheless, it seems clear that each gender has certain core responsibilities which form a fundamental part of our purpose here on earth. I am not sure of the relationship between these earthly responsibilities and our eternal purpose, but I assume that our earthly roles and bodies are somehow a crucial means of preparing us for whatever purpose awaits us in heaven.
Realistically, the proclamation also acknowledges that “circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation.” I am very aware that there is a world of grief and struggle and complexity contained in that sentence. Learning to navigate this complexity is thus also a key part of our mortal journey.
I should reiterate that this is my developing understanding of these issue and I would love to hear other viewpoints. In any case, I think it is clear that there are significant differences between society’s current understanding of gender and the teachings offered by the Family Proclamation, and that these differences have become more pronounced over time. This prompts the question of whether the proclamation is archaic, or indeed, prophetic. I am inclined toward the latter interpretation. What do you think?
It is also evident that there are many, and a growing number, of people who, for whatever reason, chafe against the physical or role-based aspects of their biological gender. In my next post, I’d like to explore this tension between the gospel understanding of gender, and what may be very different perceptions and feelings on the ground.
In the meantime, here’s a question for you:
Do you find the gospel concept of gender (as stated in the Family Proclamation) to be restrictive or liberating?
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