by J. James

Created on: July 17, 2010

According to the Bible, "Adam was created first, and Eve issued forth from one of his ribs. From the stand point of modern biological knowledge . . . it would be more accurate to say that ‘Adams’ (that is, males) develop from ‘Eves’ (females).”  An interesting statement quoted by the writers of the book, Human sexuality in a world of diversity.   One might consider this statement to be sacrilegious in the sense that every word of the Bible was inspired by God. Yet, according to the Bible in the Book of Genesis it is stated, “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female.” Genesis 1:27 (New King James Version)   God did not create Adam until the Second Chapter of Genesis. Therefore, gender identity has been a topic of study for many centuries past, and will continue to be for centuries in the future. The manner in which humans view gender identity is somewhat based on facts, and often based on theories.

Factors that will determine gender identity, including the psychological awareness of being female or male, will usually be consistent with the physical sex organs that develop from the chromosomes of the two parents.  Males carry XY chromosomes and the female carry XX chromosomes; when the egg is fertilized, 23 chromosomes of the male will usually combine with 23 chromosomes of the female.  One set of these chromosomes determines what sex the child will be.  However, there are cases where the development of the fetus is altered due to various causes, which can result in abnormalities of the sex organs, and can have an adverse effect on the brain as well.  There are also cases when a person will simply state, that the gender of the body they were born with is not the gender of their psychological and emotional being.  Example statement, “I am a woman born in a man’s body.”  

Depending on which set of chromosomes one inherits, there are traits that are considered male or female. These are stereotypical aspects that have been passed down from generation to generation, until recently.  Society has begun to have an open mind when it comes to which gender should possess what traits.  Male traits included: independent, assertive, protective, competitive, toughness, and provider.  Female traits included: gentleness, dependency, kindness, helpfulness, patience, and submissiveness.  Today it is

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>