Published on March 4, 2024, 12:39 am

The Gospel Coalition (TGC) has increasingly been a conduit for the spread of various heterodox teachings within mainstream Evangelicalism, some subtle while others more overtly contradictory to biblical Christianity. Among these is the introduction and propagation of Critical Race Theory, commonly termed “woke theology.” However, a subtly insidious doctrine that has stealthily made its way into many churches is an ideology known by its proponents as “Side B Christianity.”

“Side B Christianity” essentially argues being afflicted with, experiencing, or harboring ungodly sexual thoughts or attractions isn’t inherently sinful unless you act on them. This misguided teaching has cleared the path for numerous heretical movements such as “gay celibacy,” “transgender Christianity,” among others. Accepting the premise of “Side B” leaves believers powerless to logically dispute against these additional heresies.

This doctrine purports that one can nurture these thoughts, identify as gay or homosexual or even transgender without needing to repent these immutable thoughts, feelings, and attractions. In essence, they are seen as inherent weaknesses or illnesses akin to catching a cold—natural inevitable struggles in this fallen world. Sin only comes into play when we act on these feelings or attractions by engaging in same-sex relationships or pursuing surgical transformations.

In a recent podcast episode hosted by The Gospel Coalition,Sam Ferguson explains how simply being human means having dysphoria according to Christianity and uses gender dysphoria as an example. However, there are significant issues with Ferguson’s approach.

Firstly, like most proponent of “Side B” heresy,Ferguson likens perverse sexual desires – what Bible describes as degrading passions and vile affections – to sicknesses and body ailments.This is not accurate; scripture never defines desires as ailments, and nobody wishes to be ill or fracture a bone. Some people desire aberrant sexual behavior — saddled with their desires require repentance rather than treatment.

Secondly, Ferguson’s approach seems to adopt the world’s attitude towards this sin, watering it down with language like “brokenness” and “dysphoria,” which seeks to lessen its severity. Contrary to it being something we should turn from and sanctify through, it becomes something we must live with and accept.

This then leads to severe false teachings with eternal implications. If repentance from our sins and turning to Christ is a requirement, refusing to repent of specific sins puts us in a predicament with God since integral repentance appears not necessary according to The Gospel Coalition and individuals like Sam Ferguson.

In an age marked by ever-increasing moral chaos, Christians find themselves at a crossroads wrestling with issues surrounding faithfulness, obedience, and witness. Authenticating trusted news rooted in a Christian worldview is becoming especially critical in these tumultuous times. As part of real news dissemination and analysis on breaking news topics facing the Christian community globally, facts need constant vetting against a biblical lens so that truth holds sway amidst the cacophony of voices trying to redefine reality based on their ideologies.