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Human Sexuality
CIU’s official “STATEMENT ON HUMAN SEXUALITY AND MARRIAGE” can be
found in Section VI of this handbook. As stated in that section, in all of CIU’s
documents the terms “male,” “female,” “man,” “woman,” etc. refer to the biological
sex of a person at birth. The biological sex of a person at birth is clear except for
an extremely small percentage of births (perhaps 1/10 of 1%) in which there is a
genuine occurrence of sexual chromosome disorder.
The Bible is clear in its teaching that God created man in His own image, and in
this creation He created male and female (Gen. 1:27; Mt. 19:4). His design from
the very beginning was that a man and a woman would be joined together and
become one flesh (Gen. 2:24). This expression of marriage is affirmed throughout
Scripture and leaves no room for same-sex unions nor sexual expressions of
intimacy between those of the same sex. Therefore, we hold that marriage is
between one man and one woman. The idea that those of the same sex can marry
is contrary to Scripture and unacceptable. Based on this, CIU prohibits any form
of homosexual behavior, as well as any public expression of support for such
behavior or same-sex marriage.
As stated above, God created male and female when He created mankind. There
is growing concern and discussion regarding gender identity. Some individuals
believe they are trapped in a body of the opposite gender (i.e., a person with a male
body feels that he is a female). Some people have had sex-change operations to
deal with this disconnect. We believe that God’s design in creation is clear and
that seeking to change one’s gender identity through surgery or any other means
is prohibited, as well as any form of transgender expression, such as cross-
dressing. Those associated with CIU should not publically advocate for any type of
transgender expression.
Relationships and Expression of Romantic Affection
We desire that our community be a place where students, staff, and faculty learn
and experience how to be the people of God in relation to each other as brothers
and sisters in Christ. We want this to take place on multiple levels: from common
courtesy toward each other to the development of deep, intimate friendships;
from classroom discussions to times of small group sharing; and in romantic
relationships from dating to engagement and marriage.
The standard below regarding physical expression of romantic affection
differentiates between couples who are casually dating and those who are in a
dating process where they are seriously and intentionally exploring whether God
is leading them toward engagement and marriage, but who are not yet engaged.
We believe there is a qualitative difference between these two forms of dating, and
CIU seeks to recognize and affirm this difference. Those whose relationship has
moved to a level of discerning whether God is leading them toward engagement
and marriage are encouraged to pray and seek the counsel of faculty or other
godly individuals who can talk with them and support them in seeking God’s best.
The following represents CIU’s biblical understanding and the resulting
standards with regard to the essential and formative process of developing godly
relationships.
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