The peculiar problem of the "gay gene"

Supporters of the homosexual movement have long attempted to tie themselves to the civil rights movement.  It's a strong argument to associate sexual orientation with gender or color.  The argument is that a person can't choose his or her sexual orientation, just like they can't choose their race or gender. 

They work this angle with great energy.  If homosexuality is a genetic compulsion that individuals cannot resist, then how can we ask anyone with this "gene" to engage in any other behavior?

The problem with this thinking is that it reduces humanity to the level of animals.  It's the gay equivelant of a husband saying to his wife, "Babe, I slept with my secretary because she's a good-looking woman.  As a man, I just couldn't resist the urge.  Get over it."  As a husband, I understand that I'll sometimes find women other than my wife attractive.   But this attraction, ingrained deep into me at creation, does not justify any adulterous behavior.  Why?  Because as a thinking human being, I'm more responsible for my behavior choices than the animals with nothing but instinct to rely upon.

Take this paragraph, written by Michele O'Mara, in a post entitled Homosexuality 101 on The Bilerico Project.

Is it possible for someone to change his or her sexual orientation – for a heterosexual to become homosexual, or a homosexual to become heterosexual?
No published scientific evidence supports the effectiveness, or viability of programs designed to change the sexual orientation of a person (called “reparative therapy” or “conversion” therapy).

Reparative therapy attempts to change behavior, not sexual orientation. It is agreed by all, even reparative programs, that it has not been possible to change the direction of a persons sexual and emotional attractions. The only thing that can be changed is one’s behavior. The American Psychiatric Association strictly opposes any psychiatric treatment such as “reparative” or “conversion” therapy, which is based on the assumption that homosexuality is a mental disorder, and that he or she should change his/her homosexual orientation.

O'Mara is half right.  Even Focus on the Family's own ministry, Love Won Out, agrees that some homosexual urges may never change.

Do you believe homosexuality is a choice?
We do not believe anyone chooses his or her same-sex attractions. We concur with the American Psychological Association’s position that homosexuality is likely developmental in nature and caused by a “complex interaction of environmental, cognitive and biological factors” (www.apa.org). We would also agree with the American Psychiatric Association when it states “some people believe that sexual orientation is innate and fixed; however, sexual orientation develops across a person’s lifetime.” If you ever hear us use the word “choice,” it is in relation to men and women who struggle with unwanted same-sex attractions choosing to steward their impulses in a way that aligns with their faith convictions.

In the end, Love Won Out is right to argue that humans have a choice.  Despite our urges and imperfections, we can choose to make right decisions.  As humans, we are accountable for our choices, despite emotional and/or physical compulsions that may lead us down wrong paths.   

Comments

[eric schansberg]

Ironically, it also undermines the dignity of these human persons-- by implicitly asserting that they cannot exercise choice.

Like evolution/creation (another hot button which is hotter than it need be), we're better off with slightly more complex but far clearer language. We all have tendencies to do X, Y and Z. But we then make choices within those contexts.

[Friendly Critic]

You know, folks, for starters, you ought to stop once and for all stop making consistent grammatical/logical errors when you keep saying "homosexuality", as in "the sin of homosexuality", instead of differentiating between "homosexuality" and "homosexual activity" or "homosexual behavior". When you fail to distinguish the two you come across as believing that the "tendency" itself is sinful and an evil unto itself. Doesn't that work against your "love the sinner but hate the sin" approach?

[kevin]

Wow. Its really cut and dried for some of you huh? Lets take "urges" and "impulses" out of the equation for a minute and talk about love.

Kurt, what if Kristin had been married before you met her, but you fell in love with her and married her. The bible says that would be considered adultry since she was married before. Would you seek counseling to prevent the urge to be with her?

Does Focus on the Family have a group that reaches out to divorcees to prevent them from engaging in behavior (re-marrying) that is sinful?

All sin is equal remember.

[kevin]

No one has an answer for me?

[Friendly Critic]

Kevin, as I've learned, and which, frankly, makes sense because it is their nickel, IFI bloggers have no obligation to respond to any question. If you want to get your point across, spend your own money and start your own website.

[eric schansberg]

I'm not speaking for IFI, but I'll answer Kevin...

To clarify things a bit: the Bible allows for divorce in certain circumstances and then does not redefine remarriage as adultery in those circumstances.

But to get to the nut of your question: churches and para-church ministries focused on marriage (especially in the public arena) should deal (appropriately and aggressively) with the divorce/remarriage issue.

[Kurt]

Kevin and Friendly Critic: I am sorry, but I am not a full time blogger nor an employee of IFI. So I don't always get to answer every question.

Kevin: The answer is that sex is not simply something an individual does because of feelings of love. There are boundaries set by God. If Kristen was in fact married before she met me, she should stay married and I should stay away. I am to honor the commitment of marriage- despite my feelings.

That's why Kristen and I invest in our marriage. Because over time, love "feelings" can dissipate. It's easy to get focused on work or other matters and forget to prioritize our marriage.

Your sentiments are largely responsible for the high divorce rates in this country. When we no longer value the marriage commitment, and instead value only love "feelings", we've reduced marriage only to a temporary arrangement. An arrangement that lasts only as long as I'm no longer bored.