homosexuality
Question and Answer
I have reviewed studies conducted in recent years that seemingly indicate homosexuality is in the genes and is therefore involuntary. Do you agree?
No one can say definitively what causes a person to be homosexual. We have to acknowledge that there could be inheritable tendencies (which does not make homosexuality "involuntary") in some individuals. There is no proof of such influence to this point, but we can't rule it out in specific cases. It could also result from the presence or absence of hormonal "spiking" that typically occurs before birth. It is more likely to be related to one or more of the following:
- confusion of role models seen in parents, including, but not limited to, a dominant mother and a weak or absent father
- serious family dysfunction that wounds and damages the child
- early sexual abuse
- the influence of an older homosexual during a critical period of adolescence;
- conscious choice and cultivation
- homosexual experimentation, such as mutual masturbatory activity, by boys in early adolescence
How do these and other forces interplay in individual circumstances? I don't know. I don't think anyone knows.
On the other hand, I am certain that homosexuality does not result from irresistible genetic influences, as some would have us believe. First, if it were specifically a genetic trait, then all identical twins would either have it or not have it. Their genes are exact duplicates, so anything deriving specifically from their DNA would express itself identically in the two individuals. Such is not the case. There are thousands of identical twins with whom one is gay and the other is straight. 1
Second, inherited characteristics that are not passed on to the next generation are eliminated from the gene pool. Since homosexuals and lesbians reproduce less frequently than heterosexuals, there should be a steadily decreasing number of people in the population with homosexual tendencies--especially over the many thousands of years mankind has been on the earth. There is, however, no indication that its numbers are in decline.
Third, and related to the same point, Scripture refers to epidemics of homosexuality and lesbianism that occurred in specific cultures. For example, in Romans 1:26-27 the apostle Paul describes such a time in Corinth: "Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion." (That final sentence sounds like the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, doesn't it?)
Again, if homosexuality were inherited within the human family, it would be constant over time and within cultures. There would not be surges and epidemics as the apostle Paul referred to and as we appear to be seeing today.
Fourth, God is infinitely just. I don't believe He would speak of homosexuality in the Scriptures as an abominable sin and list it among the most despicable of human behaviors if men and women bore no responsibility for engaging in it (see 1 Corinthians 6:9-10). That is not how He does business.
While homosexuality and lesbianism are not exclusively induced by heredity, it is important to emphasize that it often occurs in those who did not choose it. Some individuals are drawn toward the gay lifestyle in the absence of any known related influences. Such individuals need our care and compassion as they struggle to deal with the forces that lie within. We can accept them without approving of behavior the Bible condemns.
Background Information
Born Gay?
How can you debunk the claim of biological determinism?
Struggling With Homosexuality
These questions and answers are designed to help men and women dealing with same-sex attraction work through the confusion.
The Causes of Homosexuality
Here are three possible reasons why your child is gay.
The Guilt of Homosexuality
Are parents to blame when their son or daughter comes out of the "closet"?
Questions and Answers
Review Frequently Asked Questions
Stories
Finding His Way Out
One man proves it is possible to escape the grip of homosexuality.
My Father's Closet
When Dad leaves Mom for another woman, the wounds are deep. But what do you do when he leaves for another man?
Not What I'd Expected
Having a gay father-in-law was the beginning of lessons on love and compassion amidst different beliefs and values.
When Your Spouse is Gay
This perspective about homosexuality in marriage comes from a Christian counselor.
If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.Share Your Story
Other Things to Consider
Where is God in the Midst of All My Troubles?
So many cry out to Him in times of need, but is God really listening? And, more important, does He care?
Related Topics
Abuse & Addiction: Pornography and Cybersex, Sexual Abuse
Parenting Children: Talking About Sex
Parenting Teens: Sexual Activity, Crisis Pregnancy, Homosexuality
Transitions: Getting Married, Adoption, Having a Baby
