2. Is a person born gay?
Is homosexual behavior inherited or learned? This may be one of the most critical questions in the discussion over homosexuality and gay marriage. If a person is born gay then the common view is this is natural and therefore they should be able to enjoy life as a gay person and have all the rights and privileges both civilly and religiously of a person born heterosexual .
In the past homosexuality has been viewed exclusively as a choice and considered deviant behavior. As late as 1973 the American Psychiatric Assoc. still listed homosexuality as a mental disorder.
Is there a gay gene? Studies seem to indicate yes, sexual orientation may be determined before birth, though research is inconclusive. It is an issue that is difficult to scientifically prove because by the time a person decides their own sexual orientation there has been too much opportunity for environment to influence them one way or another.
I believe in many cases homosexuality is a learned behavior, due to culture, childhood environment, experiences, and reinforced with personal choices. If in these cases homosexuality is a learned behavior can it be unlearned? Their are of course two opposing views.
1. Healing is impossible because biologically this innate, psychologically it is irreversible and harmful to try, and sociologically is it normal.
2. Healing is possible, especially for those who are drawn to homosexuality because of circumstances or environment. The homosexual community has to allow for this possibility.
Can God change a person? Yes, especially if they became homosexual because of a life experience. I NEVER initiate this conversation with someone who is homosexual. If the person approaches me and indicates they feel God is calling them to leave a homosexual orientation then I will pray for them.
Has it worked? I have been apart of three people’s lives who I personally ministered to and had a long enough relationship with to see a transformation. I have also loved hundreds of homosexual people and did not judge them over their sexual orientation. Why? I was not born the person I am today. God transformed my life. I need a Savior just as much as anyone on this earth and Christ loved me right where I was and changed, and is changing me in the person I want to become. This is what I want every person to experience and let God take it from there.
” If a person is born gay then the common view is this is natural and therefore they should be able to enjoy life as a gay person and have all the rights ”
I don’t know if this is a common view. But my view is that, provided it harms no one, I couldn’t care less whether it’s born or learned.
“Is homosexual behavior inherited or learned? This may be one of the most critical questions in the discussion over homosexuality and gay marriage”
I disagree entirely. I say that even if it’s a choice, it’s a choice for the individual to make for himself, not one that any particular religion can impose on all of society.
The concept of freedom of religion means Muslims cannot force Christian women to wear head-scarves. It means Jews can’t force everyone else in society to be circumcised- and it also means Christians can’t force everyone else to live according to their bible and the tenets of their religion.