by Alan Smith
In Sunday School, we broached a topic that is somewhat controversial in the Christian community. The topic of Homosexuality is avoided like the plague in our churches. I believe that if we have the truth in the Scripture, then we should not hide from proclaiming that truth. Does that Bible have something to say about the idea of homosexuality? And if it does, are people born gay?
Are People Born Gay?
I think the populous answer in the Christian community to this question is a resounding, NO! Most, I assume, argue that God would not “knit together” someone in a way that contrary to the teachings of Scripture. God has defined gay and lesbian behavior as an abomination in Leviticus 18 and a detestable thing in Leviticus 20. If so, the there is no way that God would make someone gay.
I would like to suggest that in fact people are born gay. Without going into the science of the issue, let me suggest a couple points to consider.
* There is no genetic factor that indicates homosexuality. One’s sexual behavior does not seem to be connected to genetics.
* There is evidence to suggest that the brains of gay and lesbian people differ from those that are heterosexual. The current cultural trends seems to argue that these changes in brain physiology occur in utero.
Because of brain chemistry, it is possible for males to be born with brains that work more similar to women brains. And for a women to be born with a brain that functions more similar to a man. The development of the brain is gender neutral and it is hormone baths at key points during the process that determines the “maleness” or “femaleness” of the brain.
The point is that a person can be born and have a brain that functions in a way as to make them attracted to the same sex. It is highly possible that in a fallen world, a person can be born with characteristics that make them predisposed to gay and/or lesbian preferences.
If I’m born gay, then I’m gay.
If one is born with a gay or lesbian predisposition, then are we to make every effort to accommodate this behavior? If a person is born gay, should we as Christians defend the gay and lesbian lifestyle? NO!
Paul ask this question in Romans when he says shall we continue in sin so that Grace may abound? May it never be. In Romans 1, the Apostle Paul outlines for us the process that occurs in the mind and heart of someone on the path to homosexuality. It begins when one suppresses the truth of God in unrighteousness. The truth that has been revealed to all through HIS creation. His invisible attributes are clearly seen by the things that HE has made. When this truth is denied, they think themselves to be wise, they become fools. The Biblical definition of a fool is someone who does not believe there is a God.
When this has happened, the Scriptures tell us that God turns them over to a “reprobate mind” to do those things that are unnatural. Men doing sexual acts with other men and women doing the same. This is the logical progression for sexual behavior when the TRUTH of God is denied. The sexual act is perverted and the behavior is a “detestable act.”
But if one is born gay . . .
The issue is not, are they born gay? The issue is are they living in sin. Having a predisposition to a behavior is not an excuse to engage in the behavior. We are all born that way. We are all born with a sin nature, having a predisposition to engage in sinful acts of all kinds. Some are less “sinful” than others, or so we would like to believe.
In Romans 1, at the end of the chapter, Paul begins to list the types of behavior that people who have been turned over to “reprobate minds” would engage. They include murder, slander, greed, envy, as well as disobedient to parents. In the same list as murder and homosexuality, Paul, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit of God, includes disobedience to parents.
We all are predisposed to sin. We all engage in behavior that is against the character and nature of God. It is all like filthy rags. Are people born gay? Yes. We are all born sinners. But that is not an excuse to sin.
My Comments: The very fact of us being born sinners is the reason that many chose to live a lifestyle of sinfulness. No matter what form of sin we are involved in the Grace of God is greater than any sin. If we confess it as sin and stop trying to excuse it as something we were born with the we can be forgiven and start a new life in Christ. Do not be fooled into thinking that you can live in sin and get by with it, the wages of sin is death.