Homosexuality: Genetics or Choice?
Introduction:
Just a decade ago,
who would have believed that USA would be embroiled in cultural meltdown in
homosexuality? Today, the homosexual lifestyle pushed on culture from every
angle. Rom 1:20-34 – passage refers to 1st century Greek
culture. Does it sound that
different from today? Our present generation did not discover homosexuality.
But what is new are the efforts of those in academia and religion to attempt to
seriously justify homosexuality and the emphasis on tolerance. We are now
expected to approve of homosexuality as normal and morally right. One of the
most common arguments pro-gay advocates use is that homosexuality is a matter
of genetics.
I.
A number of studies on this have been conducted.
A.
1991 Study by Simon LeVay.
1.
Found that a group of neurons in the
hypothalamus region of the brain are larger in heterosexual men than homosexual
men.
2.
Conclusion was made that homosexuality is inborn.
3.
What you didn’t hear in the media with this
study:
a)
LeVay’s results were not uniformly consistent.
b)
Disagreement on measurement: by size/volume
or by its # of neurons.
c)
Scientists have yet to determine whether
brain structure affects behavior or if behavior affects brain structure.
B.
1991 Study by Michael Bailey from
Northwestern University.
C.
1993: Dean Harner of National Cancer
Institute.
II.
Professional opinion is by no means unanimously convinced that
homosexuality is “inborn.”
A.
Chronicle
of Higher Education: “Born gay” theories
are unfounded and dangerous.”
B.
Dr.
William Byne of Columbia University: Inborn
evidence is inconclusive. It could be compared to trying to add up a hundred
zeroes so you can get to one.
C.
Prof
John D’Emilio, University of NC: while he
is willing to consider possibility of inborn homosexuality, there is “too much
else we haven’t explored.”
III.
A Matter of Genetics or Choice? The Scriptures say Choice!
A.
Js. 1:13 – to say that one is born homosexual makes God
responsible.
1.
Genesis 1:26 – we have been created in
the image of God.
2.
1 John 1:5 – in Him there is no darkness at all.
3.
1 John 3:3 – God is pure; 3:5 –
there is no sin in God.
4.
1 Peter 1:15-16 – God is holy.
B.
Those who insist that certain persons are
born into homosexuality – would have God setting up some of His creation
to fail.
1.
God is love (1 John 4:16), Will he condemn people
for something they cannot control?
2.
1 Cor. 10:13 – God does not lead us
into temptation – He gives us opportunities to choose to not act on it.
3.
The point is …we can control it!
C.
1 Cor. 6:9-10 - Homosexuality is no
different than any other sin.
1.
1 Corinthians 6:11 – they ceased this
behavior – there is hope for
homosexuals today.
D.
Js. 1:14-15 - We are born with the power of
choice.
1.
Gal. 5:16, 19-21, 24. We are to crucify the
flesh with its passions and desires.
a)
1 Cor. 9:27 – Paul disciplined his body
daily. So should we.
b)
Romans 13:12-14 – make no provision
for the flesh in regard to its lusts.
Conclusion:
A.
We are not alone as we struggle with
temptation. Mt. 11:28-30
B.
After responding to Christ, in obedience to
the gospel…we continue to get help.
Heb. 4:14-16