Myths about Homosexuality

January 14, 2005

MYTH #1: Some people are born homosexual.
FACT: There is no conclusive scientific evidence for any genetic trait causing homosexuality, bisexuality, or transgendered desires. Recent news reports have focused on this lack of research (Columbus Dispatch, Feb. 14, 1999;New York Times, April 23, 1999). Yet this is the underlying assumption of many recent laws about sexual orientation. Homosexuals are not a bona fide minority group.

MYTH #2: Homosexual activity is harmless, so no one should criticize it.
FACT: The consequences of homosexual behavior are devastating, and risky homosexual acts continue even when community acceptance increases. In San Francisco, the rate of sexually transmitted diseases among homosexuals remains very high, despite a tolerant climate. Substance abuse and suicide attempts are much higher among homosexuals. For in-depth information citing numerous studies, read Straight or Narrow? Clarity and Compassion in the Homosexual Debate by Thomas Schmidt (1995) and Homosexuality and the Politics of Truth by Jeffrey Satinover, M.D. (1996).

MYTH #3: No one chooses to be homosexual, so it must be inborn.

FACT: While homosexual desire may feel very natural to some people, this does not mean it is inborn, positive or unchangeable. There is overwhelming evidence that homosexual desire arises from traumatic childhood experiences, such as sexual abuse or a troubled family environment. These desires can be overcome through counseling. And—people always choose sexual behavior, even if the feelings aren’t chosen, unhealthy desires don’t have to be acted upon.

MYTH #4: A homosexual can never change to become a heterosexual.

FACT: Thousands of people have overcome homosexual desire. A network of ex-homosexual organizations called Exodus (206-784-7799) has several hundred affiliates around the world. Exodus helps strugglers through Christian support groups, prayer, and biblical teaching. Some psychologists can help homosexuals overcome homosexual desire through individual counseling as well. Many ex-homosexuals go on to marry and have children.

MYTH #5: The Bible doesn’t condemn homosexuality. Therefore, a person can be a proud homosexual and a Christian, too.
FACT: Scripture is very clear about homosexuality. There are dire warnings in the Bible about homosexual practices, both for individuals and for communities. Read Genesis 19, Leviticus 18:22, Leviticus 20:13, Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 1 Timothy 1:10, 2 Peter 2: 6-10, and Jude 6-7. Some say that because Jesus did not explicitly mention homosexuality, it must be permitted. But He never mentioned rape or incest either—are we to believe these are acceptable? And Jesus was God, who had already made His will known in the Old Testament. Jesus affirmed in Matthew 19 and Mark 10 that marriage is ordained for one man and one woman. How can those who call themselves Christians deliberately twist the word of God?

Homosexuality is sin, but it is changeable. There is hope for all of us sinners, as expressed so beautifully in 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."