It is a “Choice”
Gay rights activists have spent many years trying to tell people that homosexuals are born that way. Many gay rights organizations cite three main studies that activists use to claim the biological nature of homosexuality have serious methodological flaws, but many Christians believe the media has latched onto the simplified results.
The studies (Hamer’s X-chromosome research, LeVay’s hypothalamus study, and Baily and Pillard’s homosexual twins study) come into question, because they were all conducted by those who had a vested interest in the outcome. Critics of the genetic studies cite the methodological flaws. Proponents still find values in the studies. Yet, no matter what side of the debate a person may be on, the findings only bring up more questions.
If the studies, even with their flaws, are considered, does it excuse homosexuality from being listed among sins? Fundamental Christians will say that even a genetic propensity toward homosexuality does not excuse the sin, as people always have a choice to overcome afflictions and God can overcome anything. Other Christians use the studies to show that homosexuality is a struggle, and people need to embrace homosexuals as those struggling with sin. Still, there are the other Christian groups that embrace homosexuality as an acceptable behavior and not sinful at all.
What About My Homosexual Friends?
The Bible explains that sin comes from a desire to rebel against God, and if homosexuality is a sin, then it is part of that rebellion. Those desires can be very difficult to overcome. Like choices to abuse alcohol and drugs, people can be enslaved by their homosexual desires.
Many homosexuals are angry or fearful of Christians due to much persecutionWhile God warns us to be careful around sinners, it does not mean you should suddenly give up on your homosexual friends. There is a common saying in the church of “Love the sinner, hate the sin.” We are all sinners in one way or another.
Many Christians ask the question, “If people were born to be homosexual would God have considered it a sin?” No, in Leviticus God called for homosexuals to be killed for their sins (keep in mind this was Old Testament judgment). A loving God would not create homosexuals only to have them killed for a behavior He created.
Homosexuals, even those that struggle with their sexual orientation, can be forgiven. The only unforgivable sin, according to the Bible, is to not believe in Jesus as God’s one and only son (John 3:18). Meaning your homosexual friends can use your guidance and love.
However, it is important for you to understand that the answer to homosexuality is not to convert your friend to heterosexuality, but to guide your friends toward God. Many people think that dating or marriage is the answer to all the homosexual’s problems, but the opposite of homosexuality is not heterosexuality, it is holiness. It is not about creating an attraction to members of the opposite sex, but forming a relationship with God. He will take care of the rest.
If your friend does not turn to God right away, be patient and be an example of Christ. Remember that you are there to plant the seeds. It is God who will make those seeds grow.
Leviticus 20:13 – “If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.” (NIV)
John 3:18 – “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only son.” (NIV)
1 Corinthians 3:6 – “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.” (NIV)
1 Corinthians 10:13 – “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And god is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” (NIV)
