Homosexuality and christianity
By cynddvs
@cynddvs (2948)
United States
April 25, 2007 9:56pm CST
I posted a blog on Myspace about this a while back. Someone on my friends list posted a discussion last night about whether homosexuality is genetic or not. So it just reminded me of my blog. I wanted to share it with you all and see what your thoughts are. So here it is:
I have recently started attending and Episcopal church. During the 2003 General Convention delegates confirmed the consecration of Bishop Gene Robinson as bishop of New Hampshire. This bishop just so happens to be in a relationship with a man. This has caused much conflict within the church. While the more liberal christians are more accepting of having a homosexual bishop, the more conservative christians refuse to accept this. This obviously doesn't pertain to me since I am obviously not homosexual but it has got me thinking. While conservative christians preach that the bible states that homosexuality is wrong, I believe that they are going on the assumption that homosexuality is a chosen lifestyle. This is where I want to jump in and play the devil's advocate. What if being homosexual isn't a chosen lifestyle? What if people really are born gay? Are we supposed to just brush these people under the rug and deny them of any form of christianity? This way of thinking just seems so wrong to me. As far as I know there are no significant studies to prove one way or another whether homosexuality is genetic. But I've just gotta wonder if the day does come that it is proven genetic how will these conservative christians handle that. Now I'm not trying to say anyone is wrong for their beliefs either way. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I just wanted to get people to put a little thought into this. Food for thought I guess. Feel free to share your opinions and any links to interesting websites on this topic. I'm curious to see everyones thoughts on this.
7 people like this
7 responses
@APMorison (424)
• United States
26 Apr 07
the science is not 'conclusive' yet - but then even if it were Concrete there are some who would discount it.
There are multiple animals species which exhibit homosexual behaviors on document. The conservatives say we can not accept that as 'evidence' since we are not animals (hmmm we use animal models in Dang Near Everything Else - from behavioral psychology to physiology - but Hey the conservatives have to draw the line somewhere)
There is evidence of are quantifiable differences in the hypothalamus of the Human Brain of a homosexual subject as compared to a hetrosexual subject - the conservatives pass those differences off as Resulting From the Behavior not as a Congenital (From Birth) variant in the brain as it would be seen for any number of different variants associated with anything Other than Homosexuality.
Even if science could find the Ultimate Answer - the Conservatives would then try to Find A Cure for the Birth Defect - ya can't win against fear and deep seated prejudice.
3 people like this
@tshirtscene (491)
• New Zealand
26 Apr 07
Regardless of what the bible say's and if you are of christian faith, I believe GOD love's all his children and accepts each and everyone of us, he made us in his image, therefore we should learn to love and accept other as we are.
Now this doesn't mean that we have to go out of our way for EVERYONE, there just isn't enough time in the day for that. But for those who are closest to us and within our reach we need to practise a little more tolerance and understanding and with less bigotry and preaching.
It's often said that religion is an innate quality that we posses, we have never seen god, but believe in his word and workings. Why can homosexuality not be the same in that we are born with differences as well?
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
27 Apr 07
I think people are born homosexual. It is related to hormones, not genetic information. I have few homosexual friends. Looking at my friends it is obvious for me that they have different hormones and will never fall in love for woman. As far as priests I would say that they are surrounded by man for most of their life and they are afraid of woman….or consequences of heterosexual relationship.
1 person likes this
@xParanoiax (6987)
• United States
27 Apr 07
I agree exactly. Some people just want to hate, mostly 'cause they're insecure, needing to feel important. Christianity as a religion itself teaches love, yet so many who claim to be christians don't seem to be excellent examples of this, and I've found too many who'd rather judge and condemn them than love or accept them.
They don't have to agree with them to simply treat them like human beings.
My father who's a christian often says "Hate the sin, love the sinner"
After everything I've learned so far I'm pretty sure it's genetic, though until scientists come out and say "It's a gene mothers pass onto their children" like recent studies have been suggesting, most of the disputes and arguments over the subject period within or without christianity will never settle.
I'm just afraid some people'll get together after -- if -- it happens, and try to work on something to affect babies before their births. I mean gosh, think of the moral implications..experimenting on children, period..and changing what someone inherantly is. Worse yet, if it ends up being under parent's consent..I'm afraid that some parents will agree. I mean if you're christian, shouldn't it be believed that it's up to..say, God?
Being gay does not disable a person. It's not fatal..not like many genetic conditions which most of the time, do end up killing or as good as for many children. If people can help children avoid genetic diseases, or other conditions which would later in life, harm them..if they made it into childhood at all, then yes..it'd be a wonderful new medical science..
So long as its weighed against morality.
1 person likes this
@xParanoiax (6987)
• United States
28 Apr 07
Exactly! Some folks just don't think I guess. It's rather saddening sometimes.
1 person likes this
@soccermom (3198)
• United States
27 Apr 07
I am pretty sure that homsexuals are born that way. I posted a discussion awhile ago about a lesbian couple that was denied communion at their Roman Catholic church after they came out of the closet. I was so upset that religion as a whole preaches love and tolerance, but yet shun those that want to worship. It disgusts me that we hear about priests who molest little boys, yet the word "homosexual" is never brought into the conversation. My 4 year old likes to sing that song "red or yellow black or white they are precious in His sight..." the words should be changed to "Gay or lesbian, black or white they are precious in His sight"...come to think of it maybe I'll teach her to sing it that way, that should give all these "christians" something to chew on...
@Zmugzy (773)
•
27 Apr 07
I think there is plenty of evidence to suggest that homosexuality is both genetic and due social upbringing, although some no doubt choose it as well. There are so many varients when it comes to sexuality. No doubt there are gay people who were born that way but I have known many people who choose a certain path. I know many hereosexual men with wives and families who have gay relationships on the side, and they don't consider themselves gay. I know women who have been heterosexually married for years and then get divorced to pursue a Lesbian relationship. I know Lesbians who have done the reverse. There are straight men who go with male transvestites and they don't consider themselves gay.
There will always be those who don't like homosexuals because it doesn't fit in with their world view or because they feel threatened by such differences. There is also plenty of evidence to suggest that people who hate homosexuals are themselves homosexual but are trapped in a belief system that prevents them from expressing their true feelings.
@mememama (3076)
• United States
27 Apr 07
This is one of the reasons I have a hard time getting into organized religion. I believe homosexuals are born that way, and why would God create homosexuals if he doesn't like them? I don't think it's a choice at all, I have many gay friends and I can't imagine them living as straight, they would be lying to themselves.
1 person likes this
