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The Sexual Orientation Controversy

by Wayne Jackson
According to these “experts” sexual orientation is not something one can change. Some of the major studies reflecting these opinions have been done, of course, by the homosexuals themselves.
Ever since the 1970s, most psychotherapists have been telling the American public that homosexuality is a genetic condition, like being right-handed or left-handed. According to these “experts,” sexual orientation is not something one can change. Some of the major studies reflecting these opinions have been done, of course, by the homosexuals themselves.
Accordingly, the standard line of psycho-dribble is that “gays” must learn to accept their identity. Some schools are now offering courses to young homosexuals with this very goal in view. There are on-campus organizations whose aim is to help young “gays” learn to live with their status – and even to have “pride” in it. [See NOTE below.]
This view finds no support whatever in the Scriptures. In fact, the Bible plainly contradicts this concept. Consider two points:
First, no genetic problem is ever condemned in the Bible as sinful. Being left-handed is not wrong. Having red hair is not a sin. Baldness is not a form of evil. On the other hand, homosexual activity is explicitly condemned in the Scriptures.
In the book of Romans, Paul, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, wrote:

“For this reason God gave them [the ancient heathen] over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error” (1:26-27 – NASB).
The homosexual lifestyle is degrading, unnatural (cf. “strange” Jude 7), and indecent – in a word, sinful.
Moreover, in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, the apostle dealt with several popular sins which, if not forgiven, will keep one out of the kingdom of God. Among these are the “effeminate” and the “abusers of themselves with men” (ASV). The term “effeminate” translates a Greek word which denotes “men and boys who allow themselves to be misused homosexually.” The special emphasis is upon homosexual conduct between men and boys. The latter expression (“abusers. . . “) signifies “a male homosexual” in general (see Wm. Arndt & F.W. Gingrich, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, Chicago: University of Chicago, 1967, pp. 109, 489).
Second, consider this: In addressing the Corinthians concerning these sins, Paul wrote: “But such were some of you” (6:11). The past tense form reveals that those who once engaged in this sordid lifestyle had changed their practice through the influence of the gospel. When people desire to do so, they can change!