Josiah Concept Ministries

The Penitent Atheist says:

As it turned out, the issue of homosexuality, among others, helped me see that the Bible, and Christianity, were false. It is very simple, really. If homosexuality is not a choice, then Christianity is wrong. And it is patently clear that homosexuality is not a choice; it is no more a choice than is heterosexuality. (source)

And then:

Someone will counter my arguments here by asking if we should also be tolerant of pedophiles. After all, one might argue, they don’t choose their sexual preference either. But there is a very significant difference between homosexual sex between two consenting adults and sex between an adult and a child. The child does not, cannot, consent, and is severely harmed psychologically by the experience. The vast disparity of power between an adult and a child, both physical and psychological, makes it sexual activity harmful.

Actually, I wouldn’t counter the argument by arguing for pedophilia. But I’m glad that our penitent friend recognizes that lack of choice in the manner or method of sexual attraction does not equate to said manner or method being correct behavior. That will form the foundation of my counter-argument.

I will assume that a lack of a conscious choice in the matter will mean a genetic predisposition toward the behavior, in this case, homosexuality. The penitent atheist, in his reverse example, doesn’t consider environmental factors so I believe that I’m safe in assuming that he is primarily arguing on genetics. So, let’s ask ourselves: Does a genetic predisposition to something automatically mean that this is a desirable state of being? Consider that alcoholism (or any addictive behavior, for that matter), heart disease, high blood pressure, emphysema, rage, Down’s syndrome, and cancer are all influenced by genetics. That is why this line of reasoning is fallacious. There are many negative traits that are also genetic.

The entire “homosexuality isn’t a choice” argument automatically assumes that because something is hard wired into our being that it is a good thing. That is clearly and demonstrably false. I struggle with an addiction. I have anger management issues. I’ve survived cancer. These things are likely hard wired into my DNA, but I don’t believe that any of those things affect me positively, and I certainly won’t submit to addiction or just tell my wife that she’ll have to deal with my rage because that stuff is genetic and I don’t have a choice in the matter.

The truth is that I do have a choice in the matter. I can recognize those attributes, such as addiction and rage, for the corrupting influences that they are. Homosexuality, whether it is hard wired or a personal preference, is no different. The homosexual must realize, first, that this behavior is a corrupting influence. Then, he or she must act on this realization and surrender to the authority of God through Christ Jesus. That is only the first step. I do now and always will struggle with my addiction. So will these saints. But they will be saved by the same grace that saved me, and in time, they will come to terms with that sin as I have. They will struggle with it, but they will be equipped to face it head-on.

But don’t take my word for it. Read the testimonies of people who have been positively impacted by taking those steps with homosexuality, and now embrace freedom in Jesus Christ.

There isn’t a cure for homosexuality. No one is trying to claim that. But there is hope for those that struggle with it. The feelings won’t go away, but over time these feelings can be dealt with in a positive, God-glorifying way.