Homosexuality: Legally Permissible or Spiritually Misguided?1

Lockard, Homosexualityand caring Christians to assist them toward wholeness in Christ (EPC2005). 10In counselling homosexuals, Matheson (2006) has developed a counsellingparadigm that incorporates four principles of change. He believes the reasonthat many homosexuals become discouraged when their feelings andattractions do not change quickly is because their efforts at change are notbroad enough. Therefore, he suggests using the acronym M-A-N-S:masculinity, authenticity, need fulfilment and surrender.Masculinity:Authenticity:Need fulfilment:Surrender:men in the change process need to feel masculine andbond with other men.getting out of the false self and facing feelings in openrelationships.develop relationships, experiences, and opportunitiesthat strengthen, nurture, and lead to joy and personalsatisfaction.letting go of everything that prevents change fromhappening and letting in the things that restore thegrowth processes.Matheson (2006) developed these principles of change in order to counselhomosexuals to live in freedom from homosexual behaviour. Although hedoes not give scriptural mandates against homosexual behaviour, the fourthchange principle—surrender—could be effectively developed by pastoralcounsellors from a biblical paradigm of change through transformation by theHoly Spirit.6. ConclusionThis research explored four critical components involved in homosexualbehaviour: history, causes, the witness of scripture, and implications forpastoral ministry in the 21 st century Christian church. These are some of themost significant conclusions of the study.10 For a comprehensive listing of resources to assist homosexuals in reversing their sexualorientation to heterosexuality, see Appendix A.164