Homosexuality: Legally Permissible or Spiritually Misguided?1

Lockard, Homosexuality• Anti-homosexual predilection did not originate with the WesternChristian church’s teaching; on the contrary, many pagan culturesabhorred the practice.• A thorough literature review of scientific research reveals that there aremultiple factors that cause homosexuality, but there is no empiricalevidence to suggest that genetic or biological determinism is one ofthem.• Both the biological (illness) and environmental models fail to considerthe aspect of free agency as a constituent factor of homosexuality; thatGod designed humankind with the cognitive capacity to makeautonomous decisions for or against any human behaviour.Behavioural scientists have confirmed this often neglected aspect ofhomosexuality (Byne & Parsons 1993; Warner 2001; Needlemen2004).• In sum, then, homosexuality does not have a genetic basis; neither is itdetermined by hormonal imbalances. Rather, multifactorial causespoint to its origin: environmental and psychosocial factors (e.g.,previous sexual abuse and/or poor parent-child relations). Furthermore,the free will agency of choice in choosing homosexuality as a lifestylemust not be discounted as a causation.• Failure on the part of the media to communicate the findings ofempirical research accurately can lead the non-scientific community tobelieve unsubstantiated claims. Critical investigation is paramountwhen anatomising behavioural science research, paying particularattention to vague statements such as “there may be a gene…”, “wethink we have discovered…” or “the possibility exists that…”.• If the scriptures are soundly interpreted, both Testaments clearly andconsistently condemn homosexual behaviour. The revisionist gayinterpretation of key texts does not conform to sound hermeneuticalprinciples.• Empirical studies have indicated that homosexuality can be reversed.Importantly, one cannot dismiss the Holy Spirit as a powerful and finalchange agent for same sex behaviours. Treatment of homosexualswithin the body of Christ should be the same as anyone who is caughtin the clutches of sin’s grip. Gentle restoration is the example of JesusChrist’s ministry, which he calls us to follow.165