Homosexuality: Legally Permissible or Spiritually Misguided?1

Lockard, Homosexuality• Historical. The article will examine ancient societies in an attempt todetermine the origins of the practice and to learn whether they weretolerated by those societies. Proponents of homosexual behaviourcontend that anti-homosexuality ideas originated from the WesternChristian churches. This article will explore the historical accuracy ofthese contentions.• Empirical. The paper will examine the findings of empirical, scientificresearch regarding the causes of homosexuality to determine there isconvincing scientific evidence showing that homosexual behaviour isbiologically or genetically determined. The salient issue of homosexualorientation versus chosen behaviour will be examined, askingquestions such as: Are people born gay? Can a homosexual change his/her sexual orientation? Is there a gay gene for homosexuality?• Scriptural. The article will briefly present the traditional view of thewitness of Scripture. Although revisionist theologians postulate againstthe witness of scripture, it is essential to give careful and accurateinterpretation to God’s mandates on homosexual behaviour.• Pastoral. Finally, particular emphasis will be given to the implicationsof the study for pastoral ministry within the context of the current andfuture church of Christ. Two of the most salient issues facing pastoralcounsellors today will be examined: If homosexuality is legallypermissible, (a) should the church conduct same-sex marriages? (b)should homosexual “Christians” be given full rights among churchleadership in all aspects of teaching, preaching and leading?1.3. Defining homosexualityThe word “homosexuality” was first used in 1869. Even the root word“sexuality” is a 19 th century coinage (ACUTE 1998). For clarity of thisresearch, the following definition of the word “homosexual” will guide thecontents of this paper:People whose sexual attraction is predominantly towards theirown sex, whether or not it is expressed in homoerotic sexualactivity, and that the term “homoerotic sexual practice” be used140