Why do you see homosexuality as wrong?

Last updated on September 24, 2020

Question:

I came across your website today, The Boys’ Growing Up in the Lord, and as I shuffled through a number of entries several questions of my own began to come into existence so I desire to hear your opinion on these topics. So please enlighten me.

But first some backstory:

I am a 17-year-old, homosexual Deist. I am completely positive in the fact that I am homosexual as I am only attracted to the male anatomy and am completely repulsed by females in either a sexual or emotional sense and most certainly could not start an intimate relationship with one. I also suffer from Eurotophobia, the fear of female genitalia, which may or may not contribute to this undeniable fact. I do not wish to be in any form of the words bisexual nor heterosexual. As for my religion, it is not that I hold any hatred toward the ideals that Christianity and other religions possess I just cannot follow a certain number of those ideas. Along with the numerous accounts of others attempting to force their religions on me, let’s just say even I tire of bad experiences.

And now my questions:

1. Why is it that you see homosexuals as “wrong” Where does it say so in the Bible? I have been told that marriage is between a man and a woman and in this, I do not disagree as marriage is a religious matter. I ask this only in honest curiosity, not spite or disrespect.
2. Similar to the question above, if your God is perfect and so are his creations, then wouldn’t it be wrong to try and change that individual? Would it not go against the plan of said God? And what about homosexual animals? Do they also sin though they know no better?
3. Can one not be a good Christian and a homosexual at the same time? If so why not?
4. A fourth somewhat associated question about homosexuality; what is your opinion of homosexual marriage? Personally, I love the idea that faithful homosexual couples now be treated as equals when compared to other monogamous couples. I do however disagree with it also as, stated before, marriage is a religious matter and the government should not interfere with it.
5. On an unrelated note, how is it possible that some question posted on this site you answered utilizing a purely scientific standing yet in another similar question you use the complete opposite, a religious standing.

If you would answer these questions I would be eternally grateful and if not so be it. There is no time-limit so answer whenever you wish. I would again like to explain that this is not an attack of any kind and I do not mean to offend, I am only curious.

Note: I would like to praise you for your success involving this website. You provide so many of today’s youth with helpful and reassuring information and though I may disagree with your view on homosexuals I find it wonderful that at least someone in the world is trying to help. I would also like to mention that I would have preferred to have a face-to-face conversation, just as I assume you would, alas I am bound by several factors that all teenagers fall victim to. If and when I am free from these restraints you and I most definitely need to have a talk, I would love to hear your opinions in person. And once again I do not wish to begin an argument with you nor do I want to create the illusion that you are less intelligent than you are, and we can all see you are quite educated. I simply seek enlightenment.

Awaiting your response.

Answer:

Since you have been looking through this web site, I’m sure you realize that I teach from a Christian perspective.

1. Homosexuality is mentioned numerous times in the Bible, under various terminology, and is always condemned. For a list of 26 passages, see Homosexuality.
2. Your second question makes an assumption that homosexuality is not a choice made by the individual — a contention that is popularly repeated but has never been proven. Despite numerous studies, there has been no solid indication of an inherited trait or an external cause to homosexuality. Christians have never been surprised by this because homosexuality is a sin, just as fornication and adultery are sins. Sins occur when people choose to break a law of God (I John 3:4).
   
   For example, Dr. Neil Whitehead notes that “Most teenagers will change from Same Sex Attraction. In fact, in the 16 to 17 year age group, 98% will move from homosexuality and bisexuality towards heterosexuality.” Dr. Whitehead also notes, “About half of those with exclusive Same Sex Attraction move towards heterosexuality over a lifetime. Put another way, 3% of the practicing heterosexual population (both men and women) claim to have once been either bisexual or homosexual. [mygenes.co.nz].
   
   One of the core principles of Christianity is that people can change if they desire to do so. “‘Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways,’ says the Lord GOD. ‘Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,’ says the Lord GOD. “Therefore turn and live!’” (Ezekiel 18:30-32). Clearly, most people aren’t interested in changing, but that doesn’t mean change is impossible or undesired. “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (II Peter 3:9).
   
   God is holy. When people are born, they are sinless. “Truly, this only I have found: That God made man upright, but they have sought out many schemes” (Ecclesiastes 7:29). It is men who choose to leave God and enter the realm of sins — regardless of the choice of sin. “Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed” (James 1:13-14).
   
   It has been shown that animals that mate with the same sex do so on a temporary basis when members of the opposite sex are not available. Once there is a member of the opposite sex available, they will revert to heterosexual mating. For example, see Controversial Toronto Zoo Penguins Not Gay after All?
3. One cannot accept sin and be a Christian. “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” (Romans 6:1-2). Thus, the answer is no. “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God” (I Corinthians 6:9-11). The last statement is historical evidence that homosexuals can and do change.
4. If you understand that Christians see homosexuality as a sin, then anything promoting sin is also rejected. “Who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them” (Romans 1:32).
5. I see them as the same. When someone indicates he believes in the Bible, I will use the Scriptures more heavily. When someone hints that he doesn’t believe in the Bible, I will use sources that he might find more authoritative. If a scientific article happens to support a biblical principle, I have no qualms showing that what the Bible teaches isn’t as radical as some might assume.

It would be a pleasure to talk to you one of these days. None of your questions came across as disrespectful and I hope that while I tend to answer bluntly, you will find my replies given in the same way.

Response:

Thank you, sir, for taking the time to answer my many questions. Though we may have opposing views, I did find your arguments quite persuasive. In fact, if I was not so sure of myself and my lifestyle I would attempt to change, but change has never been my forte. I would also like to thank you for your respectful and collected demeanor throughout your reply. With that, I will bid you adieu and hope our paths may cross again.