Gay Brains Structured Like Those of the Opposite Sex
FDA Approves Another Drug for Fibromyalgia
June 16, 2008Podcast 1
June 17, 2008ABC News is reporting that “brain scans have provided the most compelling evidence yet that being gay or straight is a biologically fixed trait.”
The researchers say that the brain scans they performed revealed that in gay people, key structures of the brain governing emotion, mood, anxiety and aggressiveness resemble those in straight people of the opposite sex.
My Take?
The researchers say these differences are likely to have been “forged in the womb or in early infancy.”
But, the researchers acknowledge that the study can’t say whether the brain differences are inherited, or result from abnormally high or low exposure in the womb to sex hormones such as testosterone.
My guess is the latter. And, my guess is that we’re going to see more and more data showing that there is a biological basis for homosexuality.
And, if so, what are Christians to do if the data clearly show a biological basis for homosexuality?
Albert Mohler has addressed this question in March 2007 in an article titled, Is Your Baby Gay? What If You Could Know? What If You Could Do Something About It?
He concludes:
Christians who are committed to think in genuinely Christian terms should think carefully about these points:
1. There is, as of now, no incontrovertible or widely accepted proof that any biological basis for sexual orientation exists.
2. Nevertheless, the direction of the research points in this direction. Research into the sexual orientation of sheep and other animals, as well as human studies, points to some level of biological causation for sexual orientation in at least some individuals.
3. Given the consequences of the Fall and the effects of human sin, we should not be surprised that such a causation or link is found. After all, the human genetic structure, along with every other aspect of creation, shows the pernicious effects of the Fall and of God’s judgment.
4. The biblical condemnation of all homosexual behaviors would not be compromised or mitigated in the least by such a discovery. The discovery of a biological factor would not change the Bible’s moral verdict on homosexual behavior.
5. The discovery of a biological basis for homosexuality would be of great pastoral significance, allowing for a greater understanding of why certain persons struggle with these particular sexual temptations.
6. The biblical basis for establishing the dignity of all persons – the fact that all humans are made in God’s image – reminds us that this means all persons, including those who may be marked by a predisposition toward homosexuality. For the sake of clarity, we must insist at all times that all persons – whether identified as heterosexual, homosexual, lesbian, transsexual, transgendered, bisexual, or whatever – are equally made in the image of God.
7. Thus, we will gladly contend for the right to life of all persons, born and unborn, whatever their sexual orientation. We must fight against the idea of aborting fetuses or human embryos identified as homosexual in orientation.
8. If a biological basis is found, and if a prenatal test is then developed, and if a successful treatment to reverse the sexual orientation to heterosexual is ever developed, we would support its use as we should unapologetically support the use of any appropriate means to avoid sexual temptation and the inevitable effects of sin.
9. We must stop confusing the issues of moral responsibility and moral choice. We are all responsible for our sexual orientation, but that does not mean that we freely and consciously choose that orientation. We sin against homosexuals by insisting that sexual temptation and attraction are predominately chosen. We do not always (or even generally) choose our temptations. Nevertheless, we are absolutely responsible for what we do with sinful temptations, whatever our so-called sexual orientation.
10. Christians must be very careful not to claim that science can never prove a biological basis for sexual orientation. We can and must insist that no scientific finding can change the basic sinfulness of all homosexual behavior. The general trend of the research points to at least some biological factors behind sexual attraction, gender identity, and sexual orientation. This does not alter God’s moral verdict on homosexual sin (or heterosexual sin, for that matter), but it does hold some promise that a deeper knowledge of homosexuality and its cause will allow for more effective ministries to those who struggle with this particular pattern of temptation. If such knowledge should ever be discovered, we should embrace it and use it for the greater good of humanity and for the greater glory of God.
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I have been concerened with the advancement of the gay groups. Wanting ,marriage ,normal life etc. Reading your blog on gay brains helps me to understand alittle better. I am concerned and dismayed about their souls. The bible is very explicit about the gay life stile. Knowing that their brains work different makes it easier to speak to them about choices.
Do you have a picture of the differences of their brains. I know this all sound strange, but I truly care about their souls and the lost. I have wept many times in prayer over their eternal condition. Can you help me …??? Thanks ,Barbara
I lost a brother over 10 yrs ago to AIDS due to homosexual activity. I have always felt that this is something that homosexuals are born with. Why would any human being CHOOSE the homosexual lifestyle and endure the ridicule that comes with it? Each one of us is born with the capability of having sex with the opposite sex, which is not a sin until it is done out of marriage. I think that people should look at this the same way they look at prostitution and adultery – it is a sin. Many straight people practice abstinence, as well as people with gay tendencies. My brother kept up a ‘straight’ charade until he moved to FL. where he was away from family and could give into his tendencies. I don’t condone him for this as I would not condone a brother or sister of adultery – a sin is a sin.
Thank you for bringing this all to light, I appreciate it.
Dr. Walt,
I listen to you on our local Christian radio station and my ears certainly picked up on the possible link of homosexuality to genetics rather than just being a choice.
I have struggled with homosexual feelings for many years. In looking back over my life, I’d have to say that I always felt different from the other guys and as I matured and the hormones kicked in I didn’t experience what all of the other guys felt towards the opposite sex.
I’ve wrestled with God over this for years. I’ve been to Christian counselors, 5 Exodus Conferences, read numerous books, prayed, cried, begged God to take away this desire and even prayed that God would just let me die rather than give in and go into the life style. At one time I had a hope that I would be free from homosexual desires based upon what I heard from ex-gay groups…”Freedom from homosexualty.” Well, we need to define “freedom.” I no longer have hope that the desires will be totally removed this side of Heaven. If you know of a program that works, please let me know. All I can do is try my best to live in obedience to Him. This will mean that I will live a single life. I pray that God will save me from myself. This life is only temporary and I hope that God will have mercy on those who struggle, fall, and continue to get up and try again.
For those who don’t struggle, I’m sure it’s very difficult for them to understand and I can understand their fears. However, I can’t find where God says that heterosexual lust / sin is less of a sin than homosexual. Many of us who do struggle carry around our necks an “H” the size of a millstone. We worry that if you only knew….. We feel different and we aren’t proud of our struggle. You wouldn’t believe the shame. Try putting on a straight act when deep down you know you’re gay. We even feel that we can’t serve in the church….we’re not worthy.
Over the past few years, I have developed an awesome friendship with a straight Christian guy who played football, etc…a regular jock. I needed some accountability and felt lead that it could be this guy who could help. In short I asked if he would be an accountability partner and if he said yes, then it would mean that God wanted me to confess. He said yes and I confessed. That was so hard for me. I couldn’t even look him in the eye. Through the years, I have been amazed, humbled, and honored by his love for someone like me. Recently, he told me that I was his best friend, next to his wife. Wow, I was totally blown away….I was accepted by a regular straight guy! You can’t imagine how that made me feel.
Well, I’ve rattled on enough. I believe you mentioned in your broadcast that you wanted responses. HA!
Thank you for your words and comments on homosexuality and how the church should look at this topic and those who struggle.
I hope that those readers who are straight will have a little better understanding of those who struggle with homosexuality.
A Gay Struggler
Gay Struggler,
Amen and Amen. I can’t say I understand your struggle entirely, but it is very encouraging to hear a testimony from someone that struggles with temptation and has been willing to let the Word of God be real and active in his life. It is rare to hear from ANYONE that examines their life by the Word of God as closely as you have, and been willing to obey it, even though it involves very tough choices.
You are a living example of the Grace of God…
Dr Walt,
Thank you for the challenging and encouraging article. It is such a blessing to hear from those that are dedicated to the Truth, and more specifically, the Truth of God’s Word. I appreciate your perspective and encouragement. Thanks!
Josh
Hi Dr. Walt,
Dr. Donald Joy was featured on Dobson’s radio show years ago (20?) addressing some fascinating studies. Now that we have technology to look into the actual structure of the brain, it gives the original studies more credence.
My brother is gay and I have seen the toll that this lifestyle has taken on his precious soul. It is a “truth” according to which he chooses to live this life. I cannot change him or convince him otherwise. I can only love him and pray that his eyes and heart are one day opened to God’s love.
We are all born with inherent challenges in our lives. Only God knows why. And I believe that only God can give us the strength and heart to follow Him despite these “natural tendencies”, . (Addictions, homosexuality, hyper-sexuality, selfishness, and the multitude of other things that cause us to have a worldly focus.), whatever they might be.
May God give you strength as you focus on the eternal: that which will never fade, rust, rot or die.
B