CHAPTER FIFTEEN

HOMOSEXUALS, HURTS AND HOPE

One of the noticeable changes in the whole area of sexuality in the last few years has been the call for homosexual activity to be accepted in society. In spite of the number of homosexuals who have died or are dying of AIDS, we are still being encouraged to see this as an acceptable alternative to heterosexual activity.

On the other hand, known homosexuals are still being labelled with some names they were rather not hear. Some are even assaulted for being that way.

WHAT CAUSES HOMOSEXUALITY?

There has been a lot of debate on this topic but some of the best modern research indicates that homosexual activity is a choice. This choice is powerfully influenced by a number of factors.

One of these is the family environment in which a child grows up. The influences of the environment and it's parent-child relationships can be interpreted by a child in such a way as to cause him or her to only be able to relate in partnership with the same sex.

Sometimes sexual harassment can turn a persons orientation away from normal sexual activity. For example, some bashed up wives or rape victims turn to what they consider to be a gentler form of sexuality - lesbianism. Approximately 85% of women who have lesbian identity have been molested as children.

There are other factors. People are complicated beings, and it seems that self pity and bitterness can further accentuate the tendency to opt for homosexual activity. A sense of rejection and harmful spiritual influences can further add to the effect.

With the breakdown of homes and family life in our society, homosexuality is likely to become more and more of an issue, because what takes place in the home in the first 5-7 years of a child's life has a great influence on what he or she becomes in adult life.

WHO IS AFFECTED?

Our statistics are likely to be similar to recent research that estimates about 1% of the USA population to be homosexual. Perhaps some others are involved occasionally.

At one extreme there are those who become homosexual early in childhood and continue with that orientation, showing virtually no interest in the opposite sex. Some live in sexual relationship with a homosexual partner, others have sex on occasions but keep it 'quiet' (known as closet homosexuals) and others refrain from sexual intimacy entirely.

Then there are those who have a mixed sexual lifestyle. They may be married, but also have sexual encounters with their same sex. This is often called bi-sexuality.

There are also those who have had a homosexual encounter at some stage but are heterosexual in normal life. For example, some long term prisoners may indulge in homosexual activity while in prison but when released, revert to a heterosexual relationship with their husband or wife.

It is apparent that some others have the potential to be homosexually involved at some stage of their lives. Some young people have sensed this in themselves and genuinely fear they may turn homosexual. I think that one of the reasons some people victimise homosexuals is that they are trying to convince others, and even themselves that they are 'straight'.

Let me put your mind at ease. To have some attraction to the same sex, whether a sexual fascination or just an admiration and wishing to be like them does not mean a person is going to be a homosexual. This often happens as a phase of adolescent growth and passes. Even having enjoyed being touched in sexual areas by a person of the same sex doesn't mean a person is going to be a homosexual. This activity however, can grow to full homosexual activity, but there must have been other contributing factors that push a person in this direction.

IS IT NATURAL? IS IT OK?

It is ver evident that human beings were not intended for homosexual activity. Just a look at the sex organs should be enough to make us realise that a male is designed to fit a female. The male bowel, though it is very near the sexually sensitive area and can stimulate pleasure, was not designed for the thrusting penetration of another man's penis. According to Dr. Wilder-Smith (and eminent scientist), this cases damage of the bowel walls and a loosening of the anus muscles. The resulting bleeding and leakage make the risk of disease transfer very serious.

Obviously, a woman was not designed to fit another woman either. So nature itself teaches us that this is unnatural or perverted sex.

It is not surprising then to discover that the Creator declares it to be an entirely wrong form of sexual activity. In the Old Testament it, along with adultery, incurs the death penalty. In the New Testament it is roundly condemned by the Apostle Paul. He explains that it is an indirect result of a society turning from true knowledge of God. (Romans Chapter 1)

WHAT HOPE FOR THE HOMOSEXUAL?

There are three alternatives:

1. A homosexual person can continue to reject the Creator's standards and take the consequences.
2. He or she can simply refrain from sexual activity. It is not a sin to be homosexual in orientation. It is homosexual activity that is forbidden. To grow towards wholeness however, a better option is…
3. The homosexual person can get confidential counselling and help from caring people. In many cases they are able to have normal heterosexual relationships. There are organisations in most major cities which specialise in this work. These are often staffed by people who have exited from homosexuality and have seen the underlying root causes dealt with by understanding, by prayer and by God's power at work in their lives. They offer compassionate and confidential help to those who also want to change.

Information about which help group is nearest to where you live may be obtained by writing to:
Exodus South Pacific International,
C/-Liberty
15 Eagle Tce, Torwood, Brisbane, Australia

HOW SHOULD CHRISTIANS TREAT HOMOSEXUALS?

Homosexuals are frequently very creative and sensitive people who have a lot to offer society and church life. They are frequently deeply hurt and God loves them just like He does heterosexuals. If they come to him, with a willingness to turn away from sin, he welcomes them into his family.

Homosexual people who are honestly working through to a right sexual identity are seldom a threat to other people or their children. Though Christians should never accept a homosexual behaviour as being O.K., we should show homosexual people love, compassion and acceptance for the precious human beings that they are.

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