 A provocative new study posted in 2008 suggests that the brains of heterosexual and homosexual people are significantly different. It has given ammunition to the humanists who would argue that homosexuality is a genetic condition which is as natural to the human condition as heterosexuality; "Therefore," they assert, "it is no longer a moral issue. One can hardly be condemned for being born a certain a way!"
Of course, at face value, when looking at this study we have to question which came first, the chicken or the egg? Are the brains of homosexuals different because they are born that way, or because their choices have rewired a few things upstairs? Studies have certainly shown that behavioral choices CAN change the map of the brain. But the solution to the question is relatively simple: scan the brains of infants and children to see if these differences are present early on in life. Then revisit them again in their adult years to see what choices they have made and if their brains remain the same.
But the whole exercise is moot anyway. Every one of us is born a sinner (Psalm 51:5) and destined to practice sin (Romans 8:8); yet God still holds us accountable for choosing sin. So no one is excused for being born with a predisposition to practice sin, including the homosexual.
Someone once argued the fairness of this with the Apostle Paul: "Why does He still find fault?" His answer was "Who are you, o man, to answer back to God? The thing molded will not say to the Molder -- why did You make me like this? -- So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires." (Romans 9:18-20)
Here's the point: if God calls it sin, it is sin, and we are without excuse....period. God in His great authority could have declared that anyone who chooses to write with his left hand instead of his right is sinning (thankfully He didn't). He has the authority to do that. So homosexuality is still a moral issue, because God makes it a moral issue. The fact that we're born gay (or not) has nothing to do with whether it's moral or not.....IT IS IMMORAL BECAUSE GOD DECLARES IT TO BE SO (Leviticus 18:22). In other words He is saying, "I have set up a certain order of things in this universe, and any deviation from it, whether through choice or through birth is sin, and it will be punished." And so, homosexuality is immoral, not because it's any worse than heterosexual adultery or molesting children, but because God has declared it to be so....case closed!
But here's the great news, for all sinners....including gays. God loves us so much that He sent His only Son into the world, not to condemn it, but to save it. God in His great grace is able to make us all become right(eous) through Jesus Christ. He lived a perfect life in our place, and took the punishment for our sins on the cross. Forgiveness can then by ours by simply admitting that God has every right to call whatever He wants sins, and by confessing that we are guilty of those sins, even if we're born with them.
From a humanistic point of view, this medical study sounds like a lot of good news. But from a moral, spiritual, and Kingdom point of view it does nothing to change the picture. Only the cross and resurrection can do that! Labels: homosexuality, sinfulness |
