clipped from albertmohler.com8. 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.
Dr. Al Mohler has written a very thought-provoking piece that all Christians need to take the time to read in its entirety. Scientists are uncovering clues which lead them to believe that homosexuality is in fact genetic. Furthermore, they believe that sexual orientation can be altered in utero with a simple hormone patch worn by the mother.
He raises several pertinent questions. What difference does it make if they find that sexual orientation is genetic? Is it right to abort babies who are homosexual? Is it right to wear a hormone patch to alter the genetic makeup of babies? Dr. Mohler makes 10 statements that make up what he believes a Christian response should be. I think I agreed with all of them, but #8 made me stop for some reason. I’m not sure that it is right to give blanket support the hormone patch to reverse sexual orientation. Why? I can think of a couple of reasons. First, he’s thinking parents would naturally want a heterosexual child. What about parents who want a homosexual child? He wouldn’t advocate the use of a hormone patch to ensure homosexuality. Second, everything has side effects. That’s all I’m saying. Third, he says that “we should unapologetically support the use of any appropriate means to avoid sexual temptation and the inevitable effects of sin.” Outside of Jesus, I don’t think anything will work. I will not put my faith in anyone (or thing) else.
I can certainly understand why he would say this. If there were some way to cure cancer in utero, I couldn’t say no to it. If there were some way to remove the genetic disposition toward alcoholism, I’d probably go for it (as it is part of my family). At the same time, though, using alcoholism as an example, I wouldn’t know the extent of God’s grace on my life as I do now. Ditto for sexual sin and temptation. Those struggles and failures and victories have served to increase my love for Jesus and His work on my behalf.
I can’t speak for homosexuals who’ve turned from that lifestyle. I don’t know how hard it is. But I would venture to say that those who have had to repent of that particular sin, know the power and grace of God in a mighty way, and wouldn’t want to exchange their besetting sin for something “easier”. I don’t know. I may be completely wrong about that.
So I guess what I’m trying to say is that I don’t think it’s right to change people. If it’s true that God forms people in the womb and that all he does is right and just and good, then we ought not act in a way that effectively says he has made a mistake. The other thing I’m saying is that I’m not sure that changing people so that won’t struggle with certain sins does them a service. They’ll still need Jesus, because they’ll still be sinners, but altering them may decrease the grace that otherwise would be poured out on them. Does that make sense? I’d hate to see someone miss out on a huge gift of grace through Christ because we’re a little homophobic. “Will the clay say to the Potter, why did you make me thus?” Perhaps they are formed that way so that God’s glory will be manifest in them, one way or another.
The kicker is really whether or not science can alter humans in such a way that they are not sinners. I know it sounds impossible now, but think about it. If we can use a patch to alter sexual orientation, then why can’t scientists do something about alcoholism, anger, jealousy, covetousness, etc? That would certainly do a lot to remove all of our talk about Jesus, wouldn’t it?
Once again, I think I’m thinking too much. What do you think about this?
**Update: Click over to JT’s blog Between Two Worlds for some different perspectives and discussion on this topic. He also posted a couple of very thoughtful exerpts of Dr. Mohler’s writing and speaking regarding homosexuality. Good stuff.**
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Leslie Wiggins 
5 responses to “Very Interesting stuff that makes me think too much”
You said “Perhaps they are formed that way so that God’s glory will be manifest in them, one way or another.” This is very interesting stuff. I will have to think more on it. But I do agree….if God is sovereign then how does this give us the right to “change” people. We will never be without sin here on earth and it may occur for God’s glory. How is this different then babies with physical “abnormalities”?…..if it truly is genetic. And if all things work to the good???…….anyway I am shooting from the top of my head. I need to re-read and get some sleep before saying any thing else :o)
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Definitely some food for thought here. I was not aware of the patch, thanks for alerting me to the issue….no doubt it will be a huge debate for many reasons in lots of different circles, it is good to be prepared for discussions – thanks Leslie.
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First of all, I think this post is worthy of a “have MERCY”. I agree, it is too much to think about and as my lurker friend would say, “today, I need more fluff”.Nonetheless, I am certainly moved to thought on this subject and I think it is a fantastic talking point about grace and sovereignty!I agree that it would and should cause one to pause and really think this position through. So many of the sin struggles that I have dealt with have been both a catalyst for change and a beautiful place for God to reveal His glorious sanctification process in me. This issue poses so many problems and you have named a few:1)sin- people would use this advance in technology to pursue the opposite of what it was intended for2)as you put it…”struggles and failures and victories have served to increase my love for Jesus and His work on my behalf”Where would this end? Women would have one more reason to abort their babies. If we knew that our kids would predisposed to certain behaviors, we would modify their outside influences in an unhealthy way, and in the process obsolving our need for Christ. What does this say about our faith in Almighty God in regard to changing our hearts? He is the changer of hearts…including the heart’s desires! While I understand that homosexuality (from the science argument in this article) is based on hormones, sin is based on the HEART and I strongly believe that there are Christians with the same “hormone” issues as those considered to be born homosexual YET with the justification they have received through Christ and the ongoing sanctification process that only GOD himself can produce they are not choosing (it’s still a choice) a homosexual lifestyle. Advocating this choice would be a real shame, in my opinion. A shame against a faith that we claim to be enough. We aren’t saving these babies lives, but rather trying to save them from sin. That’s already be done people.I agree with you Leslie. Great post. Great thoughts. Thanks firing the brain cells up this afternoon!
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Thanks for a very thought provoking post. You have certainly set the little wheels inside my head a-spinn’.amanda
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Hmmm, a good “thinker” you posed. I’m not sure I’d be willing to wear a patch that would alter my child’s genetic make-up no matter what the intended goal was to be. In general,I prefer to solicit God rather than medicine when it comes to the creation and development of life.Thanks for working my ‘ol grey-matter, Leslie!
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