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Where does homosexuality come from? Some people believe that the homosexuality is a choice and others feel that it is a unalterable condition, i.e. that people can be born as homosexuals. Each view has serious implications that should not be taken lightly.
If for example we say that God made a person homosexual, i.e. that he was born that way, then we have to deal with the question of why he made him that way. The Bible identifies homosexual acts as sin, so for God to make someone homosexual, that would suggest that he is a sadistic God who destined the homosexual to a life of struggle against the created condition. Some people have adopted the idea that, contrary to what the Bible states, God doesn’t consider homosexual acts to be sin. Many churches have adopted that line of thinking in the name of inclusion and love, however it is in direct contradiction to the scriptures.
Our inheritance of a sinful nature is relevant to the discussion of the roots of homosexuality. We are born with a tendency to rebel against God, with hearts that are prone to lust, pride, sexual immorality, idolatry and other evils (Matthew 15:19). So, for example, it is possible to be born with a tendency toward homosexual desires, just as it is possible to be born with a tendency toward pride, or love of money or any other type of sin. Though each of us has weaknesses toward particular sins, God still expects us to resist temptations in those areas and rely on his power for strength to keep sin from ruling us (Genesis 4:7, Romans 6:11-14).
Being the opportunist that he is, Satan tempts each of us according to our particular weaknesses. He is a master at orchestrating events in our lives to tempt us into false conclusions about God and our identity.
An area that seems to be common in the development of homosexual tendencies is dysfunctional relationships. It often starts early in life with unhealthy relationships with parents, siblings and peers, which cause emotional wounds. Here are some example factors in childhood relationships that can be influential in sexual development:
- Abuse (sexual, emotional, physical, spiritual)
- Parental problems: Absent, detached, uninterested, overbearing or controlling; lack of gender affirmation
- Betrayal
- Ridicule or teasing from peers
- Sex play with same-sex peers
- Rejection
- Abandonment
- Lack of nurture
- Loneliness
Gender confusion, which may be linked to homosexuality, is an area that has been gaining worldwide attention, with some people going great lengths to rebel against God’s design for male and female gender. Once a person believes that they are to be a different gender, it is not a far stretch to justify homosexual desires.
Another area to consider is generational sin. The Bible mentions the concept of generational curses in several places. The idea is that the consequences of one generation’s sin can be visited on future generations (usually up to the third and fourth generation). Just as we inherit a sin nature from Adam, we also may inherit sin tendencies from our more recent ancestors. It is not uncommon for patterns of sexual dysfunction like homosexuality to run down the family tree. For more information, see our generational sin page.
Other factors that can contribute to homosexual development include societal pressures, pornography, masturbation, demonic influences and an amoral belief system (see Dr. David K. Foster’s Sexual Healing, chapter 6, for a detailed explanation of these factors).
Homosexual tendencies can be fed from these kinds of roots, yet it is still up to the individual to decide whether to yield to the temptations. It usually doesn’t happen over night, but rather over years. As people progress through the teen years, they inevitably will be presented with the powerful feelings associated with their sexual development. This period typically offers prime opportunities for the enemy to persuade a person that he or she “is gay” and that this is a permanent condition. Again, troubles in relationships can be instrumental in a person coming to the wrong conclusions. Some examples include:
- Difficulty connecting emotionally with members of the opposite sex
- Unpleasant sexual experiences with members of the opposite sex
- Trauma connected with sexuality (rape, abortion, incest, etc.)
- Feeling sexual attraction to same-sex persons (including arousal by gay or bisexual porn)
- Feeling “different” from others
- Enjoying homosexual experiences, fantasies or dreams
- Involvement with the occult (gives way to spiritual, emotional & sexual confusion)
- Words spoken over the person by parents, peers, counselors or teachers
- Affirmation, acceptance and recruitment by other homosexuals
When a person decides to embrace the lie of a gay identity, the deception is completed. From then on, it can seem like an unbreakable stronghold, especially if it conveniently explains the pattern of experiences and feelings the person may have had in life to that point. Even so, a person making the conclusion that they are gay will discover an endless desire for peace and approval, but will not find it (Isaiah 48:22). They will need to surround themselves with others who continually reaffirm their homosexuality in order to numb their conscience about the lies they have embraced. They may even seek God’s approval of their choices by embracing “gay theology”.
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