Last month, I read an article by a doctor in Taiwan, using an outdated and misinterpreted research paper, he claimed that homosexuality is the result of the differences in brain structure.  (I hope this brief article can clarify some common misconceptions and help others to understand the will of God better.)

The Scripture clearly states a different viewpoint:

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Romans 1:26-28

²⁶Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. ²⁷In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion. ²⁸Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.

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1 Cor. 6:9-10

⁹Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders ¹⁰nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

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1 Tim. 1:9-10

⁹We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, ¹⁰for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers--and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine

Note 1: 1 Tim 1:10 "pervert"="arsenokoites" ="sodomite" (having sex with people of the same sex)

Note 2: Old Testament also has strong warning regarding homosexuality:  Lev 18:22-23; Lev 20:13.

Some have argued and are still arguing against these Scriptures by using the “Greek” or “Hebrew” roots of obscure usage, that suggest perhaps they do not say what they seem to be saying.  But, we know that “the acts of the sinful natures are obvious,” (Gal. 5:19), and we know that the Bible can be easily understood by the average person, not just the “scholars.”

What does the science and the latest brain research say about homosexuality? 

No serious neuroscientist will claim that genetic factor is the cause.  The famous “gay brain” researcher, Simon LeVay also stated, "At this point, the most widely held opinion [on causation of homosexuality] is that multiple factors play a role."  The difference in structure, if there is proof of any, can not be determined for sure to be the cause or the effect.  (Some researchers have actually shown that it is the experience that changes the brain structure, not the other way around.)

What about the media and the public opinion? 

It is funny how people’s opinions are often shaped by the media.  The problem is that the media often uses “sensationalism” to attract views’ attention.  Homosexuality is one of the many areas that the media likes to go “overboard” with its reporting, which does not interpret the researches accurately.

My Personal Conviction

With a background in Molecular Biology and neuroscience, as well as extensive study of the Scripture, my conviction is that God does not make mistakes.  He made people differently, but these differences might make some men more feminine, or vice versa.  It is through many environmental factors like childhood tease, parental negative reinforcement, peer pressure, and other social factors, that these people gradually “convince” themselves and others that they are “different.”  Somewhere along the years of growing up, the “belief” was formed, habits were reinforced, and “preference” was established.  Many homosexuals have believed that they “come to realize” their “orientation,” but I believe it was a process that led to a “decision” at a certain point in their lives, (some younger and some older.)

Due to the social pressure and the guilt from knowing they did “what ought not to be done,” (Rom 1:28), homosexuals suffers psychologically.  It is no wonder that researches have shown that they are relatively “at higher risk for mental illness, specifically suicidality, (and) major depression.” 

As disciples, we must understand that God made us differently, both genetically and environmentally.  Although we do not know why, but within these differences, we must search for Him.  Nevertheless, there is hope in Jesus Christ.  Some Christian organizations in the US have joined together to form a “National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality,” (www.narth.com), whose goal is to help homosexuals to enjoy the abundant life that God had intended for us, like marriage, etc.  The Taipei Christian Church has also helped many homosexuals to leave their former way of life.  God commands us to love every sinner, but, sin is a sin, and a sinner must repent of his or her sin.  While certain sins have stronger hold on us, we believe we can persevere and rely on God’s grace to ensure the final victory!

Steve Chin

Senior Pastor