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Christianity Today, May, 2007 |

Re-engineering Temptation

Fuzzy science sparks debate over treatments to reverse homosexuality.

Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra | posted 4/09/2007 09:27AM

What if scientists proved that certain people have a biological bent toward homosexuality? And what if they developed a treatment that reversed that orientation? Christians need to have answers ready, ...

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Chris

Posted: April 16, 2007 4:52 PM

This article reveals many of the ethical contradictions in the entire Christian sanctity of life positions vs sin. These are discussions that need to be aired, however, I agree with Alan Chambers position in asking why the Church would even be considering gene or hormone therapy for behavior change. In the realm of mental illness, biochemistry needs to be addressed. But in area of our temperments, it is the individual struggles we all face that God uses to shape us. What is left out of this discussion is the Spiritual component. I have experienced and know from Scripture as well that our struggle is with the flesh and powers of darkness. These forces influence our behavior wherever we are vunerable. I personally was attacked in my sleep by one of these spirits when staying at a friend's house who was lesbian.

Ben	Posted: April 16, 2007 10:55 AM


I find it absolultely fascinating that this article doesn't even touch on the fact that, if the homo-gene is found, then it would mean that God has allowed for the creation of homosexuals from birth, and thus, the lifestyle is not a choice. All that is mentioned is a want to control peoples mind and genetics, akin to the attempts made by others, namely Hitler.

KingdomSeeker

Posted: April 14, 2007 8:44 PM

FYI WisWak: God is good. His laws are given for our good. Sin is the harm that we choose. What was a sin in the OT is still a sin. The penal system that was given to the Israelites was a lot more severe than what we are accustomed to. The death sentence for the sins, outlined in Deut. and Lev., were an example of the greater consequence of sin - spiritual death. It is a greater tragedy for a life that should have lasted forever to come to an end than for the temporary prelude to that life to come to an early end. God had established a covenant with the Israelites, but the people did not hold up their end so God said, "I will make a new covenant"Heb.8:7-8. "The law made us accountable to God and conscious of sin so no one can declare themselves righteous"Rom.3:19-20. "Since we have been justified through faith, we have gained access into grace. Shall we go on sinning so grace may increase? By no means! By joining Christ, we died to sin; how can we live in sin any longer?"Rom.5:1-2,6:1-2

WisdomWaker

Posted: April 12, 2007 12:18 AM

* DEUTERONOMY 22:13-21 If it is discovered that a bride is not a virgin, the Bible demands that she be executed by stoning immediately. * DEUTERONOMY 22:22 If a married person has sex with someone else's husband or wife, the Bible commands that both adulterers be stoned to death. * MARK 10:1-12 Divorce is strictly forbidden in both Testaments, as is remarriage of anyone who has been divorced. * LEVITICUS 18:19 The Bible forbids a married couple from having sexual intercourse during a woman's period. If they disobey, both shall be executed. * MARK 12:18-27 If a man dies childless, his widow is ordered by biblical law to have intercourse with each of his brothers in turn until she bears her deceased husband a male heir. * DEUTERONOMY 25:11-12 If a man gets into a fight with another man and his wife seeks to rescue her husband by grabbing the enemy's genitals, her hand shall be cut off and no pity shall be shown her. Shakespear said: "Even the devil can cite Scripture for his purpose."

Pete	Posted: April 11, 2007 2:05 PM

People are rarely perfect and from what I gather neither are sheep. The whole of Christs teachings are summed up in the great commision, namely love thy neighbor as thyself. That being said, I think you do have to teach that homosexuality is wrong. We, as a society could say, "go ahead its' not wrong, and gays would do it and adulterers would do it. But it is written, neither adulterers nor sodomites shall enter the Kingdom of God..........

John SV

Posted: April 11, 2007 12:46 PM


I believe that it has been proven that there is a different x-y chromosome pattern to violent criminals, suggesting an inherited condition. There are dsicussions regarding inherited alcohol problems. My point is that we can be born with behaviors, but that does not make it acceptable.

Izaak

Posted: April 10, 2007 10:11 PM

There are a number of children born hermaphrodite. I don't know the percentages. If I understand correctly, when this happens, doctors give parents the option to choose the sex of the child and give the appropriate hormonal treatment to ensure the best possible confidence a person will have in his or her sexual identity. The child may not have fully functioning sex organs, but they will have functioning sexual identities. If this is the case, the question of whether or not to apply hormonal treatment could be done seems moot. Its already being done. How should we respond to this as Christians?

Mistersprout

Posted: April 10, 2007 9:50 PM

Is there anone out there who has ever been born since Eden who was not born pre-disposed to sin? No. We all sin. We are all born with a sin nature from a theological perspective. So why would it be any big surprse to discover genetic traits that pre-dispose us to sins such as homosexuality or drunkness or violent behavior or... whatever? Would that change our theology at all? No. It would not. We are still charged with sin, must confess, repent, and "follow" Christ. What difference do genes make? They've never made a difference before (as in the case of alcoholism). Why now? Kudos to Alan Chambers for for his comment, "Science will never trump the Word of God."

Brenda~

Posted: April 10, 2007 8:29 PM

What role did God play in creating us? We know that we were not created in the same way that God created Adam and Eve; we were procreated by 2 sinners, who handed down our fallen nature. I think that God takes creative license on every life that is conceived, as in Jer. 1:5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart". The baby in the womb is sinless, although it has the potential to sin as it lives. I hope that Mr. Mohler did not intend to imply that whatever God makes could be imperfect, but rather that God does not transform what is already imperfect (due to it's human inheritance) into perfection while it is still in the womb. Jesus said, "Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.'" John 3:6-7. As to whether taking a pill to curb temptation is ethical, I'd say you can try it and it may be of benefit, but what really matters to God is where your heart is.

Lorie

Posted: April 10, 2007 3:23 PM

A man was born blind so that the glory of God would be shown. The glory of God is shown through healing, and through the proclamation made that I was once blind but now I see. We are wonderfully and mysteriously made and science attempts to explain that and alter where there are issues. I watched my two pound great nephew not only survive, but thrive under prayer and proper medical treatment. Is is a worse sin to have the treatment to an issue and with hold it for those who would seek it, or ignore that there is an issue at all?

CHRIS C

Posted: April 10, 2007 9:34 AM

Its as dumbfounding as it is terrible that many have taken leave of God's word and are now turning to science and fleshly wisdom for spiritual answers to man's problem. Only Jesus can set gays and lesbians free. Any other way is sinking sand. There is only one way, one truth and one life. And except homosexuals repent and accept him for forgiveness and deliverance from the prison of homosexuality that satan has chained them to, they will all likewise perish. JESUS ONLY IS THE ANSWER.

Kate	Posted: April 10, 2007 8:26 AM

The Christian Church is in deep trouble when its leaders and theologians turn to flimsy "research" and "science" like this, and away from the timeless, unchanging lessons God has taught in Scripture. Regardless of the myriad of biological/genetic defects that appear in humans, through no fault of their own, Scripture teaches that we are to always resist temptation and truthfully confront aberrant behavior. There is no substitute for admitting and confessing one's sins and failures to God, nor for pleading for Christ's forgiveness and strength to permanently turn away from this world's menu of self-gratification "choices".

Catie

Posted: April 09, 2007 11:47 PM

This is such a complicated issue, it is easy to get bogged down in on fine points of scripture and forget the love that God has for sinners, homosexuals and hertasexuals alike. I have a friend, who thinks she is bisexual and because of the pressures placed on her by her church and christian parents she is beginning to forget the love the Jesus has for her that she once knew. Our God is a transformative God and a loving God, so we should accept homosexuals into our comminity, just as Jesus accepted protitutes and tax collectors.

Lillian

Posted: April 09, 2007 10:40 PM

The reason there is sin in the world is because God gave humans the gift of choice, the gift of free will. These rams are not sinful in their homosexuality nor is any animal in following its instincts. Yet humans have been given something more - a chance day by day and moment by moment to choose to merely follow instinct or make conscious choice in every area of life - physically, emotionally, spiritually, mentally. Even facing things outside ourselves that effect us, we choose how we respond and deal with all things. That is the gift of choosing to hear and heed God's will, or not. Jesus said to love - love your enemies, love all. The mere suggestion that we should enter into genetic altering to remove "sin" or the potential for sin from someone's life (so they don't have a struggle?) is the worst form of judgment and God-playing I can currently imagine. And to think we can ultimately do this is the highest form of arrogance. Prayers for all.

Jason Steidl

Posted: April 09, 2007 8:23 PM


I wonder if we could give hormonal treatment to folks who struggle with temptations toward pre-marital sex and pornography, too? Just think... the possibility for young people of no sexual temptation before marriage. What a happy place we could go to. No desire, no struggle, no sin... no humanity.

Anonymous

Posted: April 09, 2007 7:41 PM

If a homosexual manages to lose homosexuality to this medication, will he never again struggle with sexual immorality? Although a homosexual may take this treatment and be somehow cured from homosexuality, the battle with sexual temptation does not end there. Only by submitting to God and seeking Him can one truly be free. Despite taking the treatment, one will not truly be free from sexual immorality. God alone can release the chains of sexual sin; therefore, it doesn't matter if this treatment does cure homosexuality. In reality, that isn't the root of the problem anyway.

Bob	Posted: April 09, 2007 6:13 PM

Genetic predisposition (IF there is such) does not change the nature of sin. Some people have a genetic predisposition to alcoholism, but giving in to that and becoming alcoholic is clearly sin. Sexual addiction does not justify promiscuity or adultery. People were once diagnosed with "kleptomania," but that didn't make it all right to steal things. We all (Christians and everybody else) have areas of weakness/temptation, and we are called to overcome it/them and live righteously in fellowship with Christ. For a brief story, Zylstra has presented an excellent and balanced look at this enormously-complex question. Unfortunately, in today's polarized climate, people on both ends of the spectrum are not inclined to listen to the notion that there's even a debate. Instead, we get incoherent denunciations and not reasoned, balanced, biblical responses.

Bruce

Posted: April 09, 2007 5:09 PM

Seems to me that Jeffrey misunderstands Leviticus 20:13 if he thinks a pill or re-engineering is in God's plan. Does it not say "They shall surely be put to death?" Rather than "They shall surely be given a pill?" Either you follow the word of God or you don't. My Bible has the red passages that are the actual words of Christ rather than the later words of his potentially flawed followers. If I choose to ignore Leviticus in favor of the words of Christ, I get out of the Biblical requirement that I put homosexuals to death (Leviticus being old testament). However, I also move away from any basis for condemnation against homosexuals at all. So I suppose I need to ask myself if my issue with homosexuality is based in the Bible or if I'm using the Bible to excuse sinfully hateful feelings towards others. Ironically, in either case, therapy is not an option. Death or forgiveness?

Shel	Posted: April 09, 2007 4:39 PM


If being Gay is genetic and is inherited then how can anyone really figure that it is sinful? Please show me the Biblical authority for such an understanding of sin. Christ neither endorsed or condemned people who are Gay. He didn't even mention the issue at all. He did condemn hypocrisy and self righteousness.

William

Posted: April 09, 2007 4:07 PM

It seem that there are these elective representives of God. Who continues by their own actions and words openly without a once of brotherly love in them spread this form of hatered among their followers if not publicly advertised to the rest of the world their out right condemnation of these brothers and sisters whom happen to share this same GOD given ability, and that is to love another human being.There is no questioning how this homophobic act upsets me still but I'm reminded that I once took pleasure in thinking If there is turely a judgement day awaits us all. That I would have a front row seat and have the last laught on these homophobic brothers and sisters of mine whom GOD sends to HELL instead of Heaven. But I have since did some rethinking or should I say soul searching and come away from this notion with a better Christain heart knowing that I would suffer this same fate simply because I took pleasure in watching someone elses misfortune.

Peter

Posted: April 09, 2007 4:05 PM

Good article, yet the problems it points out are immense. How or to what degree does this issue and its possible "cure" differ from eugenics or the most crass form of a therapeutic approach to Christianity? "Take this pill. Say 'I accept Jesus as my personal Lord and savior,' several times, if necessary, and see me in three weeks." All this makes our currently overly medicated "Ritalin Nation" look sunny in comparison. Or is this "Christian" eugenics/psychopharmacology, something that by the use of the "Christian" descriptor gains some sort of moral imprimatur? I guess the tree of life that the cherubim guards in Genesis (3:24) might be some return-to-Eden pill, thanks be to modern gene therapy and pharmacology. I really don't like this at all.

Garret

Posted: April 09, 2007 4:00 PM

There's no doubt that some people want to change, and thus should. There is no reason that we should tell them they can't. The individual's choice is most important than anything. Unfortunately, Jesus never discussed homosexuality, so it seems that the most reliable source is God. But no one knows what is right for one person and not right for another. So we musn't judge. The key is doing what is right for onesself and for none other. That is the love Jesus preached. That is God's love. www.freetobeme.com

Gregory

Posted: April 09, 2007 2:52 PM

Sooooo....Stanton Jones assumption seems to be, really, that God makes some people naturally inferior. This smarmy, "final solution," hathotic, greedy speculation is truely pathetic. Shame. How do you sleep at night? And people wonder why I say that Evangelical usually means: "Salvation by white privilege alone." What did Malcolm X say about racism...It's like a Cadillac, a new mocel comes out every year? Gays are the scapegoat for today's evangelical? Where is the Golden rule in this article? The Leviticus clobber verse isn't about gays, it's about treating a man as if he was a woman...taking him into a state of permanent submission; which to a patriarchy, was unthinkable. A patriarch can only sleep with an inferior...or he's subverting the foundation of his society. But, society, by the Grace of God, is about equality now. ..despite the best efforts of conservative Christians.,,right?

Jeffrey

Posted: April 09, 2007 2:19 PM

Leviticus 20:13 If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals,[a] nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. According to the scripture that is posted above, homosexuality is not of God, and therefore homosexuals have become the way that they are based on the decisions that they have made. It could possibly be proven biologically, that as a person thinks, so his he (or she). Having said this, perhaps the people who are homosexuals should change the way that they think, and make the appropriate changes in their behaviors and actions. Perhaps, the pill or re-engineering, could aid in these changes.

Rev. Steve Bailey

Posted: April 09, 2007 12:51 PM

Only in the United States of America! Mohler's kind of thinking is based on very dangerous and questionable assumptions about sexuality, God, human sin and human reproduction; ie. "the idea what whatever God makes in the womb is perfect, inviolate, is just not something we accept...." What a sweeping and absurd statement. Does this mean we should destroy all Down Syndrome children, or those bearing any other kind of condition we don't like? "O brave new world...." Unfortunately Mohler reflects a kind of thinking that poisons American Evangelicalism. I hope this kind of discussion never arises in Christian circles in Canada.

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