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Christianity Today, October, 2007 |

The Best Research Yet

Two psychologists show that homosexuals should not be discouraged from seeking change.

Tim Stafford | posted 9/13/2007 02:20PM

When Stanton Jones first began to study psychology, homosexuality was a malady, listed and described in the official "diagnostic Bible," the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. In 1973, ...

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Benjamin Clark

Posted: September 27, 2007 10:04 AM


This study was rigged to achieve the desired results. It conveniently was not even peer reviewed. This is called junk science. Take a look at this link for more details: www.exgaywatch.com/wp/2007/09/ex-gay-study-rigged-to-achieve-desired-results/

Matt	Posted: September 18, 2007 3:17 PM

It is well known that Stan Jones is not well-liked among the APA. It is also well-known (or should be) that the spokesmen for an organization don't always accurately represent those for whom they are speaking. There are several individuals at those "fundy" institutions who wholeheartedly disagree with Stan Jones. However, my guess is that you don't hear about these individuals because of the possible consequences of doing so. Many people neglect two facts: 1) for some homosexuals, it really is something that developed later in life and 2) being a "developmental" cause does not preclude that it is also a biological cause. From my experience, I believe that "reparative therapy" can help- but only an infinitesimal percentage of homosexuals. We will have to accept that the rest really have born to be attracted to members of the same sex, and that reparative therapy will only do more damage than good. I hate to end on that note, but I've run out of room.

Deacon Steve

Posted: September 17, 2007 10:32 AM


As an educator, I have dealt with too many students whose 'Christian' parents threaten to disown them if their parents ever found out about their sexuality. The comment by Will above, is as outrageous and false now as it was in the 90s. Christy Tucker's and John's comments sum it up, I'm afraid. Institutions strain their credibility with such junk science. Let's get on with preaching the Gospel.

Common Sense

Posted: September 17, 2007 8:52 AM

I don't want my daughter to marry one of this success stories who has a great chance of bringing home a little something that she'll always have. With all of married ministers and public figures who have recently been caught in very risky and unhealthy types of same-sex activities - it is obvious to anyone that these people should be discourged from marrying women and that they should be encouraged to find a healthy way to deal with their sexual orientation. Maybe it is healthy for some to repress their natural orientation but far too often it appears that repress actual translates to "hide from my wife, church, family, and friends. Wake up! Homosexuals can have happy, healthy and spiritual lives once they accept the truth about who they are and that in realtiy the Scriptures say not one word negative about same-sex relationships that are loving and committed. If you are married to an ex-gay or if your daughter is thinking of marrying one of these folks - CAUTION!

JTR	Posted: September 17, 2007 1:11 AM


Let me get this -- after FOUR years, 15% are now bisexual, 23% are gay but celibate, 29% are less gay, willing to spend more years trying not to be, another 15% are still as gay as ever, but too guilty give up the "therapy," 4% are still gay, but refuse to admit it, and 8% are gay and willing to say so. This is "success?"

Verity

Posted: September 14, 2007 9:50 PM

The actual conclusion of the authors seems to be overlooked by most reviewers: those who wish to change their same sex attraction should not be prohibited from doing so. They never say that all can, in fact they liken it to running the 4 minute mile. It is possible, but not for everyone. How is that a fundy agenda? Also, the APA recognizes that bipolar personality is also natural for a certain percentage of the population. How is that evidence that those who want to change should be prevented from doing so?

Christy Tucker

Posted: September 14, 2007 6:28 PM


I am a Sociology major and Psychology minor. I also have read what the APA findings that homosexuality is normal for 10% of the population. It is natural for 10% of the world population. I have read a many books and journalists. It is not a choice and not a sin.

Bob	Posted: September 14, 2007 5:08 PM

In any scientific study one must be painfully aware of one's own bias and not allow it to color the results. While I certainly agree with the result, by their own admission the study has weak points. I would like to see another study without those. In speaking of the 1973 APA vote, it brings up a haunting question. All through the 60's and 70's both in the general populace and hollywood psycologists were associated with being homosexual. A stereotype for sure but was there more than a grain of truth in it? If that's the case, how many voting APA members were at the time "closet" homosexuals? Has anyone investigated this? This would amount to the fox guarding the hen house!

Delwyn Campbell

Posted: September 14, 2007 4:01 PM

John apparently has read teh report, studied the statistics and methodology, and is giving us his professional opinion - RIGHT!!!! The fact is, homosexuality is, at best, a behavior characteristic that is requires a lot of secondary actions in order to be passed on. The human species is naturally designed for heterosexual attraction and fulfillment. Neither two women nor two men will ever be able to beget offspring without the aid of a third party. By any definition which I can think of, homosexuality is pathological behavior, even though, just like bestiality or paedophilia, there are people who really do have such desires.

Reality

Posted: September 14, 2007 3:17 PM


In reality, John's own statement is a contradiction. "Junk science from...professors with an agenda from fundy universities." That is Harvard, Duke, and Michigan...Wake up and smell the fallacy!

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