Was I born with same-sex attraction?

In 2007 no less a luminary than Francis S. Collins, a “leading scientist who works at the cutting edge of DNA” and the former director of the NIH’s Human Genome Research Institute, cited statistics indicating that “sexual orientation is genetically influenced but not hardwired by DNA.”¹ On the other side of the coin, a growing body of evidence points to the developmental and environmental factors contributing to same-sex attraction (SSA). One of the first to present a coherent developmental model of homosexuality was Dr. Elizabeth Moberly in 1983, in her pamphlet “Homosexuality: A New Christian Ethic.”² (Moberly pled for a compassionate response from the church toward those struggling with SSA.) Her ideas were later fleshed out and supported with more research by such psychotherapists such as Joseph Nicolosi³ and Gerard van den Aardweg.⁴ Their findings show compelling similarities in the family backgrounds and childhood developmental experiences of hundreds of same-sex attracted men. One certain thing about most discussions of homosexuality and SSA is that they oversimplify a complex issue. Acknowledging the complexity surrounding the root causes does not compromise the biblical stance that homosexual behavior is sinful. Professional counselor Janelle Hallman, writing from a Christian perspective, states that “it is… overly simplistic to allege that homosexuality is singly caused by poor parenting or sexual abuse, just as it is overly simplistic to assert that homosexuality is solely biologically based…”⁵ She traces the origins of SSA to a complex interaction of biological, environmental and developmental factors. Whatever the ultimate causes of same-sex attraction, the Christian believer struggling with SSA still faces the same moral imperative: she must live out her sexuality in a way that she believes pleases God and harmonizes with her deeply felt convictions. Since the 1970s, a growing and increasingly vocal group of people have grown unhappy with homosexual choices and decided to seek out other ways to live, forming groups to offer mutual support and encouragement in this endeavor. Although Christian groups like Exodus International (LIA’s  parent organization) have been at the vanguard of this movement, it is a popular misconception that the movement only exists in evangelical Christian circles. Notably, Roman Catholic (Courage), Jewish (JONAH), Mormon (Evergreen), Muslim (StraightWay) and secular (People Can Change) groups have arisen to promote alternatives to acting on same-sex attraction. Love In Action International holds that for the Christian believer, homosexual behavior will never bring true satisfaction; and that the way to inner peace, joy, and hope is through a relationship with Jesus Christ and submission to God’s will in all areas of life, including sexuality (see the article “Jesus is The Source” on this website). If you are struggling with unwanted same-sex attraction, Love In Action can offer you intensive support to live in accordance with your conscience and faith in Christ. We invite you to explore our program options and contact us with any questions.  

¹ Quoted in A. Dean Byrd, "'Homosexuality Is Not Hardwired,' Concludes Dr. Francis S. Collins, Head Of The Human Genome Project," 4 April 2007 <http://www.narth.com/docs/nothardwired.html>.  
² Elizabeth R. Moberly, Homosexuality: A New Christian Ethic (Reprinted by Lutterworth Press, 2006).  
³ Joseph Nicolosi, PhD., Reparative Therapy of Male Homosexuality: A New Clinical Approach (Jason Aronson, 1997).  
⁴ Gerard Van Den Aardweg, The Battle for Normality (Ignatius Press, 1997).  
⁵ Janelle Hallman, The Heart of Female Same-Sex Attraction (IVP Books, 2008) 43.