Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “Sexual Ethics”
Our Bible verse for today: “I will praise You because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made.” Psalm 139:14 (HCSB)
Our thought for today: “Does science prove a genetic cause for sexual orientation?’
Whether or not scientific research points to a genetic cause for sexual orientation is one of the most hotly debated topics in the scientific world today. There have been a large number of studies conducted and they have produced a wide range of findings – much of it contradictory.
The truth is that the studies have not been able to provide conclusive proof one way or the other. That’s why, simply as a matter of intellectual honesty, the American Psychological Association (APA) felt compelled to write the statement we read in yesterday’s devotional. But likewise for the sake of honesty, I must tell you that the APA also said that they believe the overall trend in the research is leaning in favor of a genetic cause, even though science has not yet been able to prove it.
But then, along comes another study like the one I am about to cite from, the results of which make a strong case for there not being a genetic link.
In 2010 researchers in Sweden working for the “Swedish Twin Registry” surmised that if sexual orientation is a matter of genetic design, then in the case of identical twins there should be observable evidence of identical sexual orientation. Their premise was because identical twins come from the same egg and share the same genes if sexual orientation is genetic, then if one of the twins is gay the other should be also.
The study looked at 71 sets of identical twins where at least one was living a homosexual lifestyle. What they discovered was that in only 1 out of 10 cases were both twins gay. In 90% of the cases one twin was gay and the other was not. If there was a genetic cause for sexual orientation then the results should have been exactly the opposite.
As far as many in the scientific community are concerned the jury is still out regarding whether or not people are born gay. However when all personal bias is removed from the conclusions, honest scientists admit that despite the overwhelming number of studies which have been conducted, they have been unable to demonstrate a genetic cause for sexual orientation.
For Bible-believing Christians this comes as no surprise. As we’ve already observed, the Bible provides us with no reason to believe that God would create someone gay. And despite science’s best efforts, they have not been able to prove otherwise.
And yet, same-sex attraction is real and it is deep. So what’s the answer for a person who struggles with a same-sex attraction? We will consider that next but first, it’s time for another attitude check.
God bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 