The problem of homosexuality involves much more than simply a sexual act. Those caught up in this sin usually have entered the homosexual lifestyle to some degree. To better understand the circumstances of the homosexual person seeking help, we've divided homosexuality into four components: behavior, psychic response, identity and lifestyle.
Behavior: Often, it is assumed that all homosexual people engage in homosexual acts, but this is not always the case. Because of fears or strong religious convictions, some may refrain from sexual behavior, yet experience an intense battle with homosexual attractions. Another wrong assumption is that all people who engage in homosexual acts are homosexual. There are significant numbers of heterosexual men who engage in homosexual acts for a variety of reasons, such as being in prison or anywhere where heterosexual sex is unavailable.
Also, we do not believe that a child who is involved in homosexual acts early in life will necessarily become homosexual unless these acts fulfill needs that are not being met in other ways, such as needs for love, acceptance, security and significance. In these cases, the child's involvement in the act is viewed as a "trade-off" for the non-sexual needs he is obtaining. It is possible that the act and the fulfilled needs may become synonymous, which could lead to the development of a homosexual orientation. However, statistics have shown that most children who experience homosexual acts leave them behind, growing up to lead a normal heterosexual life.
Psychic Response: A brief definition of this term is, "sexual excitation (stimulation) caused by visual perception or fantasy speculation." Psychic response is also what people refer to as a "homosexual orientation." Though many people claim that they have experienced visual or sexual attraction for the same sex "as long as they can remember," there is a progression in a person's life that leads to a homosexual psychic response. A child may start out with a need to compare himself with others to see if he measures up to societal standards. When he feels he doesn't compare favorably with others, he develops admiration for those traits and physical characteristics he feels he does not possess. Admiration, which is normal, may turn to envy. Envy leads to the desire to possess others and finally, to consume others. This strong desire eventually becomes eroticized, normally around puberty, leading to homosexual psychic response. As psychic response begins to grip someone's life, a certain amount of scheming takes place. Sexual situations are pictured in the mind. When the first sexual encounter takes place, it may be the result of several years of planning and fantasy. However, homosexual behavior can also precede psychic response, which may then develop as a conditioned response to sexually-gratifying encounters with those of the same sex.
Identity: Some people enter into homosexuality through "identity". These are people who may not have experienced sexual attraction for the same sex or have had any homosexual encounters. However, from an early age, they have felt they were "different" from other people. They felt abnormal, like they do not fit into the heterosexual world. They reason, "If I'm not heterosexual, then I must be gay" and they accept the homosexual label into their lives. Of course, this is a misinterpretation. A person troubled with shyness, fear of the opposite sex, lack of athletic or social skills need not accept the label "homosexual." However, people do grow into labels. Once a label is accepted, the implied characteristics of that label begin to develop in a person's life. What we believe about ourselves is of extreme importance.
Lifestyle: A homosexual may insist that he bears no responsibility for his identity, his psychic response or even his first sexual encounter, which may have been forced upon him. However, every homosexual person must bear the responsibility for his or her choice to enter the homosexual lifestyle. People enter this lifestyle to varying degrees. Some live in the heterosexual world for the most part, seeking out only sporadic, impersonal sexual encounters. Others immerse themselves in the total "gay subculture," a setting in which a person works, lives and socializes in a totally gay environment. There are all the varying degrees in between these two extremes but the gay lifestyle, for many people, is the first place where they have experienced any form of acceptance on a deeper level. In spite of the acceptance that is available, however, the homosexual lifestyle often proves to be a painful and unrewarding way of life, particularly for older gays who are no longer desirable sexually.
As you can see from looking at these four components, homosexuality is a complex problem with many definitions and variations. If someone tells you "I am a homosexual," he has really told you very little about himself. It takes a deeper look to determine the degree to which homosexuality has become a part of his life.
It is true that the way out of homosexuality is not easy, yet there are thousands who have left homosexuality behind and have become "new creations in Christ." Many have married and raised families, while others remain celibate, yet lead joyful lives devoted to God's service. God gives us the desires of our heart. Satan is not pleased when someone sees through the deception of homosexuality and discovers the way out. There are many battles to be fought, but "greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world."
"Do not be afraid or discouraged...for the battle is not yours, but God's."
(II Chronicles 20:15)
The above article is from:
New Hope Ministries
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Also see my other blog posts on homosexuality HERE
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12 comments:
They reason, "If I'm not heterosexual, then I must be gay" and they accept the homosexual label into their lives. Of course, this is a misinterpretation. A person troubled with shyness, fear of the opposite sex, lack of athletic or social skills need not accept the label "homosexual."
I strongly dislike it when some non-Christians suggest that certain Christian men are not dating women because they must be gay. The more common and likely option in this area especially, for Christian men, is simply a lack of opportunity to meet women with whom there will be mutual all-around attraction.
satire and theology,
I strongly dislike it when some non-Christians suggest that certain Christian men are not dating women because they must be gay.
Yes, and if you are not married by a certain age, people tend to think there's something wrong with you. To me, such thinking displays a "herd mentality," where people follow a certain line of thinking because that is what our society has taught them. It also shows a certain ignorance, and a blind acceptance of stereotypes. In my own personal experience, some have gone so far as to think that if you're not sleeping around (i.e., committing adultery on a regular basis), then you must be gay. This is worldly, sinful thinking.
A Facebook friend posted an article on Facebook that showed that more teenage girls in the U.S. are choosing "bi-sexual" as their label. I suspect that labeling oneself as "straight" may soon be the equivalent (as far as non-acceptance and others making fun of you) as labeling yourself a "virgin."
Thanks, Russ, for your comment.
jeff & Russ,
"A person troubled with shyness, fear of the opposite sex, lack of athletic or social skills need not accept the label "homosexual." "
Man, that description would have fitted me as an adolescent and I didn't become gay.
This idea that someone who isn't married by a certain age really irks me. Or if two people of the same sex share a home to make such an assumption is wrong. When I was younger that kind of assumption sometimes happened, but was rarer than today. In the 'forties and early 'fifties coming out of the Great Depression and WWII, perhaps such things were more of an economic situation than today, but it still is often an economic thing.
Also, none of my three children have married yet. They are ages 26 through 31. I'd hate people to jump to wrong conclusions on that basis.
I think homosexuality has become something of an "in-thing" these days unfortunately. To accept it, and even consider it as an alternative lifestyle, has become the politically correct thing to do. And like any sin that becomes socially acceptable it complicates examining it for what it is and recruits into its community people who would otherwise never considered it. It also complicates social morals. Any criticism of any such behavior brands one a homophobe which is an attempt to marginalize critics as hateful irrational bigots.
Jeff, thanks for your thoughful posts on the subject.
Larry E.
"British churches will be forced to accept practicing homosexuals or "transsexuals" in positions as youth workers and similar roles, under upcoming equality legislation, the government has said. The Labour government's Equality Bill will prohibit churches from refusing to hire active homosexuals even if their religion holds such behavior to be sinful, said deputy equalities minister Maria Eagle.
The legislation is due to come into force next year, and churches fear that it will force them to act against their religious convictions in a broad range of areas."
Hilary White
LifeSiteNews
May 21, 2009
"Obama Opposes Children Having Both a Dad and a Mom
Kathleen Gilbert LifeSiteNews
May 20, 2009
Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. 2 John 1:9
*** WARNING: This article is full of anti-God and anti-family statements as Barack Obama continues to oppose God's truth and children having both a dad and a mom. By Barack's actions, he continues to work against the majority of the USA and our founding fathers. Pastors warn not to listen to Obama when he speaks about "faith" or "God" as it is usually in error. ***
A member of Obama's Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships advisory board has stated that one of the main challenges in promoting "responsible fatherhood" in America will be to dismantle a perception that fatherhood is "heteronormative" - i.e., that heterosexuality is the norm.
In addition to his role on Obama's faith advisory board, Knox is the director of the religion and faith program at the Human Rights Campaign, a homosexual activist group.
"Responsible fatherhood offers us an immense opportunity to speak to a real need in the country," Knox said in a May 11 PBS interview. "It'll be challenging to do that in a way ... not to sort of hold a heteronormative view of fatherhood up as the only model."
"Challenges will be all of us getting to know what fatherhood means for us and how to talk about it in a way that is as inclusive as possible, and as empowering as possible for all fathers," he said. Knox mentioned that he has suggested that the advisory council investigate "mentoring processes" that have been developed to help homosexual men raising children.
Last week, several leading American Catholics, including House Republican Leader John Boehner, Catholic League President Bill Donohue, American Life League's Judie Brown, and members of the Family Research Council issued a letter to Obama urging Knox's ouster from the advisory group. In addition to his numerous positions that run directly contrary to traditional moral values, Knox has on several occasions severely criticized the Pope and the Catholic Church.
Knox has said he stands by previous comments calling Pope Benedict XVI "morally reprehensible" for not supporting the use of condoms. An open homosexual, Knox called a Cheyenne, WY bishop "immoral and insulting to Jesus" for instructing that an activist lesbian couple not receive Communion.
He also labeled the Catholic fraternal group, the Knights of Columbus, "foot soldiers of a discredited army of oppression" for supporting Proposition 8, California's true marriage amendment. [This is aganst God who ordained marriage of a man and a woman, and Who we will appear on the Judgment Day. What will those listening to Obama do then?]"
from:
http://www.praydailyamerica.com/id276.html
"Marriage Amendment Bill Introduced by Senator John Eichelberger Applauded by PA4Marriage Coalition
Deborah Hamilton Christian Newswire
May 19, 2009
"And the LORD God said, 'It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.'" ... Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. Genesis 2:18, 24
Pennsylvania for Marriage Coalition salutes Senator John Eichelberger's decision to introduce a marriage protection amendment in the Pennsylvania Senate May 19th.
"With recent states like Iowa, New Hampshire and the District of Columbia redefining marriage either through judicial activism or legislative maneuvering, we believe it is time for the people of Pennsylvania to have the opportunity to vote to preserve marriage as the union of one man and one woman," stated Deborah Hamilton, spokesperson for the PA4Marriage Coalition.
Last month, marriage was redefined by seven judges for the entire state of Iowa because of six couples who had sued the state and demanded marriage licenses in 2005. The majority of Iowans whole-heartedly supported the Iowa Defense of Marriage Act, which sought to protect marriage between one man and one woman, yet the court completely ignored what the people wanted and overturned the ban on same-sex marriage.
Like Pennsylvania, Iowa requires passage of an amendment in two successive sessions of the Legislature. Also like Pennsylvania, according to an April 6, 2009 article on IowaPolitics.com, most of Iowa's legislators assured constituents that, "Iowa's Defense of Marriage Act is solid and will pass any court challenge; therefore a constitutional amendment is unnecessary."
Hamilton commented that, "Pennsylvania has a good marriage law just like Iowa had. But regardless of the assurances from the Iowa Legislature, their Defense of Marriage Act did not withstand an assault from a handful of judges. We are very pleased that Senator Eichelberger is calling on Pennsylvania's Legislature to bolster and strengthen marriage through the only fair and democratic solution: Pass a state marriage amendment now."
According to polling conducted last year for the PA4Marriage Coalition, 67% of Pennsylvanians support marriage between one man and one woman and would support a Constitutional marriage amendment in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania for Marriage is a coalition of concerned individuals and groups who are working together to advance a Marriage Protection Amendment. Thirty states in the nation have passed a Marriage Amendment to their state constitutions. Pennsylvania voters are hopeful that they will be able to vote on this issue in the near future, however, since the bill does have to pass through two sessions of the legislature before Pennsylvania citizens have the opportunity to cast their votes, citizens will not be voting on a Pennsylvania marriage amendmfent until 2011 at the earliest."
"Obama Workers to Sign UN Declaration on Homosexuality
Hilary White LifeSiteNews.com
March 18, 2009
"Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning made them male and female...?" Our Lord Jesus - Matthew 19:4
He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father's who sent Me. - Jesus John 14:24
The Obama [group] confirmed that it will endorse a statement that will call for the global "decriminalization of homosexuality." The State Department today endorsed the statement originating from France, saying that it did so out of concern over for "violence and human rights abuses against gay, lesbian, transsexual and bisexual individuals" and "the criminalization of sexual orientation in many countries."
The statement in question, which former president George W. Bush refused to sign, has been heavily criticised by pro-family groups as a significant step towards the worldwide outlawing of religious opposition to the homosexualist political agenda.
State department officials said Tuesday that they had notified the statement's sponsors that the administration wants to be added as a supporter. The statement is being sponsored by France and the Netherlands at the request of homosexualist activist Louis-Georges Tin. It has been signed by all 27 European Union members of the UN's General Assembly, as well as Japan, Australia, Mexico and three dozen other countries, making a total of 66 of the UN's 192 member states. 70 UN member states outlaw homosexual activity and more than 50 nations opposed the declaration. The US was the only western country that had refused to sign.
The Obama [group] has claimed that the nonbinding statement merely targets the seven Islamic countries that levy the death penalty for homosexual activity. But Austin Ruse, president of the Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute (C-FAM), said the announcement is further evidence that the Obama [group] is in full support of the homosexualist agenda.
Calling the statement a "press release" initiated by the French government, Ruse said, "What the press release really does is encourage the acceptance of gender identity and sexual orientation as a category of non-discrimination in human rights treaties so that these categories would stand alongside race, religion, and other widely accepted categories of non-discrimination."
Ruse referred to the "very healthy homosexual lobby" in the State Department and in various parts of the U.S. government."
"Obama Shocks America
January 21, 2009
Barack Obama has shocked millions of Americans by asking homosexual "ministers" to pray for America. Yet most Americans don't believe a homosexual is a minister of Christ, as the Bible shows homosexuality is sin - like adultery and lying. George Washington, John Jay, John Adams and Abraham Lincoln would be outraged at this disregard to God.
George Washington was known to say "fear God" to people he came across. He also said, "It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible." Looking at the United States Supreme Court, America's first Chief Justice John Jay urged "our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers." John Jay freely declared America a Christian nation.
Abraham Lincoln confirmed America was to follow God. Lincoln said, "All the good the Savior gave to the world was communicated through this Book [the Bible]. But for it we could not know right from wrong.”
So, America is shocked Obama chose Gene Robinson, a homosexual, to pray. Obama had known Robinson left his wife and children for a man. This is not God's plan or godly. When "praying", Robinson opened with, “O God of our many understandings…”, instead of a prayer to our Father. This unrespect also shocked millions of Americans.
Why is Barack Obama contradicting the Bible (Romans 1:21-32, Exodus 3:20 etc…) and the best interests of America's founders? There is quite a difference between Abraham Lincoln and Barack Obama, especially when one looks at morals.
Obama had Robinson’s “prayer” replayed at Obama’s “inauguration ceremony” as further support by Obama. News reports show that Obama has had talks with Robinson after Obama left the controversial Rev. Wright.
Many Christians believe this is an example of what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 11:13-15. Paul warns, “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”
Our founders wanted America to follow and honor God. They declared days of fasting to seek God and reading the Bible. Once again today, it is important for every Christian to pray and ask God for a righteous nation that follows Him instead of a nation that disobeys Him. If we ask God to fill America with Himself, He will, but God needs each person to pray and welcome Him.
Many are concerned Obama has not shown shame for supporting what the Bible says is sin. A good prayer for Amerca is for the United States government to be convicted of their sin and to desire to do what God says is right. This is required for God to bless America.
In Deuteronomy 28, God is clear that those who obey Him will be blessed and those who disobey Him will be cursed."
from:
http://www.praydailyamerica.com/id102.html
Nitewrit,
Sorry, I posted all those other comments before I saw the notification in my e-mail to approve your comment. That's why my reply to your comment is only appearing now.
Man, that description would have fitted me as an adolescent and I didn't become gay.
Same here.
This idea that someone who isn't married by a certain age really irks me.
Me too.
And like any sin that becomes socially acceptable it complicates examining it for what it is and recruits into its community people who would otherwise never considered it.
Very well said.
Jeff, thanks for your thoughful posts on the subject.
You're very welcome, Larry.
Mandatory 'gay' day for K-5 students
Board imposes homosexual curriculum on classes
A California school district has approved a mandatory homosexual curriculum for children as young as 5 – and parents will not be allowed to remove their children from the lessons.
Lexington, Mass., father of 6-year-old arrested, spends night in jail over objections to homosexual curriculum in son's kindergarten class.
Study: Homosexuality Linked with Childhood Trauma
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