Can Homosexuals Change?
The forthcoming book Ex-Gays? by psychologists Stanton Jones and Mark Yarhouse isn't exactly a page-turner. With the subtitle, A Longitudinal Study of Religiously Mediated Change in Sexual Orientation, I’m guessing it wasn’t meant to be. But it is the most scientifically rigorous study to date on a potentially explosive topic—the ability of homosexuals to become straight.
The 400-page book goes into excruciating detail about the study’s rationale and research methodology. Suffice it to say here that the study finds empirical evidence showing that changing homosexual orientation is possible.
Not exactly a shocker for us Christians, especially for those of us who have seen homosexual friends transformed by the grace of God. But the findings fly directly in the face of the American Psychological Association, which states that, not only is change impossible, but that even trying to change is dangerous.
Though the authors anticipate receiving criticism from gay activists, they defend their study as "Pro-choice"—not in reference to abortion of course, but in defending the prerogative of homosexuals to change their orientation.
When the book releases in October it’s sure to fuel debate. Christians need to spotlight studies like this to emphasize that homosexual orientation is not destiny. It’s important that we are part of this debate—not as angry culture warriors hurling denunciations at homosexuals—but as messengers of hope, assuring them that there is true freedom to be found in Christ.
The 400-page book goes into excruciating detail about the study’s rationale and research methodology. Suffice it to say here that the study finds empirical evidence showing that changing homosexual orientation is possible.
Not exactly a shocker for us Christians, especially for those of us who have seen homosexual friends transformed by the grace of God. But the findings fly directly in the face of the American Psychological Association, which states that, not only is change impossible, but that even trying to change is dangerous.
Though the authors anticipate receiving criticism from gay activists, they defend their study as "Pro-choice"—not in reference to abortion of course, but in defending the prerogative of homosexuals to change their orientation.
When the book releases in October it’s sure to fuel debate. Christians need to spotlight studies like this to emphasize that homosexual orientation is not destiny. It’s important that we are part of this debate—not as angry culture warriors hurling denunciations at homosexuals—but as messengers of hope, assuring them that there is true freedom to be found in Christ.
posted by Drew Dyck at 1:35 PM
4 Comments:
hello people,
yes! it is good that the christian community are reacting to the human question posed by the homosexual issue. However we could do much more than react to the issues but start answering the human question.
Is a woman - emotions, her body, etc? is a man - emotions, body, etc? Those are the fundamental question we need to address.
thank you.
I just read an another article about the study, and here is what it said:
Jones acknowledged that he is not a neutral observer. His study involved 98 gays "seeking help" from Exodus International, a Christian group that believes homosexuals can become straight through prayer and counseling. Exodus International funded Jones' study.
The group's president, Alan Chambers, said he is a former homosexual who went straight and believes homosexuality is morally wrong.
I believe that this is one area we will never know the true answer. I also believe that it does not take into account what John Elderidge calls the same sex attraction. Where men who have never recieved the affirmation of their manhood, are now seeking it from other men.
Instead of arguing this case, and driving those men away from the church, I believe we need to embrace them with the love of Christ, just as Christ did with the Samaritan woman at the well.
i don't know about books statiscts or pscology but one thing I do know is that Jesus is the way for gays to become striaght,I was once gay but thanks to Jesus I now am no longer gay and have a wife and 2 stepchildren and a life thtat I never dreamed was possible.So if you are gay and are reading this just know that Jesus can change you cause He has changed me.
I look forward to reading the book. I just learned that a very close friend of mine is gay. He is so afraid of people knowing as he feels that he will not be accepted by people. At work he is very guarded about everything he says and how he mingles with people. I was brought up in the church and really wish there was more teaching on this subject and not the stating that this lifestyle is wrong. We need to love and accept these people showing them God's grace and helping them through the process of change. We ALL have sinned and fall short of God's grace. There is hope for these individuals and they can live lives that they are happy for others to be a part of
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