Tuesday, April 22, 2008

A couple of thoughts on a relevant social topic...

Yes, today, we have thoughts from both the science and faith camps. Interesting what a little research can do. It's good news to me, anyway.

First, from the scientists--APA changes their stance on the origins of homosexuality:

"In 1998, the American Psychological Association (APA) published a brochure titled 'Answers to Your Questions about Sexual Orientation and Homosexuality.'

"This particular document was ostensibly published to provide definitive answers about homosexuality. However, few of the assertions made in the brochure could find any basis in psychological science. Clearly a document anchored more in activism than in empiricism, the brochure was simply a demonstration of how far APA had strayed from science, and how much it had capitulated to activism.

"The newest APA brochure, which appears to be an update of the older one, is titled, 'Answers to Your Questions for a Better Understanding of Sexual Orientation & Homosexuality.'

"Though both brochures have strong activist overtones (both were created with "editorial assistance from the APA Committee on Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Concerns"), the newer document is more reflective of science and more consistent with the ethicality of psychological care.

"Consider the following statement from the first document:

'There is considerable recent evidence to suggest that biology, including genetic or inborn hormonal factors, play a significant role in a person's sexuality.'

"That statement was omitted from the current document and replaced with the following:

'There is no consensus among scientists about the exact reasons that an individual develops a heterosexual, bisexual, gay or lesbian orientation. Although much research has examined the possible genetic, hormonal, developmental, social, and cultural influences on sexual orientation, no findings have emerged that permit scientists to conclude that sexual orientation is determined by any particular factor or factors. Many think that nature and nurture both play complex roles...' " (Source)
And now, from the faith side--Early iteration of something about which we currently desperately need reminding:

"There is some widely accepted theory extant that homosexuality is inherited. How can this be? No scientific evidence demonstrates absolutely that this is so. Besides, if it were so, it would frustrate the whole plan of mortal happiness. Our designation as men or women began before this world was. In contrast to the socially accepted doctrine that homosexuality is inborn, a number of respectable authorities contend that homosexuality is not acquired by birth. The false belief of inborn homosexual orientation denies to repentant souls the opportunity to change and will ultimately lead to discouragement, disappointment, and despair.

"Any alternatives to the legal and loving marriage between a man and a woman are helping to unravel the fabric of human society. I am sure this is pleasing to the devil. The fabric I refer to is the family. These so-called alternative lifestyles must not be accepted as right, because they frustrate God’s commandment for a life-giving union of male and female within a legal marriage as stated in Genesis. If practiced by all adults, these lifestyles would mean the end of the human family" (President Faust, 1995, source).

So... Now and then there is something irrefutable said. There will be those who still argue, but let them! The flailings and rantings of the mistaken are easily clouded and shadowed by the resounding ring of truth.

8 comments:

  1. How can anyone argue with that? I think what most people forget is that it hasn't been proven what the "cause" is. Especially mormons, who have been taken in by the lies and false ideas of the world. I am so glad Pres. Faust said that. Why WOULD we even have the plan of happiness if from the moment you were born you already were doomed?

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  2. have you ever considered the concept that the feelings of homosexuality that a person has are a (and I use this term loosely as to not offend anyone) "trial" that the person agreed to have in this life? i have homosexual friends (who have no experience with sexual abuse or any environmental influences)who say that they have felt attracted to members of the same sex since they can remember.

    i have a strong enough knowledge of the Gospel to know that these people did not have these same inclinations in the pre-mortal life, and while i absolutely agree with President Faust, i think you should probably consider that, just as those who come here mentally handicapped or under circumstances of extreme hardship, those who harbor these tendencies agreed to carry this "burden" throughout their mortal existence.

    i think it's noble that you use your blog to state what you believe; you are entitled to. i just feel sorry for you because you are so hell-bent on condemning those who do not believe the way you do. you use the words of our prophets and apostles to judge others, then you come back with comments like "love the sinner but not the sin." insofar as your blog is concerned, i don't think that appears to be the case.

    to be honest, i think that you have probably dealt with these feelings and have labored long and hard to be a worthy member of the church. which would explain why you're so hard on others who you perceive are not as "devout" as you are. if this is the case, i admire you for your dedication and endurance. just realize that all will be made right and that the true judge of us all will know our hearts, our deeds and those we condemn.

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  3. Very true. It is interesting to see how popular opinion has made science nearly irrelevant. People will use science to their advantage only when they can, then they'll refute it when it does not help them.

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  4. Just a note to "say what?!":

    Homosexuality cannot be compared to a mental (or any other kind of) physical handicap. Those who are mentally handicapped are automatically saved, and are not held accountable for their sins, while those accountable who engage in sins are. Mental handicaps are generally not something that can be done away with in this life, due to the limits of science and such, but overcoming any kind of sin or addiction is possible through the Atonement.

    I'm not condemning anyone, just sins that are damaging to the individual and society in general. I'm far from perfect, and though I try to be "devout", I pray that everyone (self included) is just trying their hardest.

    Whatever we do, we mustn't argue for the sin and the weakness! It may be difficult for someone to overcome, but that doesn't mean that they can't do it, and it's not very hopeful or fair to deny that it can happen. Why would some people be an exception to repentance and the Atonement?

    Thank you for your comment, though! I appreciate your thoughts.

    Cami and Elise-yay.

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  5. Besides... I hardly made any comment on this blogpost, just mostly let the quotes speak for themselves! :)

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  6. i think you should read my post again because i don't think you derived from it anything that i was trying to say. homosexuality is not akin to mental handicaps any more than it is to destitution. my only point was that i am certain there are many who are struggling with same gender attraction who knew that they were going to do so prior to this life. remember, we wanted to come here under any circumtstances, despite any trials we may have. that's all.

    i was neither condoning the act nor saying it should be regarded in the same category as those with mental deficiencies. and i feel pity for you that in reading my post you thought so.

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  7. I'm having trouble deciphering your motive and your opinion on this subject, but no matter. Pity away, just know that it doesn't make sense.

    Also, it doesn't matter whether or not people knew they would face this particular trial in life. It's still just that-a trial-something to be faced and to overcome.

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  8. To be honest, I never really have felt a condmening tone to your posts. They are frank, straightforward, and don't dance around any issue.

    To "Saywhat?!". Careful, there was an air of condemnation yourself: "just realize that all will be made right and that the true judge of us all will know our hearts, our deeds and those we condemn."

    Maybe I'm missing something. Where do we find out that we were aware of exactly what trials we would specifically be given? I'm genuinely curious. I want to know if I agreed on the Lord being merciful enough to bless me with an addiction to Coca Cola.

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