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.
