A Theory on the Origins of Homosexuality in Individuals

This is probably one of the most controversial topics in our society today. Why are people gay? Usually, people answer in one of two ways: "They're born gay," or "It's a personal choice." However, I think both of these are far too simplistic. Homosexuality is, according to the Bible, a sin. For more information on that, see my previous blog post, "Half-hearts, Haters, and Homosexuals." Like all sins, a person is held accountable if he commits it. Homosexuality, though, causes division because it involves deep feelings. Our society generally tells us that feelings are the most real and pure part of who you are, and that they are always right. So, then, before we look at the origin of homosexuality, let us see what exactly the Bible condemns.
The Bible most clearly condemns homosexuality in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (and in Leviticus, but I try to avoid using Old Covenant laws for arguments to prevent confusion). It reads: "Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral…nor men who practice homosexuality…nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God." The Greek word for "men who practice homosexuality" is arsenokoites, a compound word which, in root, literally means "male-bed." The word for "bed," koite, is often used in the context of sexual activity. Therefore, the meaning of arsenokoites is simply a male who engages in sexual activity with a male. Since most Biblical commands are phrased in the masculine but apply to both sexes appropriately, in a more broad sense it refers to one who engages in sexual activity with someone of the same sex.
Based on our linguistically-justified definition of arsenokoites, we see that the Bible condemns homosexual activity. Feelings are not mentioned, and for good reason. Our feelings are wild like an unbroken horse. Only with much effort can they be broken like one. It is not immoral to feel some attraction to someone of the same sex. It is wrong to act on those feelings, or even to entertain such fantasies, as Jesus clearly teaches that entertaining lustful thoughts is as sinful as committing sexually immoral activity (Matthew 5:27-28). So, then, now that we have defined what the Bible condemns of homosexuality, we can look to see the origins of the whole phenomenon and consider their implications.
Scientists are divided on the issue of a genetic component for homosexuality, although many homosexual supporters will claim that science has proven people are born gay. The simple fact is, though, that there is no evidence to suggest our sexuality is hard-coded into our DNA. There is no reason to believe that people are born irresistibly towards one orientation or the other. However—and this is what many Christians fail to see—there is limited evidence that there are genetic components that contribute to homosexuality, much like there are known genetic factors which create a disposition towards alcoholism. This is important not to overlook. People almost certainly can be born with a predisposition to homosexual attractions. Is this unreasonable to believe? We believe that all are born into sin, so I would think not! Nevertheless, like with alcoholism, evidence does support the idea that people still have a choice in this matter. No one is bound to be gay by their genetic makeup.
I believe that one of the first steps in homosexuality is being born with this tendency. Now, some people may become homosexuals without it, just as many people become alcoholic without a genetic predisposition to alcoholism. Still, many people are convinced that they have always been gay, and for most of them I think the tendency towards homosexual attraction was inborn. It is not binding, though. I believe the next step comes later, usually probably in childhood or during the teen years. At this point, a homosexual thought or feeling appears. It may come from a demonic force, or it could be a creation of the flesh. Either way, the thought/feeling comes to attention. Now, there are two ways to deal with thoughts and feelings that come out of nowhere. You can either embrace them as part of you or reject them as an unnatural fluke. Unfortunately, our society trains people to believe that their feelings are the measure of truth. It tells them that what they feel is what is real. That, combined with the widespread acceptance of homosexuality, causes the person to embrace the thought or feeling that comes to him. This is where the alcoholism-like effects begin to show. When they accept the feeling that comes to them, they begin to think they have always been gay, and they begin to "follow their hearts." Little by little, their minds and hearts become enslaved to the perverse desires inspired by fallen flesh and enemies of the soul (see Romans 1:24-28). In time, their hearts become so filled with homosexuality that it seems to them to be a core part of who they are.
This is my theory. I cannot prove it unless I find a significant number of homosexuals, bring them to Christ, and interview them. It could be quite some time before that happens. Regardless, I believe my theory is accurate, as it fits everything I know about homosexuality as it appears in the world. Of course, there are plenty of people who do not even claim to be born gay, and in their case they made a perverse choice all the way. However, for the rest of them, for those who have gone through what I have described, I hope we can acquire compassion and understanding. They've been betrayed by their own bodies, tricked by spiritual enemies, lied to by society, and enslaved by depraved, temporary pleasures. They need to be freed from bondage by the truth of the Gospel, for Jesus tells the deceived, "you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32). Our job is to preach the Gospel. We need to tell all how God has paid for the sins of a people to be redeemed as the bride of Christ, and how He has freed them from the destruction of earthly pleasures for the pursuit of Him and His glory. If we cannot love them enough to tell them that, then we shouldn't even tell them they are wrong, for that will only increase their condemnation. Let us liberate the oppressed with the Gospel. It is the only way to true freedom.
One final note is that I believe it is possible in some, if not many, cases to help people overcome homosexual desires. If we can train ourselves to like certain foods, and God can change us to enjoy Him, then certainly we can work in and with the Spirit to help people want God first and not intimacy with the same sex. Nevertheless, I encourage people to not emphasize this kind of rehabilitation until after salvation and a significant time to mature in the faith. It could be quite destructive, otherwise, unless they specifically ask for help.