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| Homosexuality, sin, and genetic disposition..... |
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In a number of recent blogs, and in additional discussions I have began to struggle with the idea of genetic predisposition, the concept that genetic markers negate our ability to choose in an area of our behavior. Genetic markers have been found that indicate tendencies toward alcoholism, homosexuality, and gluttony, with additional thoughts being raised towards areas of sexual behavior that includes pedophilia, among other things. Now granted, I’ve brought out the “big ones”, those areas that bring divisiveness, but I do so only for example, there are many, many less noxious markers that are being flagged for our attention in society. Here is my real concern, are we now accepting a secular predestination as fact in our concept of human behavior? Have we thrown away the concept of free will? I am beginning to think that the concept of genetic predisposition is even more of a heretical secular concept than secular humanism ever tried to become. On one side I hate to use the concept of heresy to explain my view of G.P., but there is probably no better way to explain the thought. We have a concept that takes away our responsibility for sin, and negates Christ’s action on the cross. While I cannot explain what the markers do mean, I can tell you that free will is still in force, people who have a disposition towards an area of sin still get to chose whether to exercise that disposition. I wonder, no proof, just speculation, if the genetic disposition is the physical response to the fall, if it shows, from a scientific perspective, the actions of sin on our flesh? If that is the case then the real result of Christ’s death and resurrection is our ability to not be bound by those predispositions, and it has the result of allowing our overcoming of those bondages. Is this what Paul didn’t even know needed explaining when he talks of our overcoming the flesh. Did Paul speak prophetically about an action of overcoming that was not just thought, but was so deeply rooted into our being that nothing short of God in the flesh could break its hold on us? I keep coming back to Gregory of Nyssa, "What is not assumed, is not healed”. If Christ did not take all of what mankind is, in its sin, yet held by a sinless one, then all is not healed. If we exclude any aspect of sin, even that which is held by genetic predisposition, then we leave an aspect of the fall that is not healed. So where does that leave us in relation to sin? Whether it’s homosexuality, lust, gluttony, anger, schismaticism, or just plain laziness, we must point people back to the cross, and a Man/God, who has born our sins. We can’t leave people lost in condemnation, because there is a resurrection after the cross, but we have to point them to restoration and healing. If we do not, then we become enablers of their sin, and participants by proxy. We love, but we point towards He who heals.
Rom 8:8 So then they who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone has not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His. And if Christ is in you, indeed the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of the One who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, the One who raised up Christ from the dead shall also make your mortal bodies alive by His Spirit who dwells in you. Therefore, brothers, we are not debtors to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh, you shall die. But if you through the Spirit mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God
May we be, and encourage others to be "the sons of God." |
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| To add a comment to "Homosexuality, sin, and genetic disposition....." |
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| July 18, 2008 |
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| Excellent post! I am genetically predisposed to be an alcoholic......I choose not to :) |
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| July 19, 2008 |
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| By all means, let's become sons of God! I always wanted to be a son anyhow, what better time than now! |
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| July 20, 2008 |
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| Interesting addition to the discussion! |
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| July 21, 2008 |
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| Thanks! |
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| July 21, 2008 |
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Maybe I should add a word of clarification...
It has been said that men have to learn to become the Bride of Christ. So, I suppose us women can learn to become Sons of God.
Anyhow, I didn't mean I want to become a transvestite or anything like that. However, I really did always wish I were born a male instead of a female. So, is that a predisposition?
I always liked farming and shop classes, and business things. When I was a child, it seemed like women weren't allowed to do all those things. We had to cook, clean, and take care of the babies. At least that was my perception of things. Yet I wanted to be able to do the fun stuff! Now culture has changed considerably and women have more opportunities to do lots of different things. Men even play the Mr. Mom role nowadays. However, I do think raising children is important, and moms need to do their part. Still, as a woman it's nice to be treated like I have a brain, because I do!
I wonder how many transvestites have similar feelings and thoughts?
I guess we all need to realize that we are unique and valuable in God's kingdom, regardless of our gender. |
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| July 21, 2008 |
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| Great blog! |
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| July 21, 2008 |
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Shannon, Grant, Sandra, and Shellie, and Cindy Lou,
Thanks so much for your comments. I beleive that we can put science in perspective, but we have to not start with our own views, but let God lead into His view. Too often science becomes a slave to man and his re-imaging of creation. We need to look at all things through a filter of His image and likenmess, what reflects Him, not what reflects us. You all are kind in your thougths, thank you. |
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| July 21, 2008 |
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| I second Grant! Awesome post~ |
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| July 25, 2008 |
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Yes, Shannon, I'm glad we are free in Christ Jesus! Now we can bounce babies on one hip and repair cars on the side! Or whatever. It's not what we DO for a living (as long as it is legal) so much as who we ARE (which helps determine what we do).
"For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago" Ephesians 2:10 |
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| September 27, 2008 |
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I agree with Dan
The person who first said scientifically that it was in the genes was gay. He later admitted that it was just a posibility and unproven. Didnt matter that the journalists and public believed it and promoted it. It was never proven even to this day. |
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| September 27, 2008 |
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A great blog and well done. Please do not mind a slight correction. It was the so-called "sons of God" that caused the flood of Noah's time. Gen 6:4-5 It is in reference to those who left their habitation (came to earth without the benifit of woman) The purpose was to spoil the bloodline of Jesus Christ. They were referenced as the Nephulim which means "fallen ones" or, fallen angles. The result was the "Raphaim" which have been translated as "dead" "deceased", or "giants. See, Isiah 26:13-15 |
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| September 27, 2008 |
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Not a problem golden2100, I think I was thinking more along the line of Phillipians...
2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; 2:16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
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