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Christian Leader Points to Gospel, Not Therapy, as Way Out of Homosexuality

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Brunski
 
Joined in 2005
July 28, 2011, 21:41

Although there are many “solutions” offered for how to change one’s sexual orientation—and some believe it cannot even be done—one evangelical Christian says the answer is simple: the gospel.


Dr. Albert Mohler, president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, says secular therapy to change one’s sexual identity—known as reparative therapy or sexual orientation conversion therapy—is not a viable solution.


This debate, which has already been prominent in the 2012 elections, was started by the pro-homosexual group Truth Wins Out accused a clinic ran by Republican presidential hopeful Michele Bachmann’s husband, Marcus, of offering such treatment.


Mohler, a theologian and ordained minister, says many secular groups, such as the American Psychological Association, the American Psychiatric Association and more, hold to a stance that sexual preference—whether it is homosexuality or heterosexuality—is a normal expression of human sexuality and that “any attempt to change an individual’s sexual orientation is likely to be harmful.”


“We will hold no hope for any sinner’s ability to change his or her own heart, and we will hold little hope for any secular therapy to offer more than marginal improvement in a sinner’s life,” Mohler said in a Tuesday blog post.


The evangelical leader argues that we need to look to the Bible and “be faithful to the gospel of Jesus Christ” when discerning issues such as these.


“First, we face the fact that the Bible clearly, repeatedly, consistently and comprehensively reveals the sinfulness of all homosexual behaviors,” he contends.


“The normalization of homosexuality simply cannot be accepted by anyone committed to biblical Christianity,” Mohler continues.


The widely-sought columnist and commentator goes on to say that every human faces sexual sin, not just those who lead the homosexual lifestyle.


“Taking the Bible’s teachings about sin and sexuality with full force, we understand that every sinful human being is in need of redemption, and that includes the redemption of our sexual selves,” he points out.


In his argument, Mohler says redemption is the only way sinners receive eternal hope, and that Christians should not look to any other methods to change their behaviors.


“In other words, a biblical Christian will have no fundamental confidence in any secular therapy’s ability to change a sinner’s fundamental disposition and heart, and this includes every aspect of the sinner’s life, including sexuality,” he explains.


Mohler says, “we gladly point all sinners to the gospel of Jesus Christ, knowing that all who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved (Romans 10:13).


“We know that something as deeply entrenched as a pattern of sexual attraction is not easily changed, but we know that with Christ all things are possible.”


Mohler concludes his argument by saying those who struggle need full support of their brothers and sisters in Christ and encourages them by saying we all face similar challenges.


“And even as Christians, know that believers among us struggle to bring their sexual desires into obedience to Christ, this is not something true only of those whose desires have been homosexual,” he says. “It is true of all Christians.”



Ann Maree
 
Joined in 2008
July 29, 2011, 09:22

Hi Brunski


Thanks for posting this.


As a doctor, this commentator refers to the fact that his colleagues have disproven the effectiveness of secular so-called reparative treatments. And not only have they disproven it, they have declared such approaches as harmful. The medical and psychological bodies have arrived at this stance via the use of scientific approaches and Dr Mohler no doubt respects that given his profession.


However, even doctors have bias as we see by his belief that the bible ‘proves’ that homosexuality is wrong. It’s a shame Dr Mohler hasn’t applied the same scientific process of enquiry to the study of scripture. If only he tried to set his bias aside and examine the original language and contexts in the bible while cross referencing with related scriptures, he might find a different interpretation or at least some doubts around his current ideas.


And to emphasise that scripture alone can heal homosexuality is a dangerous stance to take. It’s a very simplistic and superficial way to approach what he sees as sin. I mean, if we go along with his argument that homosexuality is sin, would he suggest the same for other so-called ‘sinners’, that they should rely on scripture alone without taking up other relevant supports? And what about for someone with a problem such as alcoholism, would he say that they can be healed through scripture alone and discourage seeking supports like AA? Perhaps he would…. but I don’t think that would be wise.


The bible is not a simple book to understand nor is it a manual on sexual relations or orientation. I do think it’s possible that people might find healing and insights in it’s pages and through relationship with God. And in fact if everyone did a thorough study of topics such as homosexuality, they might even be healed of homophobia! Now wouldn’t that be great!! 🙂


Blessings,


Ann Maree


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