Born Gay?
By Kori Ashton

Was I dropped on my head as a baby? Or did I wear too much plaid growing up? Maybe I didn't get enough vitamins? Was there something lacking in my relationship with my mother? Some might say these are silly questions, but I have had lesbians across the world ask me questions just like that trying to figure out "Can I change my sexual orientation or was I born this way?"

This question is a touchy subject in our society. It obviously affects me personally as well. As a Christian often times we wonder why God puts us through trials and challenging times. You might doubt your existence thinking, “Am I a mistake? Should I change my sexual behavior or did God design me this way?”

Let me start by saying - Not one of us is a mistake! (Even if you were an “oops” baby to our parents!) God created each one of us with a plan for our lives. The Bible tells us that He even knew us before we were born. So, did God create us gay? The Bible doesn’t say directly. We do know that He created us for His own glory and to have fellowship with Him. And Genesis says that when He saw His creation He called it "Good!”
Dig Deeper: Jeremiah 29:11, Psalm 139:13-14

If the Bible doesn’t say directly – does science or psychology?

There have been studies and researches, press releases and breakthroughs. There have been advances and theories, tests and new technologies and yet still no one knows for sure if we are born gay. The American Psychological Association, considered to be the largest association of psychologists worldwide, wrote the following information on its website APA.org (accessed Jan. 30, 2009):

"There are numerous theories about the origins of a person's sexual orientation; most scientists today agree that sexual orientation is most likely the result of a complex interaction of environmental, cognitive and biological factors. In most people, sexual orientation is shaped at an early age. There is also considerable recent evidence to suggest that biology, including genetic or inborn hormonal factors, play a significant role in a person's sexuality. In summary, it is important to recognize that there are probably many reasons for a person's sexual orientation and the reasons may be different for different people." Jan. 30, 2009 - American Psychological Association

Seems to me like they are all chasing their tails – so to speak – and covering it with a largely generalized statement: “There are probably many reasons for a person’s sexual orientation and the reasons may be different for different people.” Wow – that clears it right up!

What do we know for sure then? The Bible tells us that God created us and loves us! The only things we should change are our sinful actions. We also know from science that our environment and experiences shape us, and that our choices affect our path in life.

So if we accept our sexual orientation and we understand our faith, we can conclude that Born Gay or Not Born Gay – we were born with a purpose and a plan. God designed us and said, “It is Good!” Proving that being gay is not a choice would mean that discrimination against being gay is unequivocally an infringement of civil-rights; however until that moment happens maybe we should care more about how we love each other rather than who we love! (Can I get an Amen!?) Dig Deeper: Genesis 1:31, Isaiah 43:1-7

Disclaimer - Please don't allow anyone - not even us - to dictate your walk with Christ. When you stand before the Lord - you will stand before Him alone. You, alone, will be accountable for your actions. It's a serious responsibility. So dig into the Bible for yourself and challenge your heart to find the truth - not YOUR truth but God's truth for you. The Word says to seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened.

Born Gay? By Kori Ashton

Born Gay?
By Kori Ashton