How many threads concerning Christianity/religion in general have been posted already, anyway??
..this kind of discussion isn't going to end soon, is it..
Sadly, most religious debates go in circles. Anyone entering in them should realize that as soon as possible and proceed with caution.
Secondly, no, I don't believe there is a "gay gene" you are born with nor do I believe it's a mental illness. A mental illness is a chemical imbalance of sorts like bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia and the like. I also don't think it's something you can cure with medication. I don't believe anyone wakes up and says "I'm gay" one day and goes about their business. But it seems like being "bi" seems to be the trend with teens now...
What I'm saying is, there is no solid scientific proof of the "gay gene". So, again, why this is a common belief is a mystery. Especially in a world that relies heavily on science and "facts" as opposed to religion and faith. Seems like people have faith in the gay gene and no fact to back it up.
I DO believe homosexuality is at least somewhat caused by emotional patterns developed over a lifetime. Some anger, hurt, resentment, abuse..etc experienced in childhood can manifest itself into homosexuality. Sometimes it's lack of a same sex role model or father figure in both a boy and girls life. There is proof of this. Go here:
NARTH.com for further reading.
Some women never felt attractive to men and think women would like them better.
Some women were sexually abused and only feel "safe" being with other women rather than a man.
Some women aren't close with their mothers and never formed a proper mother/daughter bond with eachother and the woman will seek this in a lesbian relationship.
The same applies to men as well. Homosexuality isn't about sex, but about filling a void for connection. Yes, sex is involved and homosexuals ARE attracted physically to the same sex, but I believe the desire or "urges" are bred out of a deep need for connection/acceptance/love. There is nothing wrong with needing that, but there is something wrong and unhealthy about meeting it with homosexuality.
The reason why I'm in here debating this because it's so common to believe the lie that you are "gay" and therefore, you MUST live life as a homosexual or else you'll be miserable. Change is not an option because you can't change. If this is the truth, then I don't understand why the suicide rate is so high and the drug use rate is so high among homosexuals. Seems like this wouldn't be happening if it were a truly happy and freeing lifestyle. The proof seems to be the opposite and I'm not buying into the "it's great!" mentality when it comes to being gay. I seem to see that this is destructive and has hurt and even taken many lives.
As as Christian, I really don't want to condemn homosexuals because I'm just as sinful. The truth is, change IS possible and you don't have to be a slave to what everyone tells you about homosexuality. You have a choice to make up your own mind and challenge the belief that gays can't change. Since becoming a Christian I have the freedom to live free and not be a slave to homosexuality. I don't have to be a lesbian and deal with all the garbage that comes with that. Am I straight? No. I'm not. I'd be considered "bi", but I choose not to label myself anything. There is freedom from sin and being a slave to it. I've chosen that and yes, it's difficult, I know that I'm happier now than having an obsessive girlfriend who keys my car because I made her angry. Yes, these things happen.
Anyway, I'm not trying to "debate" or go in circles about "religion". Its about freedom and redemption from sin and it's trappings....I have zero interest in religion.