The short answer is “No!” But clearly the reigning sentiment in our society is that homosexuality is genetic. In both news and entertainment programs this idea is often stated as fact, as something that all intelligent people believe.

One reason for this is the pressure applied by powerful special interest groups. The Wall Street Journal reported on August 12, 1993, that to suggest that current biological-cause theories are unsubstantiated is to risk one’s career. New York psychiatrist William Byne said, “I’m told my criticism is not politically correct…What they are saying, therefore, is that I should subjugate scientific rigor to political expediency.”

However, as Aldous Huxley said, “Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.”  The fact is that no scientifically accepted, replicable studies presently exist that clearly demonstrate that homosexuality is genetic.

Studies do exist, however, showing that homosexuals who desire to change can do so. These studies have not received the same level of media coverage as the flawed studies.

One such study was done by Dr. Robert Spitzer, who led the charge in the 1970’s to remove homosexuality from a list of mental disorders. The results of his study were published in October 2003. Even though his study is one of the most recent published, it is rarely if ever mentioned in media coverage.

Many reputable therapists believe that while genes may be predictive of behavior, environment and choice determine behavior.  Because as Paul says, “We were dead in trespasses and sins, ….we are by nature children of wrath” (Ephesians 2:1-4), we each may have certain sins to which we are more inclined than others.

That is why the Bible is so clear that we need to be born again. Temptation will not automatically disappear when we place our trust in Christ, but we will have a new nature and a new power within to deal with the power of sin.

Those who want to insist on genetic determination are perpetuating a tragic myth and robbing those who genuinely want to turn from what they believe to be sin.

While the world may argue and debate this issue, there are thousands among us today who can say, “One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see" (John 9:25 NKJV).

When you have been privileged to share abundant life with these men and women and have seen the joy in their eyes, when you have seen them achieve dreams they never thought possible, the false claims of special interest groups are easily exposed.

For expert research, articles, and resources into the causes, prevention, and treatment of homosexuality consult NARTH. Their website address is www.narth.com. Their telephone number is 818.789.4440 and their address is 16633 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 1340, Encino, California, 91436-1801. Exodus International, North America, also has available numerous articles, testimonials, resources, and a list of Member Ministries. Exodus is on the web at www.exodusinternational.org, or contact them by telephone at 888.264.0877, or mail at P.O. Box 540119, Orlando, Florida, 32854.

Also, for a more thorough examination see:

Homosexuality and the Politics of Truth by Jeffrey Satinover, Baker Book House, 1996.

Transformed into His Image” by   David Kyle Foster, Mastering Life Ministries, 2004, pp 214-217. 

101 Frequently Asked Questions About Homosexuality by Mike Haley, Harvest House Publishers, 2004, pp 189-192.

Bob Stith is the pastor of Carroll Baptist Church in Southlake, Texas. He has a bachelor’s degree from Samford University and an M.Div. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Bob has been involved in Exodus International for over ten years. He has spoken at many churches and Exodus related events. He has also written several articles on the subject of homosexuality and the church. Bob is chairman of the board for Living Hope Ministries, an Exodus-affiliated ministry in Dallas-Fort Worth. Bob and his wife, Del, live in Southlake, Texas.