www.family.org/cforum/fosi/homosexuality/maf/a0028248.cfm
Myth #1: 10 percent of the populaton is homosexual
FACT only 1 to 3 percent of the population could be considered exclusively homosexual
Myth #2: homosexuals are born gay
FACT: there is no evidence to support the claim that a person can be born homosexual.
The scientific attempts to demonstrate that homosexual attraction is biologically determined have failed. For example, a study conducted in 1991 by psychologist michael bailey and psychiatrist richard pillard, attempted to show that homosexuality occurs more frequently among identical twins than fraternal twins. However, this study actually provides support for environmental factors versus genetics! If homosexuality were in the genetic code, then both of the twins would have been homosexual 100 percent of the time, yet this was not the case.10
the well-known simon levay brain study of 1991, which tried to find differences in the hypothalamuses (a very small part of the brain) of homosexual and heterosexual men, found no evidence that there is any genetic cause for homosexuality. Nothing in the study showed that gay men are born that way.11 other prominent researchers have concluded that there is no evidence to support a biological theory, but rather that homosexuality could be best explained by an alternative model where “temperamental and personality traits interact with the familial and social milieu as the individual’s sexuality emerges.”12
Myth #3: homosexual relationships are no different than heterosexual ones
FACT homosexual male relationships are rarely monogamous and those involved are more at risk for life-threatening illnesses
a study on the sexual profiles of 2,583 older homosexuals, published in the Journal of Sex Research, found that only 2.7 percent claimed to have had sex with one partner only.16 research has also found that few homosexual relationships last longer than two years, with many men reporting hundreds of lifetime partners.”17
24 percent of gay men had over 100 partners; 43 percent of gay men had over 500 partners; 28 percent of gay men had over 1000 partners18
Solid, irrefutable evidence proves that there are lethal consequences to engaging in the defining features of male homosexuality—that is, promiscuity. Active homosexuals are vulnerable to dozens of sexually transmitted diseases.19 according to one report, the risk of anal cancer rises by an astounding 4,000 percent for those engaging in homosexual intercourse and doubles again for those who are hiv positive.20
Myth #4: aids is as much of a risk for heterosexuals as it is for homosexuals
FACT according to the centers for disease control, homosexual men are a thousand times more likely to contract aids than the general male heterosexual population.28
Myth #5: homosexuals are normal, healthy, everday people
FACT contrary to claims made by gay activists, homosexually active persons as a group appear to be less psychologically healthy than the general population
Research has shown that men and women living homosexually are at substantially higher risk for some forms of emotional problems, including suicidality, major depression and anxiety disorder, conduct disorder and nicotine dependence.31 for instance, one twin-study found that men with same-sex partners are 6.5 times as likely as their co-twins to attempt suicide.32 another study found that a substantial percentage of gay males and lesbians report some participation in illegal drug use.33
Myth #6: the bible doesn’t condemn homosexuality—only promiscuity
FACT God clearly condemns any act of sex outside of heterosexual marriage
Myth #7: lesbian relationships are healthier than gay male relationships
FACT lesbian relationships are equally unhealthy, and just as life-threatening as gay male relationships. Studies have also shown that a significant number of lesbian women engage in other risky behaviors which increase medical risks of disease, such as drug use and exchanging sex for drugs and money. Lesbians may have higher rates of breast and ovarian cancer because of a variety of risk factors like nulliparity (never having borne a child), childbearing later in life, higher rates of alcohol consumption and obesity.”37 ...there exists the counterfeit of healthy attachment-including, manipulative behaviors, emotional dependency and over-enmeshment.38
Myth #8: homosexuality is unchangeable
FACT there is freedom from homosexuality. There are a tremendous number of homosexuals who have changed, and professional opinions are changing on this issue
I came to this study skeptical, i now claim that these changes can be sustained.”44 other professionals have reported a range from 50 to 70 percent success rate in the treatment of unwanted homosexual attraction.45 findings such as these have prompted some professionals to admit that homosexuals can change their sexual orientation
The best thing you can do for someone you know battling the sin of homosexuality is pray! Ask God to give you opportunities to show your care and concern for them and pray for the strength and courage to share the truth in love. Dr. Jeffrey Satinover has written extensively on the struggle of homosexuality and has helped countless people help others—and help themselves. The following has been adapted from his “what to do . . . And not to do” list from his report Homosexuality Facts versus Fictions.47 Remember that all of us have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. So, be willing to share about your own personal struggles and temptations.
Don’t condemn. People have not “chosen” to “have homosexual feelings” the way some choose to live in a certain city. To describe it this way is to convince them that you have no understanding at all about their experience—and no sympathy for it, as well. Know that the core of the homosexual struggle is rejection.
Don’t start citing all the problems with homosexuality. Consider how rarely exhortations convince someone to give up alcohol or smoking. But don’t go to the opposite extreme either. Unquestioning acceptance of homosexuality as a legitimate “alternative” may seem at first to be the only compassionate option. But there are better and more appropriate approaches that show concern and understanding, yet deal with the reality of the situation.
Try to prevent the problem before it occurs. Openly discuss the subject of homosexuality with your friends or anyone you are close to who may be struggling. Familiarize yourself with the causes and address them at an early time. Help them understand the risks.
Share specific avenues of help like the ministry of Exodus International-North America that has helped thousands of men and women in the midst of their struggle with homosexuality. Give them hope that change is possible! Perhaps even share this article with them. Even if the person is defensive and resistant, a specific route of assistance that is lovingly offered may be followed some day down the road. Show love, concern, gentleness and respect as you point the way to healing.
Need more help?
Exodus International-North America is a worldwide coalition of christian ministries that offers support to men and women seeking to overcome homosexuality, as well as services for family members and friends. Most of these ministries offer support groups, one-on-one counseling and literature. For a free packet of literature on the work of exodus, including a complete list of referral ministries, contact: exodus international-north america, p.o. box 540119 orlando, fl 32854; (888) 264-0877; e-mail: info@exodus-international.org;. http://www.exodus-international.org/library.shtml |
