In the 1990s, scientists identified regions on the chromosome that showed some association with male sexual orientation. The “gay gene” hypothesis suggests that sexual orientation, specifically homosexuality, is influenced by genetic factors. However, as discussed in the article on original sin, the gay gene appears to contradict evolutionary principles. Since gay individuals are attracted to the same sex, the chances of passing on their genes are reduced, indicating a low survival value for the gay gene.
Studies have shown that identical twins, who share the same DNA makeup, tend to have a higher likelihood of both being gay if one twin is gay. However, it is important to note that correlation does not imply causation. Twins brothers often grow up in similar environments, exposing them to the same factors that may contribute to gay behavior.
Numerous other studies have examined the validity of the gay gene hypothesis, but thus far, the results have been inconclusive, and there is no scientific consensus on the matter. Consequently, it becomes challenging to attribute sexual orientation to genetics solely. This raises the question: Is our behavior hardcoded in our DNA? Should we follow our instincts or resist them and conform to social norms?”
I’m very interested in writing about gay, and I can be a little bit emotional when I talk about it. One of the reasons is that my pastor in Cambridge, Roy Clements resigned from his post as the senior pastor when he confessed that he is gay. He was not only my pastor for 7 years but also someone I look up to and learn a lot from. His sermons were known to be very long but never dull. He was a very influential figure in the British Evangelical circle and the author of many books. The event happened a few years after I left Cambridge, but I can still remember the shock when I first learned about it.
I’m not into genetic research, nor am I a brain scientist, so I cannot speak about the scientific merit of gay genes. There is a lot of similarity between the human brain and machine learning since machine learning uses neural networks, and it simulates how our brains work. Let’s see whether we can gain some insight into the gay gene from the viewpoint of artificial intelligence.
The brain processes information hierarchically, with lower-level neurons detecting simple features and higher-level neurons integrating information to form complex representations. Our brain is a super pattern-matching and association machine. We learn by association and by putting a lot of simple features into little boxes. When some stimulus comes, our brain will make pattern matching on this stimulus and come up with all the associations. The brain has a remarkable ability to associate different sensory inputs, memories, and concepts, allowing us to make connections between seemingly unrelated pieces of information and create models of the real world. Similarly, in machine learning, the computer breaks down inputs into smaller pieces of information and creates data models.
Some of the association is built in, while some are learned. We call the build-in associations innate behavior or animal instinct. Innate behavior is inflexible and challenging to modify, whereas learned behavior is highly adaptable. Primitive animals rely on innate behavior, while intelligent animals can use learned behavior. So, is homosexual behavior an innate behavior or learned behavior? The proponents of the gay gene think that it is an innate behavior, while opponents think it is a learned behavior.
DNA only tells our body how to build itself, and DNA is not part of the brain (processing unit); it is the neural network in our brain (data model) that governs how we associate things and respond to them. In machine learning, the data model is never static; once we’ve finished the training, it is still possible to further train it to create new behaviors. Brain science tells us that our brain is very plastic (flexible); it is possible to change our neural network to change our behavior. For example, if you become blind, you could train your brain to enhance the sense of sound. There is a saying that you are never too old to learn.
I’m oversimplifying things here, but even if the “gay gene” exists, at most, it can give you a distorted data model and wire up your neutrons so that you are not attractive to the same sex. A sin is a sin, even if it is part of your nature. Most men will agree that lusting for women is an extreme innate behavior. Even if it is part of our nature, that doesn’t mean it is not a sin in God’s sight if we have an extra-marital affair. Even if we have the urge, we can choose to please God by not allowing sinful nature to overtake us. It is perfectly fine to have impure thoughts and feel attracted by the same sex, but you can choose not to dwell on it.
The good news is that your data model can change with the help of the Holy Spirit. I recently heard a very interesting catchphrase: “The solution to pollution is dilution.” This applies very well to our Christian faith. We must saturate our minds with wholesome things to eliminate our deep-rooted sins. Retraining our brain is difficult; we need the help of the Holy Spirit to retrain our behaviors by renewing our minds, getting involved in a God-fearing community, reading the bible daily, and meditating on His word. As
the reformer Martin Luther said, “You cannot keep birds from flying over your head, but you can keep them from building a nest in your hair.”
Our sexual orientation can change, and many individuals who were previously gay can testify to this possibility. However, I disagree with the notion that one can alter their gay behavior through so-called ‘gay conversion therapy.’ Proponents of such therapy claim that it is scientifically proven to be effective. However, based on my understanding, being gay is not a distortion of the data model; there is little scientific evidence showing that it is an illness that requires therapy to be corrected. Numerous studies have demonstrated that such therapies are highly ineffective and can cause harm to patients.
I strongly oppose the utilization of dubious science by certain Christians to justify their perspectives, as it ultimately undermines the credibility of the Christian community. The Holy Spirit is a source of guidance and direction. Still, it is important to respect individuals’ autonomy and avoid imposing the belief that sexual orientation can be changed solely through prayer. A genuine change in sexual orientation can only occur when a person recognizes it as a sin and sincerely seeks the Holy Spirit’s assistance.
As Christians, we should hate the sin and not the sinners. I used to reside in a townhome community with a Home Owners Association (HOA). The purpose of the HOA was to ensure the maintenance and improvement of the community, creating a better living environment for homeowners. In our community, there were an adequate number of guest parking spaces available. The HOA had a rule that explicitly prohibited homeowners from parking in the designated guest parking area. However, many homeowners chose to use their garages for storage purposes and would often park their cars in the guest parking spaces, resulting in guests frequently struggling to find available parking when they visited.
During one of the HOA meetings, the committee decided to address this issue by implementing a policy of towing owners’ cars if parked in the guest parking spaces for an extended period. As a result, a few cars were towed, despite ample guest parking spaces available during that time.
I have observed that, at times, Christians may exhibit similar behavior to zealous HOA committee members, strictly adhering to rules without considering the specific circumstances. Some believe that any violation, regardless of the impact or lack thereof, deserves punishment. Additionally, certain states in America have passed laws that have made life difficult for LGBTQ individuals.
Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, depravity, idolatry, sorcery, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish rivalries, dissensions, factions, envying, murder, drunkenness, carousing, and similar things. I am warning you, as I had warned you before: Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God! — Galatian 5:19 (New English Translation)
In Galatians 5:19, Paul enumerates several sinful acts in the sight of God and emphasizes that those who engage in such behaviors will not inherit the kingdom of God. Homosexual acts are considered sinful but are just one aspect of sexual immorality. They are not inherently more sinful than adultery, for example. Sexual immorality is merely one among numerous other sinful acts. Therefore, the question arises as to why certain Christians specifically target homosexuality. By doing so, Christians risk undermining their moral authority, and it can give the impression of bigotry.
God calls us to be prophets, to condemn the evil that surrounds us everywhere boldly. Our goal is to inspire repentance in those engaged in wrongdoing rather than seeking to administer punishment. God’s call to us extends beyond merely condemning acts that we find distasteful. We are called to shine as a radiant lamp, revealing and exposing all darkness. Christians should be viewed as a loving community, not a social club that rejects people we don’t like.
Indeed, we are engaged in a spiritual battle; unfortunately, some Christians have taken this metaphor to an extreme, believing that the enemy should be destroyed. The spiritual battle metaphor is to warn us to always be on alert. In Matthew 18:21, Jesus teaches us not to be overcome by evil but to overcome evil with good. It is essential to understand that issues of morality cannot be effectively resolved solely through enacting laws that aim to ban certain behaviors. Instead, it is through love and good deeds that we have the potential to transform hearts and minds truly. Jesus made it clear that the Christian life is not without its challenges and persecutions. Nevertheless, it is troubling when those who have experienced persecution become the perpetrators.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil; consider what is good before all people. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people. Do not avenge yourselves, dear friends, but give place to God’s wrath, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Rather, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing this you will be heaping burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 8:17-21 (NLT)