LGBTIQ???
Examining the Issues 3
We have thus far considered some preliminary and basic issues related to LGBTIQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Trans-sexual, Inter-sex and Queer). It is time to go into even more turbulent waters…
Most babies should be born clearly and specifically either a boy or a girl. The respective genital organs should confirm this. Yet, as babies grow up; they all go through some kind of sexual orientation. This means that a baby boy most likely does not fully appreciates and understands that he is a boy. Neither is it likely that a young toddler girl knows and understands her femininity. As such under normal circumstances, the parents, other family members and/or care-givers of a young child would provide the necessary guidance in this period of sexual orientation. Here is where Circumstantial Conditioning and Traumatic Experience (as per my previous blog) could come into play.
TYPES OF HOMOSEXUALITY
With the contexts above, some psychologists further propose that there may be different types of homosexuality; namely:
= Experimental Homosexuality
= Situational Homosexuality
= Reactive Homosexuality
= Preferential Homosexuality
= Compulsive (or Obligatory) Homosexuality
Experimental Homosexuality may be a passing phase in the process of sexual orientation of a person (as mentioned above), particularly at the adolescent age. In most cases, the person would eventually settle down as exclusively hetero-sexual.
Situational Homosexuality may happen in situations where hetero-sexual options are not available, such as in the prisons. Sexual release would be the prime motivation here.
Reactive Homosexuality is where a person who is actually heterosexual under normal circumstance, “chooses” a homosexual relationship because of fears, threats and/or traumas.
Preferential Homosexuality takes place when a person who is capable of hetero sex actually prefers to be homosexual.
Compulsive Homosexuality is where a person has no heterosexual interest, but is compulsively attracted to people of the same sex.
HOMOSEXUAL TENDENCY
Having a brief understanding of the above, and even as we move on to further explore this matter; it is will be good to proceed by differentiating homosexual tendency from the actual homosexual act.
Different people with different sexual orientation, and under different circumstances, may experience different degree or intensity of homosexual tendency. Experiencing homosexual tendency is NOT the same as having sexual intercourse with someone of the same sex.
I think it is could be helpful to view the proposition above from the angle of temptation…
I may be attracted to a woman other than my wife. I may have a tendency to start an extra-marital affair with that person. I may be tempted to commit adultery with her. But I am NOT an adulterer, unless I yield to that tendency and temptation; and actually sleep with the woman.
With the same rationale, we must be careful not to simply and conclusively label a person with homosexual tendency as a homosexual person. Rather, it is needful for us to understand with great compassion; that homosexual tendency in many sense is similar to other sexual temptations such as adultery, prostitution, or even rape and pornography. When we are quick to call this person a gay or that person a lesbian just because he/she has no interest in people of the same sex, we may be just pushing that person towards the tipping point.
With a similar understanding, people (especially Christians) with strong homosexual tendency should learn to resist the temptation towards homosexuality, just like “straight people” would resist the sexual temptations of pornography, prostitution and adultery. By saying this, it is not my intention to oversimplify the matter. Just like the challenges for a smoker to resist smoking are different from a junky to resist doing drug; I am sure the severity of the sexual temptations faced is different. Indeed the intensity is not the same… but I think the provision for victory is. By yielding to the Lordship of Jesus Christ… by the renewing of our hearts and minds with His Word… by resisting the devil and fleeing from temptations… and through counseling and support groups; there is hope, and there can be victory.
Again, I do not want to be simplistic. I am not saying that the homosexual thoughts will go away magically… I am not promising that heterosexual attraction will come miraculously… (The Lord is sovereign and He is almighty, so He may just choose to do so.)
What I am saying here is that by God’s grace and strength, a person with homosexual tendency does not necessarily have to fall into and/or yield to the temptation of committing homosexual acts and living a homosexual life.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
This is the third of a series of postings that Jason Fong hopes to write on various issues related to the LGBTIQ matter. Jason is aware that this article has many questions unanswered…
Nonetheless, if this article has blessed you, or if you think this article will bless someone; please feel free to forward it or used it in any way that would bring glory to God. If appropriate, please acknowledge the source when quoting this material. Jason Fong also welcomes your thoughts and comments for mutually edifying interactions.
Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this article may not necessarily reflect those of the Christian organization Jason works in, nor the church or denomination he belongs to.
