Sexual orientation - Essay Example

Sexual Orientation: Genetic or Choice Sexual orientation is a controversial topic. Scientists believe we are genetically predisposed to our sexual orientation. Christians and many religious groups believe that homosexuality is an abomination in the eyes of God. Scientists believe that humans have no choice in whom they are attracted to, but Christians believe that everyone makes a choice about their sexual orientation. I have examined all the facts from both sides and believe that homosexuality is wrong.

I believe that homosexuality is a choice, we all come from God's image, and he made Adam and Eve, man and woman to be companions. I would first like to discuss the physical structure of a man and a woman, then the theory of genetics regarding homosexuality, and finally I would like to discuss reorientation and its effectiveness. If we look scientifically at the debate over homosexuality, we will logically find that the Bible is correct in its many statements opposing homosexuality. For those who take a scientific viewpoint, lets look at the structure of man and woman.

Physically, a man and a woman are different. A man is made to fit with a woman. According to Ben Rast (2004) of Contender Ministries, a man and a man is like trying to force two pegs together. A man and a woman however are a round peg with a round hole. Physically, God did not make man to fit with another man, nor is a woman made to fit with another woman. Logically, this should show that physically, man and woman were not made for homosexuality. Another scientific concern is genetics and its contribution to homosexuality.

Many scientific communities support the theory that homosexuality is genetic. According to Rast (2004), Dean Hamer, of the National Cancer Institute, conducted a study in 1993 that showed that homosexuality was genetic. Just six years later, in 1999, The University of Ontario also conducted a study that disproved Hamer's theory. Rast (2004) also says there have been numerous attempts to show a genetic link to homosexuality and none of them were successful in linking the two. Therefore, I believe that the scientific communities that agree with the genetic link to homosexuality use studies that would prove their genetic theory or select participants that fit into their study and reject those that would disprove their genetic theory.

In my opinion, their conclusions are biased and not based on all the facts. The final point I would like to make involves reorientation. There have been many instances of reorientation that have succeeded. According to Decca Aitkenhead of the Guardian Unlimited (2004), Dr. Robert Spitzer, a senior professor of psychiatry at Columbia University, conducted a study of individuals who had undergone reorientation therapy. Of the 274 men and women in the study, Spitzer found that two-thirds of the men and nearly half of the women were what he called "good functioning heterosexuals.

" If homosexuality truly were genetic, it would not be changed by therapy sessions. Sickle Cell Anemia is genetic and that can't be changed by therapy sessions. With these facts in mind, I find that I am inclined to believe that genetics does not cause homosexuality. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate that homosexuality is not normal, nor is it genetic. Homosexuality is a choice that can be changed with therapy or simply a decision to choose heterosexuality over homosexuality.ReferencesAitkenhead, Decca (2004, April).

Guardian Unlimited Network. Retrieved January 1, 2006, from http://www.guardian.co.uk/print/0,3858,4893106-103425,00.htmlRast, Ben (2004). Contender Ministries. Retrieved January 1, 2006 from http://www.contenderministries.org/articles/christianliving/homosexuality.php