Denominations that are aggressively opposed to including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Christians in the life of the church frequently assert that LGBT people are simply failed heterosexuals who need to discover their true natures. But, as Warren Throckmorton reports, even those in the orientation changing business say that this almost never happens.
Here is Alan Chambers, president of Exodus International:
The majority of people that I have met, and I would say the majority meaning 99.9% of them have not experienced a change in their orientation or have gotten to a place where they could say that they could never be tempted or are not tempted in some way or experience some level of same-sex attraction. I think there is a gender issue there, there are some women who have challenged me and said that my orientation or my attractions have changed completely. Those have been few and far between. The vast majority of people that I know will experience some level of same-sex attraction.
Intellectually honest opponents of full inclusion need to acknowledge the dismal rates of success of reparative therapy.
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As the godly consideration of Predestination, and our Election in Christ, is full of sweet,
pleasant, and unspeakable comfort to godly persons, and such as feel in themselves the
working of the Spirit of Christ, mortifying the works of the flesh, and their earthly mem-
bers, and drawing up their mind to high and heavenly things, as well because it doth greatly
establish and confirm their faith of eternal Salvation to be enjoyed through Christ, as
because it doth fervently kindle their love towards God
Yes, Walter, knowing the Love of God in being made gay IS like this!
What it's NOT like: tobacco use. Psycho-actively addictive, and pathogenic (including carcinogenic).
"and I don't know that many gays"
I believe you.
JC Fisher
bsnyder, in case you forgot this is the Episcopal Cafe, not Presybterian Cafe. We as Episcopalians do not accept predestination but rather believe in Free Will.
The difference is that "reparative therapy" promises a change in sexual orientation, not "control" or "subordination." See the Alan Chambers quote above.
And, according to the link above, the American Psychiatric Associations says that "In the last four decades, 'reparative' therapists have not produced any rigorous scientific research to substantiate their claims of cure. Until there is such research available, [the American Psychiatric Association] recommends that ethical practitioners refrain from attempts to change individuals’ sexual orientation, keeping in mind the medical dictum to first, do no harm. The potential risks of reparative therapy are great, including depression, anxiety and self-destructive behavior, since therapist alignment with societal prejudices against homosexuality may reinforce self-hatred already experienced by the patient."
Other organizations express similar objections.
Actually, back in the days of sinisterphobia, lefties were regularly converted to use their right hands in writing, however awkwardly. One poor second-grade classmate whom the nuns berated for "trying to be different" or "showing off" learned to switch. Dunno if that was why he stuttered.
Wanting to do what was right, I entered a heterosexual marriage that worked, for about ten years. We'd thought we'd always be friends if the sex thing didn't pan out, but it didn't and we weren't. In such arrangements, all the burden is on the wife to accommodate and to keep up appearances. After another eight years of marriage counseling and counterproductive co-existence, she opted out. That autumn, I met a young guy at Integrity. We fit together as naturally as my marriage had been problematic. Going on twenty-nine years together now.
Before meeting my wife-to-be, I had therapy with a Jungian analyst who told me that homosexuality was a funny kind of half-life, and if I kept my thoughts and wrists straight, I could learn to live like the majority. But in the effort, I had to suppress half my social impulses. Coming out felt like living fully.
Point: Yes, behavior can be controlled and desires subordinated. It makes society look more orderly (uniform). Is it worth the effort when it succeeds (endures), and the trauma when it fails?
By the same logic, Walter, you are not predestined to be left-handed for the rest of your mortal life. And "reparative therapy" for lefthandedness was, of course, attempted as well, and for centuries - before people realized it was both futile and pointless.
(P.S.: There's no reason why "reparative therapists" are bound to accept the credence of the 39 Articles as you understand them. Generally speaking, they are not Episcopalians - and furthermore they charge for their services. The point being made here is that they are quacks and should be put out of business because they don't succeed in providing what they offer - not that they aren't "believers" as you understand the term.)