Is the Notion of a Homosexual Orientation Biblical?

 

WLC 150  Are all transgressions of the law of God equally heinous in themselves, and in the sight of God? A. All transgressions of the law of God are not equally heinous, but some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others.

 

 

In a recent post at the Aquila Report I read the following nonsense which amounts to obfuscation and equivocation:

Orientation – There are some in the PCA who have argued that no Christian should say that they have a “homosexual orientation.” However this is contrary to the AIC report, which states:

“How then should we think of the language of sexual orientation? Insofar as the term orientation is used descriptively to articulate a particular set of experiences, namely the persistent and predominant sexual attractions of an individual, it can remain useful as a way of classifying those experiences in contrast to the experiences of the majority of other people. However, insofar as the term orientation carries with it a set of assumptions about the nature of that experience that is unbiblical (e.g., overemphasized rigidity, its normativity, etc.), then the terminology may require qualification or even rejection in some circumstances.”^[13]

Given what I have stated above regarding PCA pastors’ teaching on the possibility and expectation of real change for believers who experience homoerotic temptation, we should assume that those leaders in the PCA who describe themselves as having a homosexual orientation are doing so in the first sense mentioned by the AIC.  (Tim LeCroy,  "Misconceptions About Homosexuality in the PCA".)

I do not have time to respond to all of the non sequiturs and red herrings in this propaganda piece.  However, I do wish to respond to the blatant disregard for biblical and confessional theology in this one paragraph. 

First of all, the argument presupposes that homosexuals are born with a homosexual orientation for which they are not responsible.  Not only does the Bible not teach this but it is also a politically charged ideology and not proved by any empirical science whatsoever that homosexuals or sexually confused impersonators of the opposite biological sex are born that way.  It would be difficult to demonstrate from empirical science that a biological brain or other physical biological predisposition to certain thoughts and behaviors are in fact determined by biology rather than psychological factors or environmental factors or even nurturing or propagandizing factors.  In fact, the only undeniable evidence we have is anecdotal or self reported evidence of homosexuals and gender dysphoric persons, not undisputed double blind research on an empirical basis.  

I know of no scientific journals that have published undisputed research that can substantiate the political ideology of the Marxist left in regards to the LGBTQ movement.  This is why I find it difficult to accept the massive revisionist movement of the progressive and Marxist left to restructure biblical and traditional family values in the political realm.  This is also why I am not a political libertarian because I believe that to tolerate evil in the culture at large undermines biblical Christianity as a whole and puts political pressure on churches and Christian denominations to accommodate with the dominant political ideology.  

The Bible clearly teaches that the reason there is homosexuality is mankind's rebellion against God and mankind's idolatrous views on sexuality.  (Romans 1:18-32;  1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Leviticus 18:22-23).  The idea that homosexuality and transgenderism are special exceptions to the general doctrine of total depravity does not follow from the biblical texts.  There are those who contend that homosexual sins are no worse than heterosexual sexual sins; they are plainly wrong.  And even if they were correct the sin of adultery is a very serious sin on par with any sin of lust or covetousness.  In fact, the 7th commandment ranks higher on the scale in the decalogue than either stealing or covetousness.  And the Old Testament plainly says that homosexuality is an abomination.  (Leviticus 18:22).

Anyone who is still struggling with sexual orientation or thoughts of adultery should be disqualified from ordained ministry.  This is just biblical teaching because sinful habits undermine not only the assurance of salvation but also the credibility of the person's profession of faith should those habits not be overcome through spiritual discipline and repentance.

As for the contention that homosexual orientation is no worse than other sins, the Westminster Larger Catechism clearly denies that all sins are equal.  The WLC states clearly that certain sins are worse and more heinous than other sins.  Even our judicial system renders some crimes worse than other crimes by increasing the severity of the penalties for certain crimes as compared with others.  Although one sin is enough to merit eternal punishment, the severity of certain sins warrants a much stronger response in regards to church discipline than other sins:

WLC 150  Are all transgressions of the law of God equally heinous in themselves, and in the sight of God? A. All transgressions of the law of God are not equally heinous, but some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others.1

WLC 151  What are those aggravations that make some sins more heinous than others? A. Sins receive their aggravations 1. From the persons offending:1 if they be of riper age,2 greater experience or grace,3 eminent for profession,4 gifts,5 place,6 office,7 guides to others,8 and whose example is likely to be followed by others.9 2. From the parties offended:10 if immediately against God,11 his attributes,12 and worship;13 against Christ, and his grace;14 the Holy Spirit,15 his witness,16 and workings;17 against superiors, men of eminency,18 and such as we stand especially related and engaged unto;19 against any of the saints,20 particularly weak brethren,21 the souls of them, or any other,22 and the common good of all or many.23 3. From the nature and quality of the offence:24 if it be against the express letter of the law,25 break many commandments, contain in it many sins:26 if not only conceived in the heart, but breaks forth in words and actions,27 scandalize others,28 and admit of no reparation:29 if against means,30 mercies,31 judgments,32 light of nature,33 conviction of consciousness,34 publick or private admonition,35 censures of the church,36 civil punishments;37 and our prayers, purposes, promises,38 vows,39 covenants,40 and engagements to God or men:41 if done deliberately,42 wilfully,43 presumptuously,44 impudently,45 boastingly,46 maliciously,47 frequently,48 obstinately,49 with delight,50 continuance,51 or relapsing after repentance.52 4. From circumstances of time53 and place:54 if on the Lord's day,55 or other times of divine worship;56 or immediately before57 or after these,58 or other helps to prevent or remedy such miscarriages:59 if in publick, or in the presence of others, who are thereby likely to be provoked or defiled.60

WLC 152  What doth every sin deserve at the hands of God? A. Every sin, even the least, being against the sovereignty,1 goodness,2 and holiness of God,3 and against his righteous law,4 deserveth his wrath and curse,5 both in this life,6 and that which is to come;7 and cannot be expiated but by the blood of Christ.8 (WLC 1:150-152 WCS)

I could post links to the proof texts given in the Larger Catechism but I will leave that to the reader.  The Bible clearly teaches that some sins are worse than others:  

13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. 16 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. 17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death. 18 We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. (1 Jn. 5:13-18 KJV)

Will the Presbyterian Church in America General Assembly revoke the ordination of so-called celibate homosexual men?  There appears to be some hope but I am unsure that that has happened or will happen:  Will the PCA General Assembly Disqualify Homosexual Ministers? However, a subsequent article seems to be reporting that the PCAGA did in fact disqualify homosexual ministers from ordination with the PCA:  PCA Bans Homosexual Ministers:  Defeats Revoice Movement.