Exploring the Homosexual Myth… by Rev. John Smid

This is quite entertaining, if you don’t mind reading a bit. There was something on GMA this morning about this topic, and I found this little bit of “truth” on the Love in Action website. They turn gay people straight in the name of Jesus. Here are my favorite parts, and I made it super easy to read by highlighting my favorite words and phrases:

• There is no such creation as a “gay” or “homosexual” person. There is only homosexual attraction and behavior; accordingly, there can be no change from a sexual identity that never existed in the first place.

• If we know the truth about these matters, then why do we accept the cultural definition of homosexuality? When non-Christians and Christians use the term “homosexual,” they often think of a person who is innately different from other types of people. We wonder how someone might have become a “homosexual”. Families and friends of those caught in homosexuality go deep into grief and despair because they cannot imagine how their loved ones go there, and they believe it is a lifelong prison from which there is no escape.

• Mr. and Mrs. Jones came into my office grieving over their son’s ongoing homosexuality. They cried as I attempted to help them understand the real issues surrounding their plight. I asked them about their other children. “Well, John, our other son, lives with his girlfriend,” they replied. In an attempt to bring some reality to them, I asked why they were not so concerned about John. The truth became evident; they knew that there was hope for this other son either to marry his girlfriend or to leave her and get back to a moral life. Their son struggling with homosexuality, however, was in their minds and heart destined to remain a “homosexual”.

• If we define homosexuality as an identity, and inborn characteristic or a hormonal imbalance, there is no answer or hope. If, however, we call it what it really is – a struggle with sinful desires and behavior – then throughout Scripture we’re given ways to handle it.

• As we battle with proponents over the idea that “homosexuality equals identity,” we lose ground by using their terminology. We lose more ground as we seek to put forward a solution based on the terminology of their lie. The truth is there are no homosexuals.

• There are over 100 ministries in the United States devoted to helping people and their families practically and biblically process through the dilemma of homosexuality (Exodus International, www.exodus-international.org).

• Many people we see at Love In Action International who struggle with homosexuality can tell of the heart-wrenching pain of waiting for a “change” that never comes. They struggle with feelings of rage, confusion, rejection, abandonment and hopelessness because their prayer for change was based on a lie. They are asking God to change them from something they never were in the first place.

• The first step of the process is to move away from the subtle lies of the Enemy and take back the truth in our communication and thinking. God can and will bring progressive freedom from struggles with homosexual thoughts and practices as we begin to adjust our thinking and the thinking of those to whom we minister the truth. Jesus declared, “then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

• Biblical change from homosexuality requires that we respond correctly to the message God speaks of in I Corinthians 6. This message of repentance will bring forth the truth that will, in fact, set people free from this kind of bondage. When we begin to see homosexuality as a sin, a behavior and a wrong mindset, then and only then can we find forgiveness and freedom.

• There is no such thing as a homosexual! There are many individuals, however, who struggle intensely with homosexual temptation and addictive behavior. Once we get the message right, then we will be effective in ministering to those caught in this kind of deceptive bondage.

©2001 – Rev. John J. Smid
John is the Executive Director for Love In Action International and has worked with this ministry since 1986. John left his homosexual lifestyle in 1984.