Author: Gagnon, Robert A. J.

Journal of Psychology & Christianity, Vol. 24(4), Win 2005, pp. 293-303

Abstract: Scripture makes a distinction between intense biological ‘orientations’ people experience and the identity that is available to them ‘in Christ’. Indeed, Christians have in the cross the ultimate paradigm of self-denial. A person’s experience of a ‘homosexual orientation’ is no exception to the distinction made between biologically-based besetting conditions and self-identity revealed and constructed by God in Christ. Scripture affirms male and female as complementary sexual counterparts. Exclusive same-sex attractions cannot be given greater weight than the commands of God and should not be integrated into a homosexual identity. This article ends with three additional scriptural principles for clinical practice.