American College of Pediatricians: Homosexual Attraction is Neither Innate Nor Unchangeable
Thursday, April 8, 2010 at 9:39AM The American College of Pediatricians has cautioned "educators about the management of students experiencing same-sex attraction or exhibiting symptoms of gender confusion." An April 5 press release explains.
The College reminds school superintendents that it is not uncommon for adolescents to experience transient confusion about their sexual orientation and that most students will ultimately adopt a heterosexual orientation if not otherwise encouraged. For this reason, schools should not seek to develop policy which “affirms” or encourages these non-heterosexual attractions among students who may merely be experimenting or experiencing temporary sexual confusion. Such premature labeling can lead some adolescents to engage in homosexual behaviors that carry serious physical and mental health risks.
There is no scientific evidence that anyone is born gay or transgendered. Therefore, the College further advises that schools should not teach or imply to students that homosexual attraction is innate, always life-long and unchangeable. Research has shown that therapy to restore heterosexual attraction can be effective for many people.
In their letter to school superindents, the College provides more rationale for their advice.
Dr. Francis Collins, former Director of the Genome Project, has stated that while homosexuality may be genetically influenced, it is “… not hardwired by DNA, and that whatever genes are involved represent predispositions, not predeterminations.” He also states [that] “…the prominent role[s] of individual free will choices [has] a profound effect on us.” 6
The National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH) recently released a landmark survey and analysis of 125 years of scientific studies and clinical experience dealing with homosexuality. This report, What Research Shows, draws three major conclusions: (1) individuals with unwanted same sex attraction often can be successfully treated; (2) there is no undue risk to patients from embarking on such therapy and (3), as a group, homosexuals experience significantly higher levels of mental and physical health problems compared to heterosexuals. Among adolescents who claim a “gay” identity, the health risks include higher rates of sexually transmitted infections, alcoholism, substance abuse, anxiety, depression and suicide. Encouragingly, the longer students delay self-labeling as “gay,” the less likely they are to experience these health risks. In fact, for each year an adolescent delays, the risk of suicide alone decreases by 20%.7
In light of these facts, it is clear that when well-intentioned but misinformed school personnel encourage students to “come out as gay” and be “affirmed,” 8 there is a serious risk of erroneously labeling students (who may merely be experiencing transient sexual confusion and/or engaging in sexual experimentation). Premature labeling may then lead some adolescents into harmful homosexual behaviors that they otherwise would not pursue.
You can read the press release here.
For the letter to school superindents go here.
There's also a fact sheet on what we should know about "Sexual Orientation of Youth."
Reader Comments (50)
Kevin,
I think that in the effort of full disclosure that people should know that the ACP is in direct opposition to American Academy of Pediatrics a much older national organization, the American Psychiatric Association, and National Education Association.
ACP was born out of and has the narrow focus of anti-homosexual concerns.
Even in science it is important to know the reason for people's research.
Justin Meyers
I would urge you to read what this organization is all about before you continue to propagate their ignorance.
http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2010/04/05/21620
Kevin,
It is interesting you use the part of the letter which quotes Francis Collins. If you have not read his book, I suggest you do as it is a good read.
However, I would like to see a response to Collins regarding this letter. In reading his book you will find that he believes that all the science in the world can only give us a minor glimpse of God's majesty the more you discover the more mystery there is... and I think Collins might be weary of making a bold statement that there couldn't be more science or mystery behind something in the human genome, but that's just my opinion.
But I also want to ask the question: by posting this do you think we should use scientific research as a primary way of understanding God's nature and how God made the world to function?
If science contradicts Scripture, then scientist do not yet have all the facts. The Bible is the Word of God and that God has absolute authority over our lives. We need to let all evidence be correctly interpreted in the light of Scripture.
So...
Skeeter what you are saying is that scientific studies, even though they use the same methods and degrees of certainty (I'm not a statistician) to produce results, are only valid if they agree with you? Then why even rely on a scientific study at all even if it proves your point... under that logic all science is flawed.
Thanks Kevin for your post. God always proves His Word true. Whether by angels or humans or by natural phenomena; God brings glory to Himself. He laughts at those who neglect His Word and think they are as smart as He is.
He raises up individuals in the various academic fields who are noted in their profession by their peers with sound judgment and beliefs. They affirm God's power to heal and save from sin. In this case, they also warn against making hasty decisions based on temporary findings.
Klaas
Andrew,
I don't have a problem with scientific studies but if it thinks it can credibly exert itself above the Word of God, then either God or science is wrong. Whose opinion (God or science ) would you put your trust in? See what I mean--The Bible tells us that the earth is round. At a time when science believed the earth was flat. True science must agree with what God has said or else it is flawed.
Where do the Bible say the earth is round?
Isaiah 40:22 "It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, And its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, And spreads them out like a tent to dwell in."
Skeeter,
A circle is flat and round...Isaiah is not speaking of a sphere. The ancients had a much different way of understanding the physical world.
You say that "If science contradicts Scripture, then scientist do not yet have all the facts. The Bible is the Word of God and that God has absolute authority over our lives. We need to let all evidence be correctly interpreted in the light of Scripture."
Ever heard of Galileo?
You are right that God has absolute authority over our lives, but the Bible is our "only rule for faith and life" it is not, nor tries to be, a science book. Science and God can co-exsist...I tend to think of the Bible generally as speaking to the why and science speaking to more of the how (at least in the sense of created nature)
Having science dictate our theology is bad theology and having theology dictate our science is bad science.
That being said I also have been drawn deeper into the mystery and wonder of God by my study of science. There have also been times when my study of theology has helped answer for me the moral questions surrounding the application of scientific discoveries. Science and theology can speak to one another and help us understand our world better, but to say that scientific data can "only be interpreted in the light of scripture" in my opinion as both a trained scientist and as "trained" theologian is bad science and theology.
Justin
Skeeter, Your understanding of Isaiah 40:22 is probably more accurate than what Justin is willing to give you credit for. The Hebrew word for 'circle' is found only three times in the Old Testament and it is used as circle, circuit and compass. The root word comparable to this Hebrew word means to revolve in a circle in a fixed order. Not only does God's word talk about the circumference of the earth but could also refer to the orbit, the tilt and 24 hour rotation of our beautiful planet.
And that's only just about the earth this verse is revealing. What about 'God stretching out the heavens like a curtain'? Anybody got some modern day discoveries that help explain this truth?
There is none like our God, Maker of heaven and earth!
Klaas
Klaas. your posts, moist and sweet with Scripture, are a treasure to read!
Dear Friends
"Homosexual Attraction Is Neither Innate Nor Unchangeable!" True!!
Did not Jesus say we "must be born again" to enter the Kingdom? Is not the Gospel all about transformation, regeneration, and sanctification? Born again is "change we can believe in"! Paul gave eyewitness account of people leaving homosexuality 2000 years ago, and by the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ people are leaving homosexuality today - through Love and Prayer in Christ Jesus, see exodusinternational.
Klaas - is it true that the same Hebrew(?) word for "know/knew" is used for the sexual relationship of man and woman, and the relationship of man to God (to know God)? If so, then it is surely understandable that He oft accused Israel of prostituting themselves to other gods.
Blessings, Prayers ><>
(Mick N)
Mick. The word (yada) means, to know. In Gen. 4:1 it is used in the context of Adam knowing his wife Eve in an intimate way and also in, Gen 18:19 where God 'knew' Abraham and in Deut. 34:10 where God 'knew' Moses face to face. There was a deep relationship between God and these men. A relationship Christ has come to restore for all of us. It is important to note that this word (yada) is well spread throughout the Old Testament (some 947 times), and is used in a "great variety of senses", not just in the contexts of which I used above.
For Adam to have 'known" Eve would have been his greatest discovery. Far more than her body, which would have been a WOW for him, would have been her intellect and her ability to help in managing the garden of Eden. Remember, she was made of 'refined' material not just dust of the earth like he was.
In the New Testament the Greek verb, ginosko, means to know absolutely. It "frequently indicates a relationship between the person 'knowing' and the object 'known'; in this respect, what is 'known' is of value or importance to the one who knows."
Again, in Matthew 1:25, "Joseph knew(ginosko) her (Mary) not till she brought forth her first born son:" which has an intimate relationship implied. In John 10:27, Jesus referring to His sheep says, "I know(ginosko) them, and they follow me". To be known by Jesus makes you special.
Now you can understand why Paul warned Christians not to be joined together in an illicit sexual relationship (1 Corinthians 6:18 -20.) It is not just a physicial connection of knowing another person's body but you enter into a mental connection that leads to depression and guilt and shame.
Now, if someone is caught in this web of sin and it seems like there is no way out, let me remind him or her that there is still time to repent and be forgiven. It won't be easy, but, there is still time to receive a new life. But, you must act now and come to Jesus. He knows the struggle your going through and He has made a way of escape. Run to Jesus and fall before Hin on your knees confessing your sin and your need for help. On the authority of God's Word I can say, "All those who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved." Acts 10:13
Klaas
Klaas,
In the NRSV Bible, Acts 10:13 states “Then he heard a voice saying, ‘Get up, Peter; kill and eat.’”
What version of the Bible were you quoting when you wrote: “On the authority of God's Word I can say, ‘All those who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.’ Acts 10:13”?
This sounds to me as if salvation depends on human initiative and action rather than God’s sovereign grace. It’s like saying some magic words and causing God to act on one’s behalf; it seems to make of the sovereign God a puppet controlled by human words. This does not sound like Reformed Christianity to me.
And how do you understand the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:21: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.” The words of Jesus seem to contradict what you quoted “on the authority of God’s Word.”
Judy Parr
Hi Judy, Just testing to see if your awake! haha Actually the verse quoted comes from Romans 10:13. Maybe you could rephrase your questions in light of my error?
Blessings,
Klaas
Thanks, Klaas, for pointing out the source of “All those who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.” In Romans 10:13, Paul is apparently quoting from Peter’s Pentecostal sermon in Acts, specifically words of Acts 2:21. After quoting Peter’s words, Paul added that before one can call on the name of the Lord, one must first have believed in the Lord, and for that belief to have been generated, one must first have heard about the one in whom one is believing. Paul summarizes, “faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17)
Paul, I think, here reinforces what Jesus said in Matthew 7:21. Preceding or accompanying the words “Lord, Lord,” there must have been some action such as God’s communication of his will or some comprehension of the “word of Christ” by the speaker. Seeing the context and comparing Paul’s words with those of Jesus, they seem less contradictory than they seemed to me earlier.
Judy Parr
Justin
The American College of Pediatricians is correct in their statement. Do you attack the messenger because there is no way anyone is able to disprove that "Homosexual Attraction is Neither Innate Nor Unchangeable"?
And please do not suggest that the AAP or APA or NEA are unbiased.
Also, please give us your evaluation of the ministry of Exodus International.
Mick ><>
Judy,
The Catechism in Q.87 says Can those be saved who do not turn to God from their ungrateful and impenitent ways?
A. By no means. Scripture tells us that no unchaste person, no idolater, adulterer (those who look with lust commit adultery, according to Jesus), thief, no covetous person, no drunkard, slanderer, robber, or the like is going to inherit the kingdom of God.
Q88. What is involved in genuine repentance or conversion?
A. Two things:
the dying-away of the old self',
and the coming -to-life of the new.
Q.89. What is the dying away of the old self?
A. It is to be genuinely sorry for sin,
to hate it more and more, and to run away from it.
Isn't there a difference between intellectual faith and a saving faith?
Also Justin I would like to hear why you think unity is more important than doctrine, from an earlier post? If doctrine is flawed couldn't a person be on their way to hell?
Judy
Both Peter and Paul are quoting from Joel 2:32, where again, we read this prophetic statement, "whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be delivered ". It is spoken in the context of God pouring out His Spirit upon all people in the latter times, before the coming of that great and dreadful day of the Lord. It is authoritative, because God says it, not because I say it. God's word can be trusted to be 100% true.
Salvation is a gift from God. It is neither earned nor learned. Jesus said, "The Spirit blows where it wills" and implants the imperishable seed of God's word,(1Peter 1:23) into a person's heart. Depending on the condition of that heart (hard, cluttered,anxious,selfish, good, etc.) the Word's fruitfulness will be determined.(Matt. 13)
God in His great mercy often blows His word into our hearts; throughout our life time, until it finally becomes soft and workable and produces a great harvest for Him. It is good for us to 'monitor' our heart from time to time, isn't it?
Klaas
Skeeter,
Since you brought up Heidelberg Catechism Q and A 87, I want to affirm those who removed the words “homosexual perversion” that were misguidedly inserted into the 400th Anniversary version of the HC that came out in the 1960s. You can read more about it at "The Importance of Restoring the Heidelberg Catechism to its Original Text"
Judy Parr
Judy,
I read the article and I see what you mean. I don't think the answer to question 87 was intended to be an exhaustive list however. Many of the "or the like" are not on the Catechism list. Take for instance Rev.21:8, "But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murders, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolators, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." Homosexuality I believe, would clearly fall under the category of unchaste person, adulterer ,sexually immoral, not to mention idolatry by creating a god in our minds we feel comfortable with that will not punish such sin.
The Bible also gives a list in several other places too. Like Romans 1, where God calls the lust of the flesh as "worshipping the creature rather than the Creator." This is in harmony with Jesus teaching that lust of the flesh is adultery in Matthew 5: 27. We also have 1 Cor. 6:9 where Paul warns us not to be deceived."Neither fornicators, homosexuals... will inherit the kingdom of God." 1 Timothy 1:10 talks about the lawless by mentioning, fornicators and sodomites... I could quote other passages too. The point is God does not take sin lightly. He promises He will punish it. I don't want that to happen to my homosexual friends and those who advocate and support such a lifestyle by holding them back from taking God's Word seriously, even though they may feel marginalized. Homosexuality is not an exception. We are all on the list and we all have to come to the cross on God's terms, through repentance and faith. It grieves my heart when the Church holds them back through compromise. I don't want them or anyone to experience Hell when we still have time to repent. So let's not forget Q&A 88 and 89, Okay?
Judy, Im sorry if my last sentence sounded a little abrupt in the above post. For nine years I lived next door to 3 homosexuals. We had a good relationship and I loved and prayed for those guys constantly. My wife would bake cookies and cake for them at Christmas time. But like Lot, back in Sodom and Gomorrah my heart was in anguish for them, because I knew what the Bible said, that this sin was not an exception to God's wrath and judgement. I wanted to share my faith with them, but I was chicken. In 2006 that changed, I learned to share my faith biblically through The Way of The Master program. The passage Ezekiel 3:17-19 now rings true in my ears.
"Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel: therefore hear a word from my mouth, and give them warning for Me. When I say to the wicked, "You shall surely die,' and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. Yet, if you warn the wicked,and he does not turn from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul."
As I said before, I would rather remain silent and not proclaim a message of repentance. It is not easy because the Bible says the path is narrow that leads to eternal life and few find it. People sometimes resist and that's not fun.
It is grievous and damnable that Hope College and the RCA can even entertain the thought of compromise and in-fact have compromised on this subject, by not proclaiming a message of repentance and trust in the love, hope and mercy of Jesus Christ for Salvation and deliverance, in regard to this sin.
Skeeter,
It grieves my heart when gay Christians such as Jan W. are made to feel unwelcome in our Reformed Churches. In a response to another thread on this blog, Jan W. said that after 15 years of membership she left the RCA after “being made to feel quite uncomfortable.” Here is more of what she wrote:
For Jan W’s full comment, see page 6 of the blog entries, the fourth comment in the "A Status Confessionis Issue" blog thread, or click "A Status Confessionis Issue"
I affirm the counsel of David G. Myers when he stated:
Judy,
There is a saying, "a man's morality will dictate his theology." Its easy to build a case around what we feel is right. That is why Paul warned us that we must declare the whole counsel of God in Acts 20. Because, "savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock." 1 Timothy 4:3 says,"For a time is coming when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear." Could this be the case with your friend?