 |  The everlasting arms propel as well as sustain.
Summer 2004
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Can Homosexuals Change Their Orientation?
A conversation between sociologist Tony Campolo and Phil Busbee, pastor of First Baptist Church of San Francisco.
July 1, 2004
Campolo:
I am convinced that at least for males—my research among females is too limited—men do not choose this orientation. They generally find themselves struggling with sexual identity in their early teens. They're not sure why they are the way they are, and initially they try to change. But they can't.
Now I believe God can do anything, but for the overwhelming majority of gay men, they may determine to abandon a particular lifestyle because it's not in harmony with Scripture, but the changing of orientation is unlikely.
Busbee:
Perhaps. But I look at 1 Corinthians 6, where Paul lists a number of immoral behaviors, including greed, deception, and homosexual practices, and he says, "And such were some of you."
He indicates the immoral behavior had ended. Yes, in that passage, it's an issue of activity, not identity. It's a form of bondage to redefine activity into identity, and say, This is your identity. You can't escape it, when in reality it has to do with activity. I stopped using terms like he came out of the gay lifestyle. What is "the gay lifestyle"?
Campolo:
I agree, there is no such thing. There are a variety of lifestyles among homosexuals.
Busbee:
The scriptural command is about sex between individuals of the same gender, not about a lifestyle. We need new language. In 1 Corinthians Paul indicates that people were doing this; now they're not. At one time they were disqualified for the kingdom; now they are qualified.
Campolo:
Paul does call for a change in behavior. I don't know that he calls for a change in orientation.
I've talked to a number of gay people who in their commitment to Christ have abandoned "same gender eroticism." I've talked to others who claim to have not only changed their behavior but have actually ...
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