Re: [asa] science and homosexuality

>
> 1. So-called origin stories of sexual abuse are the only or dominant
> reason for homosexual sexual orientation.

Often other psychological factors besides sexual abuse are often mentioned,
but there probably is overemphasis on environmental factors and undue
neglect of genetic factors as causes.

2. Sexual orientation can be changed for more than just a handful of
> people. Or to put it into Biblical terms that we can make this
> particular temptation go away through psychological therapy even
> though temptation for other sins doesn't necessarily disappear in
> believers. This is what I want to focus on.

The facts that some people are unsuccessful in trying to change and that
some regimens for change do more harm than good does not tell whether or not
change is possible or good. Closely equivalent assertions would be true
about diet programs, for example. For another example, I know several
people who failed to complete a graduate degree and one who attempted
suicide in response to the pressures of the program. These problems
mentioned have roots in both the people in question and in the programs, and
do not show that completion of a graduate program is impossible nor an undue
imposition. Other information indicates that some people do not have the
ability to complete a legitimate graduate degree, whereas others do.
Whether those who fail to change away from homosexuality are not trying hard
enough or not trying in the right way or could have changed with better and
sooner intervention is not readily answered except based on a priori moral
beliefs.

The general pattern for ameliorating temptations (the desire to do
something, as opposed to the external opportunity), whether for
homosexuality or various other things, seems to more often be gradual
conviction and improvement than an abrupt shift, and I know of responsible
organizations seeking to help people change from a homosexual lifestyle that
recognize this. Perhaps eventually the temptation will no longer appeal,
but it is not quick. There's also the component of ingrained habits,
associations, etc. that can contribute to a problem, the process of
identifying associated problems or root causes, the different starting
points for seeking to change, and individual variation in ability, degree of
appeal of a temptation, and degree of determination to change.

-- 
> Dr. David Campbell
> 425 Scientific Collections
> University of Alabama
> "I think of my happy condition, surrounded by acres of clams"
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