Causes of homosexual feelings

As we come to understand the causes of homosexuality perhaps we will understand better the path someone will need to travel to deal with the issue for themselves, and indeed what we can do to offer them help and support. The Bible does not provide us with a detailed answer to the question of what causes homosexual feelings. The world's research has tended to focus on finding a genetic cause, but none has been found to date. It's rather like searching for a gene for a range of sinful behaviours - can we expect a search for the adultery gene to follow? I believe homosexual feelings result from a complex psychological process that originates usually in the early stages of life. An important writer and research psychologist Dr Elizabeth Moberly concluded that that homosexuality is the result of a legitimate same sex need from childhood, which has to some extent remained unmet. Having this same sex need met is a vital factor in the development of self worth, value and identity. This childhood need is to receive positive messages about oneself from a significant same sex role model very early in life: for the boy the father and for the girl the mother. What seems to happen at puberty is that essentially unmet emotional needs become sexualised and so sexual behaviour is seen by the individual as a way of getting his or her needs met. The work of psychotherapists specialising in this field has recently highlighted the dynamics within a family and not just the relationship of the child to the parent of the same sex. The dynamics are complex and just because one person in a family has same sex attractions does not necessarily mean a brother or sister brought up in the same environment will struggle with the same issue.

So when someone is struggling with homosexual feelings what are possible aspects of their personalities and perspectives on life that we should look out for? We must remember that human, and therefore sexual, brokenness involves a distorted self-image.

• It affects responses to life and relationships
  
• It affects responses to God
  
• It affects responses to growth and healing
  

The results of the brokenness include:

• Obsessive and perfectionist tendencies
  
• Fear of failure - criticism painful
  
• There must be answers - formulas that work
  
• Never satisfied - the grass is always greener in other peoples lives
  
• Addictive personality
  
• Anger
  
• Co-dependency - self value based on what can be done for others
  
• Controlling - must have control of life, events and people

Some believe that 'healing' or even exorcism may be the answer. Actually a sudden 'quick fix' solution can exacerbate the problem, and for the struggler Christianity becomes just another success/failure exercise. The result can even lead to a reaction against evangelical Christianity and ultimately the acceptance of a more liberal theology. Rather, therefore (as with all severe temptations and deep problems), long-term, patient pastoral care based in biblical truth is needed.