Myth #1:  Ten Percent of the population is homosexual.

This lie came from a 1940's book by Alfred Kinsey.  Extensive research has shown his figures to be fictitious and flawed.

Fact: Less than 3 percent of the population could be considered exclusively homosexual.

Kinsey, who engaged in homosexual activity himself, never said ten percent of the population was gay. He actually said: “10 percent of the males are more or less exclusively homosexual for at least three years between the ages of 16 and 55, but that only four percent were exclusively homosexual throughout their lives, after the onset of adolescence.” Kinsey’s research methods were also skewed by his choice to include a high percentage of prison inmates and known sex offenders, both of whom engage in homosexual behavior much more frequently than individuals in the general population.  More recently, a highly sophisticated study on sexuality in America, known as the National Health and Social Life Survey (NHSLS), found that only 2.8 percent of the men and 1.4 percent of the women said they thought of themselves as homosexual or bisexual.

Homosexual activist groups now admit that the 10 percent myth is false and that some have exploited the inflated Kinsey figures to try to “create an impression of our numerousness.”   

In reality, the 10 percent figure is simply not true.

Why does the truth matter?

Maybe you’re asking, “What’s the big deal?”  Well, by saying that one out of ten people in the U.S. is homosexual, some gay activists are knowingly promoting a lie. They are declaring to the world that homosexuality is “normal” and should be accepted as such. Yet, if you think about it, this reasoning is unintelligent. For instance, 10 to 15 percent (a far larger portion than are homosexuals) of Americans suffer from alcoholism, but we don’t accept this behavior as normal or healthy. Even if 95 percent of the population was addicted to alcohol, we still would not think of it as normal—or acceptable.

As Christians we must ask ourselves, what standard will we live by? Will we accept the so-called norms created by our society or seek God and His Word to guide us in our lives? Sure, it’s tough to walk the narrow way. But when we trust that God knows what’s best for our lives—and follow His commands—we can receive His blessings and live an abundant life . . . the life He intended us to live.

Myth #2:  Homosexuals are born gay

Can someone be born a homosexual? In 1993, a respected research journal, Science, published a study by Dean Hamer that ignited an explosive “born gay” myth. Hamer basically claimed that science was “on the verge of proving that homosexuality is innate, genetic and therefore unchangeable—a normal variant of human nature.”

The media went ballistic. National Public Radio, Newsweek, The Wall Street Journal and several other news publications and programs heralded stories that suggested scientists have discovered a “gay gene.” Of course, in the fine print, most reporters qualified statements about this possible discovery because, in reality, there was no actual discovery—but they did so in such a confusing manner!  The public was beginning to be persuaded.

Why is it so important for some homosexual activists to prove this issue? Maybe the biggest possible reason is this: If the world was convinced that some people are indeed born gay, then some would feel there is a need to protect homosexuals by the government as a designated minority class status, such as African- or Native-Americans. Slowly but surely, it seems the government is embracing this view and granting special rights to the homosexual community for what is a behaviorally based identity rather than a true genetic one.

Fact: There is no evidence to support the claim that a person can be born homosexual.

The scientific attempts to demonstrate that homosexual attraction is biologically determined have failed. For example, a study conducted in 1991 by psychologist Michael Bailey and psychiatrist Richard Pillard, attempted to show that homosexuality occurs more frequently among identical twins than fraternal twins. However, this study actually provides support for environmental factors versus genetics!  If homosexuality were in the genetic code, then both of the twins would have been homosexual 100 percent of the time, yet this was not the case.

The well-known Simon LeVay brain study of 1991, which tried to find differences in the hypothalamuses (a very small part of the brain) of homosexual and heterosexual men, found no evidence that there is any genetic cause for homosexuality. Nothing in the study showed that gay men are born that way. Other prominent researchers have concluded that there is no evidence to support a biological theory, but rather that homosexuality could be best explained by an alternative model where “temperamental and personality traits interact with the familial and social milieu as the individual’s sexuality emerges.”

Why does the truth matter?

As the myth of being born gay is more accepted by our society and government, our country is seeing the effects. For instance, increasingly more states are trying to legalize same-sex marriages. Educational curricula now include courses on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender studies. Clearly, our perception of science can affect political policies. LeVay, the researcher and gay activist mentioned previously, made an interesting observation about the emphasis on the biology of homosexuality. He noted, “…people who think that gays and lesbians are born that way are also more likely to support gay rights.”

Let’s face it: science is meant to be fact . . . not theory.  Unfortunately, every theory that comes along today is promoted as science.  We have the "theory" of evolution that is promoted as fact.  So, when the media takes hold of false theories of genetic links to homosexuality and promotes it as science, people are led astray. This is not right.

Even if somewhere in the future a genetic link could be proven, it wouldn’t suddenly make the behavior right—or acceptable to God. Look at alcoholism or tendencies toward anger. While these have been promoted as having a genetic linkage, there are few, if any, in our society who would accept such behaviors just because they are linked genetically. God’s Word still makes no provision for any type of sexual activity except that found within heterosexual marriage between one man and one woman. So to answer the question, “Are homosexual attractions biological?” the conclusive answer is there is no support in the scientific research for the conclusion that homosexuality is biologically determined.

Myth #3: Homosexual relationships are no different than heterosexual ones.

Homosexual advocates want their relationships to be treated the same as heterosexual ones. But are homosexual relationships any different than heterosexual ones? You’d be surprised.

Fact: Homosexual male relationships are rarely monogamous and those involved are more at risk for life-threatening illnesses.

Studies indicate that the average male homosexual has hundreds of sex partners in his lifetime. The median number of partners for homosexuals is four times higher than for heterosexuals.   A study on the sexual profiles of 2,583 older homosexuals, published in the Journal of Sex Research, found that only 2.7 percent claimed to have had sex with one partner only.  Research has also found that few homosexual relationships last longer than two years, with many men reporting hundreds of lifetime partners.”

      Check out these findings:

Solid, irrefutable evidence proves that there are lethal consequences to engaging in the defining features of male homosexuality—that is, promiscuity. Active homosexuals are vulnerable to dozens of sexually transmitted diseases.  According to one report, the risk of anal cancer rises by an astounding 4,000 percent for those engaging in homosexual intercourse and doubles again for those who are HIV positive.

AIDS remains the fifth leading cause of death among those aged 26 to 44, and 60 percent of new cases are contracted by men who have sex with men. Despite the twenty-year “safe-sex” campaign, the incidence of unsafe sexual practices resulting in various diseases is on the rise.  An estimated 30 percent of all 20-year-old homosexual men will be HIV positive or dead by the age of 30.

Studies have also found that while homosexuals may be trying to convince themselves that what they are doing is acceptable, they have serious doubts in their hearts. A Columbia University study on “internalized homophobia” among homosexual persons found that a significant percentage of homosexuals surveyed held negative attitudes toward their own homosexuality and toward other homosexuals.

While there are some who would promote the myth that homosexual relationships are no different than heterosexual ones as pure fact, there are also those from the gay community who admit it to be a false statement. Andrew Sullivan, a prominent conservative gay author, says that gay couples adhere to a very different moral standard than straight couples do. He says their moral standard is one in which “a greater understanding of the need for extramarital outlets” exists.  Also, two researchers who professed themselves to be a gay couple came to the conclusion that gay relationships between men rarely survive if they are not open to outside sexual contacts.

Why does the truth matter?

Myth #4:  AIDS is as much of a risk for heterosexuals as it is for homosexuals

Of course, AIDS is a risk for anyone who engages in sex—especially if that someone is “not a virgin, or who is, or was, an intravenous drug user or blood product recipient.”  But we’ve already established that, in general, homosexuals are more promiscuous than heterosexuals. Therefore, it is likely that homosexual men are at a greater risk than heterosexuals for contracting AIDS.

Fact: According to the Centers for Disease Control, homosexual men are a thousand times more likely to contract AIDS than the general male heterosexual population.

Whoa! While AIDS has indeed become a universal disease, (and you are still at risk when you engage in pre-marital heterosexual behavior) it is an undeniable fact that the potential for an individual to become infected is much more pronounced for homosexual men.

Studies have indicated that the body’s natural immune system is broken down by repeated exposure to semen during anal intercourse. Also, the tearing and rupturing which can take place during such intercourse exposes the individual to infection by manifold serious and dangerous diseases. Of these, AIDS is the most well-known and the most dangerous.  AIDS remains within the top 10 leading causes of death among those aged 20 to 55. As of December, 2001, 45 percent of all AIDS cases involved men who were exposed to the disease through having sex with other men while 4 percent of the cases were among men who had heterosexual contact.

Why does the truth matter?

There is a great physical danger in circulating the myth that homosexuals are not at a greater risk for contracting AIDS than heterosexuals. Of course, there are other risks for those who are involved in homosexuality: isolation, heartache, confusion, disillusionment, abandonment, etc. When you’re living outside of God’s will for your life—whether by experimenting with homosexuality or willfully embracing any other sin—you will feel the effects one way or another. And probably the biggest immediate result of living a sinful life is not having peace with God.

Myth #5: Homosexuals are normal, healthy, everyday people

While the American culture promotes “having it all,” it is likely that most individuals just want to be accepted and appreciated. Homosexuals are no different. They have been wounded by rejection and, in general, seem to say whatever it takes to be considered “normal.” Ironically though, society’s intolerance doesn’t seem to be what’s driving homosexuals into more risky and dangerous behavior. In fact, such conduct tends to exist most intensely in places where homosexuals face the least amount of disapproval—such as large cities like New York and San Francisco or on college campuses with concentrated gay communities.

Fact: Contrary to claims made by gay activists, homosexually active persons as a group appear to be less psychologically healthy than the general population

There are several areas where the average homosexual differs from the average, normal, "everyday” heterosexual. Research has shown that men and women living homosexually are at substantially higher risk for some forms of emotional problems, including suicidality, major depression and anxiety disorder, conduct disorder and nicotine dependence.  For instance, one twin-study found that men with same-sex partners are 6.5 times as likely as their co-twins to attempt suicide. Another study found that a substantial percentage of gay males and lesbians report some participation in illegal drug use.

Why does the truth matter?

Paul states in the book of Romans that homosexuality is “unnatural.”  But some homosexuals will tell you they’ve been attracted to people of the same sex for as long as they can remember—in other words, it just feels natural to them. Unfortunately, their feelings do not justify their actions.  “Sin” is any behavior that is displeasing to God.  We live in a fallen world and sin has distorted our perception of truth—so, what someone may consider as natural or normal still cannot change the truth of God’s moral laws found in the Bible.

Homosexuality is only one symptom of fallen humanity. In our brokenness of human nature, we have an undeniable inner craving to be whole. And yet, maybe it’s because of our sinful nature that we (homosexuals and heterosexuals) seek wholeness in the wrong areas. Whether we’re struggling with same-sex attractions, pornography, envy or lying, it’s easy to want to slap a label of “normal” or “healthy” on ourselves to try to justify our sinful behaviors. But a label will never cover the deep wounds of people entangled in a life that is displeasing to God.

The only place a person can find healing and wholeness is at the foot of the cross.

Myth #6: The Bible doesn't condemn homosexuality--only promiscuity.

In recent years, several mainline denominations have abandoned traditional interpretations of Scripture and have embraced the "Gay-Christian" movement. Every single denomination that has embraced this "Gay-Christian" philosophy, interestingly has also abandoned the King James Version of the Bible in favor of more "liberal translations" such as the NIV, TNIV and The Message Bible.  People claim that Paul’s statements were only addressed to believers "back then" and are not relevant today. But God’s Word—which is unchanging and stands forever (Isaiah 40:8) gives us a different story!

Fact: God clearly condemns any sexual act outside of heterosexual marriage.

God designed sexual relationships only for a union between one man and one woman in marriage. The first chapter of Genesis declares that “God created man in His own image . . . male and female He created them.” Throughout this chapter we learn why fornication, adultery and prostitution—as well as “homosexual marriage”—are all distortions of God’s original plan for healthy sexuality.

In the Old Testament, the sin of homosexuality is condemned by the Law of Moses (Leviticus 18:22). In Matthew, male and female relationships are the only sexual relationships allowed by Jesus (Matthew 19:4-6). And the first chapter of Romans is usually considered the most thorough and clear condemnation of homosexuality in the Bible, which includes a specific reference to lesbianism (Romans 1:24-27).

Why does the truth matter?

There are many distortions in sexuality because of the effects of sin, which have caused grief and hardship to so many. We know from the Bible that those who practice homosexual acts receive “in themselves the recompense of their error..." (Romans 1:27, KJV). As the executive director of Exodus International—North America, the world’s leading outreach to those affected by unwanted homosexuality, Alan Chambers sees the devastation that occurs when the lines between right and wrong are blurred, erased or reversed. He states: “Today, culture is moving further and further away from biblical teachings about sexuality and gender. We now have an entire generation of young people being taught that homosexuality is morally, physically and spiritually equivalent to heterosexuality. Because of the downward spiral that has become our way of life, it is not surprising that people are questioning what is right and wrong regarding sex when wrong is now considered normal.

Myth #7: Lesbian relationships are healthier than gay male relationships

It’s generally believed that women who have sex with women are less likely to contract a sexually transmitted disease than gay men. While most of the research on medically related health risks of homosexual activity deals with men who have sex with other men, there is interesting research concerning homosexual activity among women.

Fact: Lesbian relationships are equally unhealthy, and just as life-threatening as gay male relationships

The fact is, most women who have sex with women do not do so exclusively. Approximately two-thirds of women surveyed have also had sex with men within the last five years.  Sexually transmitted disease rates for bisexually active women are as much as twice that of those who engage in exclusively lesbian activity.  Likewise, studies have also shown that a significant number of lesbian women engage in other risky behaviors which increase medical risks of disease, such as drug use and exchanging sex for drugs and money. Another study reported that lesbians may have higher rates of breast and ovarian cancer because of a variety of risk factors like nulliparity (never having borne a child), childbearing later in life, higher rates of alcohol consumption and obesity.”

The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) has reported that domestic violence is as common in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender relationships as it is in heterosexual relationships. While lesbian partnerships generally are of longer duration than gay male relationships, there exists the counterfeit of healthy attachment-including, manipulative behaviors, emotional dependency and over-enmeshment.

Why does the truth matter?

Myth #8: Homosexuality is unchangeable

1.     If they adopt the view that homosexuality is changeable, they would be admitting that there are those in the homosexual community who, after careful thought, have concluded that it is wrong to be homosexual and that it does not lead to personal happiness and fulfillment.  Focusing on those homosexuals who want to change continues to emphasize the immorality and personal destructiveness of homosexuality.

The truth is, there are a tremendous number of homosexuals who have changed, and professional opinions are changing on this issue as well.

Dr. Robert L. Spitzer, the prominent psychiatrist who led the team that deleted homosexuality from the diagnostic manual in 1973, now says homosexuality may be changeable. “Like most psychiatrists,” said Dr. Spitzer, “I thought that homosexual behavior could be resisted—but that no one could really change their sexual orientation. I now believe that’s untrue—some people can and do change.” To the researcher’s surprise, good heterosexual functioning was reportedly achieved by 67 percent of men who had rarely or never felt any opposite-sex attraction before the change process.  “Contrary to conventional wisdom,” Spitzer concluded, “some highly motivated individuals, using a variety of change efforts, can make substantial change in multiple indicators of sexual orientation and achieve good heterosexual functioning. I’m convinced from the people I have interviewed, that for many of them, they have made substantial changes toward becoming heterosexual . . . I think that’s news . . . I came to this study skeptical, I now claim that these changes can be sustained.”  Other professionals have reported a range from 50 to 70 percent success rate in the treatment of unwanted homosexual attraction.   Findings such as these have prompted some professionals to admit that homosexuals can change their sexual orientation through a variety of change efforts.

Individuals who have gone through an Exodus International Member Ministry have discovered that Jesus Christ is sufficient to make the difference. “The road begins not with just giving up on the gay life, not with trying to relate with a woman, not with just trying to relate to other men in a different way; it begins with coming into a relationship with The Lord Jesus Christ!   From the stance of many  who have gone down that road, it was difficult, but it was worth it a hundred times over, because it has been the way to joy, freedom and personal fulfillment.”  Is homosexuality unchangeable? Hardly. There is plenty of evidence that homosexual attraction can be diminished and that changes can be made.

Why does the truth matter?

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."     -1 John 1:9

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."   -2 Corinthians 5:17

You can help someone struggling with homosexuality

1.  Remember that all of us have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. So, be willing to share about your own personal struggles and temptations.

2. Don’t condemn.  You have the same sinful Adamic nature as everyone else.  Just because your particular sin is (or was) not homosexuality, doesn't mean you have a different sinful nature.   Understand this is a spiritual problem first and foremost.  People have not “chosen” to “have homosexual feelings” the way some choose to live in a certain city.   They may have "chosen" the homosexual lifestyle, but the feelings are spiritually related!  To describe it this way is to convince them that you have no understanding at all about their experience—and no sympathy for it, as well.  Know that the core of the homosexual struggle is rejection.  

3.  Don’t start citing all the problems with homosexuality.  Consider how rarely such exhortations convince someone to give up alcohol or smoking.  But don’t go to the opposite extreme either.  Unquestioning acceptance of homosexuality as a legitimate “alternative” may seem at first to be the only compassionate option.  But there are better and more appropriate approaches that show concern and understanding, yet deal with the reality of the situation.

4.  Try to prevent the problem before it occurs. Openly discuss the subject of homosexuality with your friends or anyone you are close to who may be struggling. Familiarize yourself with the causes and address them at an early time.  Help them understand the risks.

5.  Share specific avenues of help like the ministry of Exodus International–North America that has helped thousands of men and women in the midst of their struggle with homosexuality. Give them hope that change is possible! Perhaps even share this article with them. Even if the person is defensive and resistant, a specific route of assistance that is lovingly offered may be followed some day down the road.

6.  Show love, concern, gentleness and respect as you point the way to healing.

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