Ray Boltz and Homosexuality: Is it in the Genes?

For the first time in decades, Ray Boltz is making waves in Christian circles - not through poignant ballads, but through the announcement that he is a homosexual.  "This is what it really comes down to," he said, "If this is the way God made me, then this is the way I'm going to live. It's not like God made me this way and he'll send me to hell if I am who he created me to be ... I really feel closer to God because I no longer hate myself." 

Boltz might take encouragement from reports like that of neuro-scientists Savic and Lindstrom in the June 16, 2008, issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, answering the question as to whether gay orientation is an effect of "nurture or nature."  Commenting on this research neurologist and gay activist, Dr. Jerome Goldstein concludes that genetics "determine the shape of desire."  This includes our desires from Brussel sprouts to sexual orientation.  While Goldstein concedes that "sex is much more complex and emotionally charged as a point of discussion," this shouldn't swerve us away from the data, he argues.

Boltz's personal conclusions and Goldstein's data deductions raise a few questions in the Christian mind.  Does genetic design determine the morality of homosexuality?  Should the Church excuse homosexuality in light of genetic study?  Would the Apostle Paul edit the first chapter of Romans if he knew now what contemporary neurologists know?

Goldstein argues that this study, that genetics shape desires, finally counters the argument that homosexuality is sin and having a "much more comprehensive view of how the mind works" will bring about real acceptance.  Boltz justifies his lifestyles by pointing to the fact that he is just living the way God created him to be.  Yet, if genetics do determine desires - even down to our desires for Brussel sprouts - it may be a slippery slope to then find moral justification by pointing to the data.  Tastes for greens may not have apparent moral predicaments, but desires for murder, pedophilia, and rape have serious moral dilemmas.  Genetically inclined or not, ignoring the moral consequences of desires cannot be the solution.

Yet, the qualification that we are by nature inclined to specific desires does not stop the Bible from calling the desires sin.  "Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me" (Psalm 51:8).  Ephesians 2:3 teaches that we are "by nature children of wrath" who actually do carry out the desires of our heart and are thereby guilty of sin.  Therefore, while sexual behavior may or may not be genetically designed, that does not conflict with the biblical understanding of sin, responsibility, and repentance.

For some, the obvious answer would be that Paul would change much of what he writes about an array of subjects in light of contemporary knowledge - not the least being his teaching on gender roles and homosexuality.  Yet, for Christians, this cannot be the answer.  If Paul's words are God's words, then the solution cannot be that Paul needs a contemporary editor.  Christians must form their worldview in light of Scripture.  So what does Paul write in Romans 1 concerning homosexuality? 

The message of Paul in Romans 1:18-32 should be clear.  Because mankind has exchanged the glory of God for a lie, God has forsaken them and left them to their passions.  According to Romans 1, homosexuality is not what God is judging, but is the result of his judgment against idolatry.

Now the questions stands:  Considering the statistical evidence of the genetic determination of desires, would Paul edit Romans 1?  The answer must still be, no.  Again, Scripture teaches that we were born into this life with sinful desires that we are responsible for (Ps. 51:5; Eph. 2:3).  Sinful desires are in the very nature of mankind, and God is angry with sin.  We cannot buffer moral responsibility from our sin by impugning genetics, nor can we edit the message of Scripture in light of contemporary worldviews.  Neurologists who look to justify the morality of homosexual desires by genetic discovery have too many answers for all the wrong questions.  Paul's words concerning sin and judgment should call us to put our hands over our mouths and look to mercy.

Mercy is the only hope for not only those with homosexual desires, but those with desires of "envy, murder, strife, deceit, and maliciousness" (Romans 1:29).  While Paul's letter to the Romans includes a hopeless depiction of mankind, he also includes good news for sinners.  God showed his mercy by sending his Son Jesus Christ to pay for sins, consuming the judgment for those who trust in God's work through Christ on the cross.  God's judgment against sin is bitter, but His gospel is sweet.  Thank God that the gospel will never change in light of any genetic discovery.