by Opal Minott

Created on: November 12, 2009   Last Updated: November 14, 2009

Can Homosexualsbe 'Cured' by Religious Intervention?

A person primarily attracted to others of the same sex, a homosexual, can overcome this tendency through his or her power of choice enhanced by divine or religious intervention. The word 'cured' suggests that homosexuality is a disease; hence 'changed' would have been more appropriate. However for the purpose of this discussion, 'cured' and 'changed' will be used interchangeably. The assumption is that first one is a person, and then he happens have the homosexual orientation, hence persons should not be referred to as homosexuals, but as persons with homosexual tendencies. The Christian faith is deeply rooted in the philosophy of change called conversion or being born again. The overwhelming response to this important question is, yes, homosexuals can be changed through religious intervention.

Opponents of homosexual transformation make bold claims that sexual reorientation is a myth that ex-gays are lying and are experiencing inner struggles with homosexual urges on a daily basis, they assert that the change, so called, is not sustainable. These claims are unfounded and will be refuted by the arguments which follow.

There is no stronger evidence in favour of the argument that homosexually can be cured through religious intervention, than the self report of actual persons who were once of that orientation. According to Thomas Schmidt (1995), two prominent figures in religious circles, who have professed to be cured of homosexuality, are Andrew Comisky and Bob Davis. After choosing to change his sexual orientation, Andrew Comisky, successfully forged a marital relationship and has fathered four children in that union. He shared his personal experience in his book. Pursuing Sexual Wholeness.He attributed his success to the practice of accountability and spiritual support within the Christian church. Bob Davis shared his experience in a book he co-authored with Lori Rentzel, Coming out of Homosexuality. He was reportedly cured of homosexuality through the San Francisco Love in Action Ministry, fifteen years prior to writing his book. So remarkable was his recovery that he formed his own reorientation Ministry, called Exodus International.

Statistical data exist to prove that sexual reorientation is no myth. Like the Alcohol Anonymous, Christian Ministries have not produced any scientific statistics. However founders of the National Association for research and Therapy of Homosexuality (N A R T H) have

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