The Church And Gay Pride (Op-Ed By Nicole Ne’Sher)

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Note from The Tennessee Conservative: Editorial statements in this column are the sole opinion of the author; they do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the staff of this publication.

Submitted by Nicole Ne’Sher (RN, Counselor and Researcher) –

I have been in the church for the past 50 years and recently, when it comes to the homosexual issue, the church takes one of 2 extremes, either affirming or condemning the homosexual lifestyle. 

Is there another way to deal with this, ‘hot button’ issue? 

Let’s look at a little history according to the 2020 Gallup poll:

Those born before 1946, 1.2% identified as LGBT

The Boomers, 2.1%

Gen X, 4.0%

Millenniums, 9.5%

Gen Z, 17.2%. 

A recent Barna poll stated the Millenniums were 30% and Gen Z, 39%. Every generation the numbers double, what is causing this? 

People have been told, it is genetic, like having blue eyes, however, the human genome has been mapped and there is no evidence of a ‘gay’ gene. Those who have gender dysphoria claim a person sex has no biological basis. You can’t have it both ways! 

There have been several studies including one of the largest, the ACE studies which give several significant factors on the causation of homosexuality and gender dysphoria. One study mentioned by the Human Rights Campaign speaks of the high rates of sexual violence in the LGBT community, “much of it occurring early and often in childhood.”

A 2015 survey by the National Center of Transgender Equality stated 47% of transgender individuals were victims of sexual assault. 48% of bisexual women experienced their first rape between the ages of 11-17. Would it not be unusual for a child who is a victim of sexual abuse to be confused about their sexual orientation and their gender identity? 

A 2022 Vanderbilt University study looking at ACE’s, Adverse Childhood Experiences found the following when comparing LGBQ to heterosexual individuals:

Being a victim of childhood sexual abuse: LGBQ 30% Heterosexual: 13%.

Being a victim of childhood emotional abuse: LGBQ 57% Heterosexual: 33%.

Being a victim of childhood physical abuse: LGBQ 40% Heterosexual 24%.

Having an adult with mental illness in the home: LGBQ 40% Heterosexual 17%. 

 I have heard it said, Jesus never spoke against homosexuality. Jesus in Matthew 19 quoted Genesis when speaking of marriage. Which He said was between one man and 1 woman for life. Anything outside this was not God’s will. Also, in Matthew 5 Jesus speaks to sexual immorality and uses the word porneia which is a broad term describing sex outside of marriage. There are many scriptures that say sex outside the bonds of Biblical marriage goes against God’s design and is against His will. The church for the past 2000 years has held to this position. 

Stephen Black, founder of First Stone ministries and a former homosexual himself has worked with men who have sexual addictions and or identify as gay. He did a 25-year survey of 185 of his clients and found many had a history of trauma or being exposed to all kinds of porn at a young age. He also found there was a deficit in the relationship with one or both parents, usually the same-sex parent. 

In his survey, he found 55% had a history of childhood sexual abuse and 61% of these struggled with same-sex-attraction and considered themselves homosexual. 

How should the church respond? With love, compassion and truth with those who struggle in this area. Many have found freedom with help.

Here are several resources: Every church needs to show the documentary: “In His Image: Delighting in God’s Plan for Gender and Sexuality. It is on YouTube or you can get the DVD from the American Family Association. https://www.afa.net. 

Fist Stone Ministries: Help for the sexually broken. https://www.firststone.org.

Sex Change Regret: Walt Heyer, a former transgendered person helps those who struggle in this area. https://sexchangeregret.com.

Help 4 Families. Denise Shick, her father left home and family to become a woman. She has many resources including books written especially for kids who struggle in this area. https://livingstonesministries.org.

Restored Hope Network: A network that offers support groups and many resources for those who struggle with homosexuality and lesbianism. Anne Paulk was a former lesbian. https://www.restoredhopenetwork.org.