(Im)mutability of Same Gender Attraction

[CardiacCoug]

Originally Posted by Archaea

How does the genetic component of homosexuality not destroy the Mormon or other orthodox view of the existence of God?

How can you reconcile the two?

I don't really see the incompatibility. Even if you view the state of homosexuality as a sin (which I don't), God has allowed genetic predispositions toward violence, substance abuse, and promiscuity to persist in certain individuals -- why would he not allow genetic predisposition to homosexuality?

I read a book about bonobos and chimps recently (Our Inner Ape, by Frans De Waal) and these primates, especially bonobos, which share 95%+ of our genetic material, engage in a great deal of homosexual activity.

Now why evolution would preserve genetic tendencies toward homosexuality in humans and other primates is an interesting question, since being gay is a fairly obvious reproductive disadvantage. I saw an article recently that suggested that the female relatives of homosexual men have more children on average than females without male homosexual relatives. Probably the "gay genes" lead to reproductive advantage in straight people when they are present in certain combinations that don't lead to homosexuality.

Anyway, for me homosexuality being "in the genes" doesn't seem like much of a challenge to belief in God. There are plenty of other more troubling philosophical challenges from my perspective.