The Biology of Gender and Sexuality

I’ve been posting a lot of guest posts by our speakers for Answers for Women 2019, but now it’s my turn! I’ll be speaking on a topic that I get asked about nearly weekly here at the Creation Museum. Maybe you’ve heard these questions before or asked them yourself.

• Are people born gay?
• Are there really only two genders?
• Can people help it if they are attracted to the same sex?
• Can people help it if they feel like they should be the opposite sex?
• Are there genetic or other biological reasons that people are homosexual or transgender?

These are very valid questions, and a lot of research has been done to answer these questions.

I wrote an article last year on this topic for Answers magazine specifically relating to the issue of homosexuality, and I want to share some excerpts from that article.

They [Christian parents] are struggling with a child who has recently “come out” and are trying to grapple with this new reality. These parents have lovingly taught their children the Bible, taken them to church all their young lives, and can’t understand how their children could possibly choose this sinful sexual behavior. They think biology may help explain what they are wrestling to explain any other way. So, can it? And if biology can explain it, is homosexual behavior still sinful if God made them that way?

From an evolutionary perspective, it really wouldn’t make any sense for homosexuality to have a biological basis. One of the major tenets of evolution is reproduction and passing on one’s genes to the next generation.

Both past and present scientific studies have shown no conclusive evidence that homosexual behavior is biological; and even if there is a biological basis, the researchers themselves admit that it would likely make a relatively small contribution.

In many ways, the attempt to tie behavior to biology is an effort to normalize sin and remove responsibility for people’s feelings and actions. The idea of genetic determinism is rampant and important in evolutionary thought, as humans would have to be nothing more than “matter in motion” with no soul and merely the preprogrammed product of their genes.

Ever since Adam’s rebellion, all of us are born sinners (Psalm 51:5), and all of us struggle with sin, but we must remember, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Many Christians are faced with the sad reality of loved ones that claim to be homosexual or transgender, and we need to be equipped with solid biblical and scientific answers to their claims. We need to show them that, regardless of their feelings, they are living in sin and their only hope for deliverance is the redeeming work of God’s grace offered through his Son Jesus Christ.

Please join us for Sacred: Embracing God’s Design for Sexuality as we explore these topics and many more. I’m thrilled the conference will be held in our new Answers Center at the Ark Encounter. Early bird pricing ends February 1, so don’t delay!

Keep fighting the good fight of the faith!