Continuing with the topic of TUOSSD/Therapy Understanding One's Same Sex Desires (aka reparative therapy and conversion therapy) :
I wanted to share 3 articles from a Christian perspective that deals with TUOSDD. The first one talks about how change can be (and often is) gradual through the Holy Spirit, something that gives those who have same sex desires and follow Christ a definite advantage over their secular counterparts (read the article below for further explanation).
I also want to point out in the article how those Christians who have seen the change through Christ need to step forward (as difficult as that might be), as your witness is needed by others.
Ex-Gay: Fact, Fraud of Fantasy?
by Frank Worthen
“Ex-Gay” is a term that always seems to bring a response. For the most part, the gay community believes this is a total lie. They deny that it is possible to become ex-gay. It is their belief that “ex-gay” is a fraudulent term. They may allow that the ex-gay person is sincere in his belief of change, but they see the ex-gay as simply engrossed in a fantasy situation. They think that one day, the “former homosexual” will come back to reality and find that he or she is just as gay as ever. Each time an ex-gay person falls back into sexual sin, the skeptical critics hold this as proof of their position that the ex-gay was living in a state of euphoria, that he simply was brainwashed and has finally come to his senses. Most come from the standpoint that a homosexual orientation is inborn, that it cannot be changed. They frequently equate the homosexual orientation with being left-handed or with the color of one’s skin.
Others in the world also scoff at this term. The world is not familiar with people who have left the homosexual lifestyle behind. They have come to accept homosexual people just as they are and have never considered asking a homosexual person to change his orientation.
The majority of ex-gays who have received change from Jesus Christ have refused to witness to such a change and have melted into the heterosexual society with the hope that their past life will never be exposed. Through such faintheartedness, the world and a multitude of gay people have never heard the message of change and many have gone on to an eternity without Christ. One wonders what would have happened if Saint Paul had said to himself: “Hey! A guy could get killed out there, I had better mind my own business”. Many have hidden their lamp under a bushel and hidden their light, fearful of ridicule and disapproval. What will the Master say to those who have buried their talent in the ground? On judgement day, will gay men and women come forward to accuse those who had the words of life, yet withheld them?
Understanding the Term “Ex-gay”
What is the meaning of this term many people are using to announce that their lives have been changed? Not only the world, but former gays also are in confusion about this term. Society most often views things in a black/white context.
If change is not instant and total, they will not acknowledge that any real change has taken place. No allowance is made for the process of growing into a new identity. A telephone caller once said to me: “I have just three minutes. Please tell me what to do to change myself into a heterosexual!” Not only the world at large, but the Christian world also, expects immediate results. Christians want to hear of instant healing, many attend healing services just to witness instant miracles. We long for the day when, in the twinkling of an eye, we will be changed into new creatures. Many are convinced there is a demon of homosexuality. If this demon is cast out, immediate change will take place: TRAILBlazers Ministry fully believes in the power of deliverance and uses it whenever necessary, but also realises that God more often chooses to change us through a gradual process rather than a dramatic event.
Read more:
http://restoringwholeness.org/ex-gay-fact-fraud-of-fantasy/
