We do not at this time fully understand how orientation comes to be in an individual. It may well be that there are multiple paths to ones orientation with various variables.

However, we do know that for at least some persons there is a genetic contribution but that genes likely do not work alone. Additionally, observed traits (e.g. physical body parts, spacial negotiation, brain section sizes, etc.) suggest that a biological determination – whether genetic or other pre-natal influences – is highly suggestive in many gay males.

We do not yet have any conclusive evidence – or any evidence at all other than retrospective recollection – that supports a socialization or other “nurture” basis.

We know that if male homosexuality is not determined at birth, it is generally understood to be well established very early in life, probably before 4 years old in most gay males.

We also know that there has been no successful repeatable method that has yet been discovered by which a gay male can rid himself of same-sex attractions and replace them with opposite-sex attractions.

Now back to the subject of the thread which is not whether born-gay theories are silly. Rather it is whether the Exodus Church Network is permiated by messages of demonization, hatred, and viscious lies.

The notion that it’s heterosexuals’ fault is completely absurd however. Sorry but I don’t fit the self-serving, ludicrous theoretical story that people that can’t possibly understand my experience try to constantly pin on me.

It’sd only silly if you really don’t like the fact that you were born that way.

But if you are not born that way, then it seems like it must be fairly simple to choose. you need only look at alan chambers to see the truth of that.

There are plenty of ways I disagree with Exodus, but, for a variety of reasons, I have not considered it particularly worthwhile to discuss them.

However, since you ask if I am critical of them: I find it regrettable that they have allied themselves with an anti-gay campaign in Uganda that emphasises seduction of adolescents by homosexual adults as a cause of homosexuality.

Such theories about homosexuality serve an ideological function: placing the blame for homosexuality on homosexuals collectively and denying the responsibility of heterosexuals for homosexuality. Undoubtedly many people find this to be convenient and more emotionally acceptable than the alternative, but it’s no closer to the truth about homosexuality than the silly born-that-way theories of gay activists.

You bring up a great point about the connection between hate speech and hate crime. Anti-gay Christians refuse to admit it, but I often wonder how sharply violence against the LGBT community would decrease if we’d stop hearing that gays are evil, that we helped cause 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, that we’re a threat to children, etc.

So, while certainly it may look as though lesbians are more accepted or are given a pass by homophobes, it’s really a slap in the face that says lesbians aren’t even important enough to be criticized. Lesbians are just “playing around” at sex and relationships.

While it may not be offensive to demand that leaders be leaders, you just can’t demand that women be quiet and obedient any more. Or not publicly, at least.