Homosexuals can find 'way of escape'

I would like to respond to the two points brought up by 'Name and Address Supplied' in a letter headlined, 'Sexual orientation came about naturally' (South China Morning Post, July 22).

The first is the notion that homosexuals are born that way.

This is rather like saying that it is all right for paedophiles to have sex with children because they 'were born that way'.

Now if it's true for one group, then it must be true for the other. Let's at least have an equal standard.

Now, I accept that people are influenced in their behaviour by environmental factors, such as upbringing and things that happen to them. However, we are still responsible for the choices we make in life, whatever the influences behind those choices may be. So we see that homosexuals may become homosexuals for various reasons, but they make a choice somewhere along the line to sleep with a member of the same sex.

The second point I wish to respond to is the one about bigotry. I have noticed that whenever any criticism of the gay movement or its political agenda to indoctrinate people with the idea that homosexuality is somehow 'normal' is aired, the person expressing the critical view is automatically labelled a 'bigot' or 'homophobe' by many, though not all, of those who don't like this critical view.

This behaviour is similar to that of the Chinese Government which labels those who continue to take a strong exception to its actions in Tiananmen Square seven years ago as 'subversives' and try to isolate them through united front tactics.

I don't hate gays, nor do I agree with beating them up or treating them in an unfair manner.

I do however disagree with their false view that their sexual preferences are 'normal'.

The Bible very clearly describes these preferences as sinful, and I think it is reasonable in a democratic society to be able to express and discuss such views in a civil manner, and accept one another, no matter how much one may disagree with the opposing side.

Now, our anonymous friend says that he has been unable to change his behaviour. I would agree that trying to escape from such a bondage in one's own strength is impossible. But there is a way of escape for those who want it. The God that I worship, Jesus Christ, came to set captives free. He loves sinners, including homosexual ones. He died on the cross for everyone, regardless of race, sex, age, physical disability, religious or political belief, sexual preference or any other factor.

His message is that all who repent and believe in Him receive the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Not only that, there is freedom from every bondage, including that of homosexuality, for those who choose to accept this message. There is freedom of choice here too, and like all the other choices we make in life, there are also consequences to be lived with.

ROGER PHILLIPS New Territories