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Sexual Orientation

Sexual Orientation. Psychological and Pastoral Perspectives. Psychology & Sexual Orientation. Emerging Understanding & Continuing Research. Nature or Nurture?. Homosexuality as Innate—Nature Homosexuality as Voluntary--Nurture. What do we all have in common?.

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Sexual Orientation

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  1. Sexual Orientation Psychological and Pastoral Perspectives

  2. Psychology & Sexual Orientation Emerging Understanding & Continuing Research

  3. Nature or Nurture? • Homosexuality as Innate—Nature • Homosexuality as Voluntary--Nurture

  4. What do we all have in common? • An Orientation—Direction of Erotic Interest • Opposite Gender • Same Gender • Bi-Sexuality • Strength or Intensity of Sexual Response

  5. Kinsey Scale 0.….1.…...2.…...3…....4…....5.….6 heterosexual...bisexual...homosexual

  6. Brain Physiology

  7. Brain Physiology • Interstitial Nuclei of the Anterior Hypothalamus • Sexually Dymorphic Tissue

  8. Landmarks in Psychology • 1957—Evelyn Hooker’s Research • Erased psychological dichotomy between heterosexual & homosexual.

  9. Landmarks in Psychology • 1973—APA Decision • Homosexuality not a mental disorder

  10. Landmarks in Psychology • 1991 Brain/hormonal research • Removing another stigma?

  11. Pastoral Challenge • A Painful & Divisive Issue in Faith Communities

  12. Evolving Perspectives • Homosexuality as perversion/evil • Sin or moral failure • Disease or mental illness

  13. Evolving Perspectives • Choice or life-style • Emerging discovery/bio-environmental • Influence of feminist consciousness

  14. Pastoral/Theological Dilemma The sacredness of the heterosexual family. The radical dignity of the human person and the right to give and receive love.

  15. Scripture Debate What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality?

  16. Some Scriptural Basics • ‘Homosexuality’ as we understand it today, not a term used in bible. • Jews & early Christians not familiar with erotic attraction to persons of same gender as a natural response. • In bible, same gender loving connected to violence, abuse, and idolatry.

  17. Biblical References—Hebrew • Genesis 19:5-9 (Sodom & Gomorrah) • Leviticus 18:22 & 20:13 (Part of the Holiness Code).

  18. Biblical References—Christian • Romans 1:26-27 • I Corinthians 6:9-10 • I Timothy 1:9-10

  19. The Unfinished Debate Diverse & Evolving Scriptural Scholarship

  20. The Pastoral Dilemma Upholding ‘family values’ and traditional morality. Embracing gospel justice, compassion, and inclusive communities.

  21. The Pastoral Need • Spirit of prayerful listening. • Atmosphere of respectful dialogue. • Openness to scientific research.

  22. The Pastoral Need • Welcoming all the stories of loving. • Pastoral compassion and inclusion.

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