First, I would like to thank Dr. Nobis for giving me this undertaking in light of the callous sermons and speeches given by Rev. Steven Anderson and Rev. Roger Jimenes in the wake of the Orlando shooting. I will take eight of the arguments against homosexuality and assess whether or not they are sound. When I talk about homosexuality, I will be talking about the sexual and relationship component.
Homosexuality is anti procreation.
If it is anti procreation, then it is wrong.
Therefore, homosexuality is wrong.
Anti procreation, in this case, seems to mean that it does not result in reproduction. Would one suggest that oral sex, which is enjoyed by both homosexuals and heterosexuals is wrong because it cannot reproduce. A lot of of people would object to that because oral sex is very pleasurable, even among heterosexuals. Also, there are couples who love sex, and are either unable to have children or just don't want children. For these couples that are heterosexual, it would be outlandish and absurd to say that they are wrong for having sex without reproduction being the result.
Here's another argument:
Homosexuality does not offer the stability of a traditional family.
All relationships that do not offer the stability of a traditional family is wrong.
Therefore, homosexuality is wrong.
Today, the so called traditional families are rare. There are more single parents raising households. However, just because a family does not fit the cookie cutter traditional family model does not necessarily mean that it is wrong. Also, the traditional family does not always mean perfect. The John List family murder is an example of that. Also, when couples have children, a number of those couples end up divorcing in the future and divorce hurts the stability. Therefore, it is not sound.
Homosexuality is not condoned in the Bible.
All actions that are not condoned in the Bible are wrong.
Therefore, homosexuality is wrong.
True, homosexuality is not condoned in the Bible; however filicide is condoned. Yes, if your child is rebellious, the Bible says that the child is worthy of death. The Bible also condones rape victims, if they're single, marrying their attackers. The Bible requires interpretation and to try to follow it literally is the surest way to madness.
Homosexuals have a shortened life span.
If an act results in a shortened life span, then it is wrong.
Therefore, homosexuality is wrong.
It is not sound because studies show that TV viewers have a shortened life span. However, not too many people are getting rid of their TV sets. Not even Christians who love to watch The 700 Club and old reruns of Praise the Lord with Paul and Jan Crouch. Also, people who eat red meat have a shortened life span. However, the bulk of the population is not willing to stop eating hamburgers and meatlovers pizza.
Homosexuality injures the fabric of society.
If an act injures the fabric of society, then it is wrong.
Therefore, homosexuality is wrong.
This is not sound for this same argument was and is still in some circles, used to debate interracial marriages. The idea is that if we condone relationships that are not monogamous heterosexual relationships, then society would breakdown. However, this is unlikely because in ancient China, there were monogamous heterosexual relationships, and even homosexual relationships. Yet, China thrived during this period.
Homosexuality is dangerously unhealthy.
Any action that is dangerously unhealthy is wrong.
Therefore, homosexuality is wrong.
This is not sound because there are people who love Little Debbie snacks, I'm a pastry person and a 90s baby. I love Pop Tarts, Honeybuns, bear claws, chocolate cake, and even cookies; although I'm very strict about not eating them often. It's not healthy, but to call it wrong would be extreme.
Homosexuality is not genetic.
All actions that are not genetic are wrong.
Therefore, homosexuality is wrong.
This is not sound because of two reasons: 1. There is phenomena in our everyday life that is not genetic, but they are not wrong. 2. There is phenomena that is genetic, but before we can say that it's permissible, there must be a provided that clause. Example of number one: I am left handed, yet both of my parents are right handed. When I was growing up, someone had suggested to my mother to beat me and make me write with my right hand. I can only be glad that my mother had enough sense not to do that. Being left handed for me is not genetic, as far as my parents go,but that does not make it wrong. Example two, there are mental illnesses with a genetic component, such as borderline personality disorder and schizophrenia. While we must treat those with mental illnesses with much care and compassion, it is required that they take their medication in order to abate the symptoms and maintain clear thinking.
Homosexuality is unnatural.
If it is unnatural, then it is wrong.
Therefore, homosexuality is wrong.
This is not sound because there are a lot of things that are not natural such as toilets, refrigerators, clothing, etc. Also, medications are not natural. If we were to adhere to this argument, then we would have live like early humankind: defacating behind a tree, heaven forbid you wipe your butt with poison ivy, at odds with one another and all the other animals, and the only essential source of survival is fire. Those who have Type 1 diabetes, letting nature take its course, would die from either diabetic ketoacidosis or kidney failure. Therefore, I doubt that we are willing to say that our modern day conveniences and amenities are wrong.
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