What a load of bollocks!
Young People Ask...
Homosexuality - How Can I Avoid It?
"When I was 12, I was attracted to a girl at school. I was confused and worried that I might be a lesbian."
-Anna.
"During my teens I struggled with an attraction to other males. Deep down, I knew those thoughts weren't normal."
-Olef.
"My girlfriend and I kissed once or twice. Since I still liked boys, I wondered if I might be bisexual."
-Sarah.
Today's tolerant attitudes have prompted a number of youths to experiment with same-sex relationships. "Many girls in my school claim to be either lesbian, bisexual, or 'bi-curious,'" says 15-year-old Becky. Christa, 18, finds the situation similar at her school. "Two classmates have actually propositioned me," she says, "One wrote me a note asking if I wanted to see what it was like to be with a girl."
With same-sex relationships being flaunted so openly, you may wonder: 'Is homosexuality really bad? What if I'm attracted to someone of my sex? Does that mean I'm gay?"
How Does God View Homosexuality?
Today, many people - even some clergymen - soft-pedal the issue of homosexuality. Yet, the Bible leaves no room for confusion. It tells us that Jehovah God made man and woman and that her purposed for sexual desires to be fulfilled only between husband and wife. It comes as no surprise, then, that the Bible confemns homosexual acts.
Of course, many would say that the Bible is out-of-date. For example, 14-year-old Megan asserts, "Some of the things stated in the Bible have no place in today's world." But why are some so quick to make that claim?
Often, it is because the Bible's view conflicts with their own. They reject God's Word because it teaches something different from what they want to believe. That view is biased, though, and the Bible encourages us to rise above such closed-minded thinking! In fact, in his Word, Jehovah God urges us to consider the fact that his commandments are for our good. That is reasonable. After all, who knows our human make-up better than our Creator?
As a young person, you may be experiencing a variety of emotions. What if you feel attracted to a member of the same sex? Does this automatically mean that you are a homosexual? No. Remember, you are in "the bloom of youth," a period which you are subject to involuntary sexual arousal. For a time, you attention may focus on a member of the same sex. But having such an attraction does not mean that you are gay. In fact, statistics indicate that such inclinations usually fade in time. Still, you might wonder, 'How do these desires start in the first place?'
Some say that homosexuality is rooted in the genes. Others say it is a learned behaviour. It is not the purpose of this article to delve into the "nature-versus-nurture" debate. Indeed, it seems that it would be a gross over-simplification to attribute homosexuality to a single cause. Homosexuality - much like other forms of behaviour - appears to be far more complex than that.
Regardless of the cause, the important thing to realise is that the Bible condemns homosexual acts. Thus, the person who is struggling with same-sex desires is presented with a reachable goal - he or she can choose not to act on those desires. To illustrate: A person might be "disposed to rage." In the past he may have freely given in to fits of anger. After studying the Bible, though, he becomes aware of the need to develop self control. Does this mean that he will never again feel anger welling up inside him? No.
However, because he knows what the Bible says about uncontrolled anger, he refuses to succumb to his feelings. It is similar with a person who has felt attracted to others of the same sex but who has now come to learn what the Bible says about homosexual practices. On occasion, an improper desire may still present itself. Nevertheless, by heeding the counsel of the Bible, the person can refrain from acting on that desire.
Granted, same-sex desires may be stongly entrenched. Be assured, thought, that even deeply rooted wrong desires are not insurmountable. Ultimately, you are in control of how you will live. And despite claims to the contrary, you can learn to control your impulses - or at least refrain from acting on them
Rejecting Wrong Practices
How can you keep from getting involved in homosexual practices?
First - Throw all your anxieties upon Jehovah in prayer, confident that "he cares for you." Jehovah can fortify you with a peace that "excels all thought." This can 'guard your heart and your mental powers' and give you "power beyond what is normal" to keep from acting on wrong desires. Sarah, who struggled with the fear that she might be bisexual, says: "Whenever my thoughts disturb me, I pray; and Jehovah sustains me. Without his help I couldn't have dealt with this problem. Prayer is my lifeline!"
Second - Fill your mind with upbuilding spiritual thoughts. Read the Bible daily. Never underestimate its power to shape your mind and heart for good. A young man named Jason says: "The Bible - including scriptures such as 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10 and Ephesians 5:3 - has had a powerful effect on me. I read these scriptures whenveer wrong desires occur."
Third - Shun pornography and gay propoganda, which will only fuel wrong thoughts. Some motion pictures and television programs also foster the belief that homosexuality is nothing more than a so-called alternative lifestyle. "The world's warped thinking affected my mind and added to my sexual confusion," says Anna. "Now I steer clear of anything or anyone that promotes homosexuality."
Fourth - Seek out a confidant, and talk to him or her about your thoughts. Olef, who sought the help of a Christian elder, recalls: "His counsel was very effective. I wished I had spoken to him a lot earlier."
Do Not Give Up!
Of course, some would say that there's no point in doing all this, that you should simply embrace your sexuality and accept what you are. But the Bible says that you can do better than that! It tells us, for example, that some early Christians who had formerly practices homosexuality changed. You too can win the battle - even if at this point it is only being waged in your heart.
If your desires persist, do not give up or conclude that you are a lost cause. All of us battle wrong inclinations at times. If you refuse to act on wrong desires, in time they may subside. Above all, lean on Jehovah for help. He loves you and knows what will make you happy. Yes, "trust in Jehovah and do good..., and he will give you the requests of your heart."
This annoys me a lot. Mainly cos it's aimed at teenagers and kinda trying to brainwash them into thinking that their feelings are bad, etc. I find it amusing when it says the stuff about "closed-minded thinking"...lol. Isn't believing homosexuality is wrong being closed-minded?
And they talk about how homosexuality is a choice, and that just because you feel attracted to the same sex, doesn't mean you have to act upon it. And I really hate it how they compare homosexuality to rage and anger. As if that homosexuality causes problems in the world somehow.
Another things that I find disturbing is the quotes from people who have had homosexual thoughts who are 'cured'. That people actually believe this shit and they waste their lives doing stuff just cos some people a couple of thousand years ago wrote a book and told them stupid stuff.
Homosexuality - How Can I Avoid It?
"When I was 12, I was attracted to a girl at school. I was confused and worried that I might be a lesbian."
-Anna.
"During my teens I struggled with an attraction to other males. Deep down, I knew those thoughts weren't normal."
-Olef.
"My girlfriend and I kissed once or twice. Since I still liked boys, I wondered if I might be bisexual."
-Sarah.
Today's tolerant attitudes have prompted a number of youths to experiment with same-sex relationships. "Many girls in my school claim to be either lesbian, bisexual, or 'bi-curious,'" says 15-year-old Becky. Christa, 18, finds the situation similar at her school. "Two classmates have actually propositioned me," she says, "One wrote me a note asking if I wanted to see what it was like to be with a girl."
With same-sex relationships being flaunted so openly, you may wonder: 'Is homosexuality really bad? What if I'm attracted to someone of my sex? Does that mean I'm gay?"
How Does God View Homosexuality?
Today, many people - even some clergymen - soft-pedal the issue of homosexuality. Yet, the Bible leaves no room for confusion. It tells us that Jehovah God made man and woman and that her purposed for sexual desires to be fulfilled only between husband and wife. It comes as no surprise, then, that the Bible confemns homosexual acts.
Of course, many would say that the Bible is out-of-date. For example, 14-year-old Megan asserts, "Some of the things stated in the Bible have no place in today's world." But why are some so quick to make that claim?
Often, it is because the Bible's view conflicts with their own. They reject God's Word because it teaches something different from what they want to believe. That view is biased, though, and the Bible encourages us to rise above such closed-minded thinking! In fact, in his Word, Jehovah God urges us to consider the fact that his commandments are for our good. That is reasonable. After all, who knows our human make-up better than our Creator?
As a young person, you may be experiencing a variety of emotions. What if you feel attracted to a member of the same sex? Does this automatically mean that you are a homosexual? No. Remember, you are in "the bloom of youth," a period which you are subject to involuntary sexual arousal. For a time, you attention may focus on a member of the same sex. But having such an attraction does not mean that you are gay. In fact, statistics indicate that such inclinations usually fade in time. Still, you might wonder, 'How do these desires start in the first place?'
Some say that homosexuality is rooted in the genes. Others say it is a learned behaviour. It is not the purpose of this article to delve into the "nature-versus-nurture" debate. Indeed, it seems that it would be a gross over-simplification to attribute homosexuality to a single cause. Homosexuality - much like other forms of behaviour - appears to be far more complex than that.
Regardless of the cause, the important thing to realise is that the Bible condemns homosexual acts. Thus, the person who is struggling with same-sex desires is presented with a reachable goal - he or she can choose not to act on those desires. To illustrate: A person might be "disposed to rage." In the past he may have freely given in to fits of anger. After studying the Bible, though, he becomes aware of the need to develop self control. Does this mean that he will never again feel anger welling up inside him? No.
However, because he knows what the Bible says about uncontrolled anger, he refuses to succumb to his feelings. It is similar with a person who has felt attracted to others of the same sex but who has now come to learn what the Bible says about homosexual practices. On occasion, an improper desire may still present itself. Nevertheless, by heeding the counsel of the Bible, the person can refrain from acting on that desire.
Granted, same-sex desires may be stongly entrenched. Be assured, thought, that even deeply rooted wrong desires are not insurmountable. Ultimately, you are in control of how you will live. And despite claims to the contrary, you can learn to control your impulses - or at least refrain from acting on them
Rejecting Wrong Practices
How can you keep from getting involved in homosexual practices?
First - Throw all your anxieties upon Jehovah in prayer, confident that "he cares for you." Jehovah can fortify you with a peace that "excels all thought." This can 'guard your heart and your mental powers' and give you "power beyond what is normal" to keep from acting on wrong desires. Sarah, who struggled with the fear that she might be bisexual, says: "Whenever my thoughts disturb me, I pray; and Jehovah sustains me. Without his help I couldn't have dealt with this problem. Prayer is my lifeline!"
Second - Fill your mind with upbuilding spiritual thoughts. Read the Bible daily. Never underestimate its power to shape your mind and heart for good. A young man named Jason says: "The Bible - including scriptures such as 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10 and Ephesians 5:3 - has had a powerful effect on me. I read these scriptures whenveer wrong desires occur."
Third - Shun pornography and gay propoganda, which will only fuel wrong thoughts. Some motion pictures and television programs also foster the belief that homosexuality is nothing more than a so-called alternative lifestyle. "The world's warped thinking affected my mind and added to my sexual confusion," says Anna. "Now I steer clear of anything or anyone that promotes homosexuality."
Fourth - Seek out a confidant, and talk to him or her about your thoughts. Olef, who sought the help of a Christian elder, recalls: "His counsel was very effective. I wished I had spoken to him a lot earlier."
Do Not Give Up!
Of course, some would say that there's no point in doing all this, that you should simply embrace your sexuality and accept what you are. But the Bible says that you can do better than that! It tells us, for example, that some early Christians who had formerly practices homosexuality changed. You too can win the battle - even if at this point it is only being waged in your heart.
If your desires persist, do not give up or conclude that you are a lost cause. All of us battle wrong inclinations at times. If you refuse to act on wrong desires, in time they may subside. Above all, lean on Jehovah for help. He loves you and knows what will make you happy. Yes, "trust in Jehovah and do good..., and he will give you the requests of your heart."
This annoys me a lot. Mainly cos it's aimed at teenagers and kinda trying to brainwash them into thinking that their feelings are bad, etc. I find it amusing when it says the stuff about "closed-minded thinking"...lol. Isn't believing homosexuality is wrong being closed-minded?
And they talk about how homosexuality is a choice, and that just because you feel attracted to the same sex, doesn't mean you have to act upon it. And I really hate it how they compare homosexuality to rage and anger. As if that homosexuality causes problems in the world somehow.
Another things that I find disturbing is the quotes from people who have had homosexual thoughts who are 'cured'. That people actually believe this shit and they waste their lives doing stuff just cos some people a couple of thousand years ago wrote a book and told them stupid stuff.