Dean Hamer Quote
I liked this quote from Dean Hamer, the NIH lead scientist on “A linkage between DNA markers on the X chromosome and male sexual orientation“. I just finished reading The Science of Desire in which he explains the methodology and processes used in his study that proved a molecular link in a segment of the X chromosome among the gay men in many of the families that were studied back in 1993. Fifteen years has gone by and many people have forgotten the news circus that surrounded the public release of the study’s results.
“… In short, biology is amoral; it offers no help distinguishing between right and wrong. Only people, guided by their values and beliefs, can decide what is moral and what is not. My own guiding principle is simple. Everyone has a right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, so long as they do not infringe upon the rights of others. From my point of fiew, this and this alone is the proper perspective from which to judge the morality of sexual orientation or any other aspect of human behavior.”
Great points, Techfun. I’m happy to hear that you have someone to support you, especially during times of crisis. Such people should be cherished.
You are totally right – commandments from the Bible or any religious doctrine should never be forced upon other individuals. I believe God gives us the freedom to choose what we want to believe and that’s what walking with faith is all about.
My best friends from law school are gay and we have this debate quite often. We respectfully disagree on this one point – the ‘harm others’ issue you brought up. Christians believe that acts of disobedience spiritually harms our faith and relationship with Christ – hence, we perceive self-inflicted harm when two people engage in homosexual acts.
As for the definition of marriage, that’s another matter of faith – whether you believe in the biblical definition of marriage or not. The latest trends in legal world demonstrate that marriage is defined by other means, and not by the Bible. C’est la vie.
Just wondering, what do you think about incestual relationships? Let’s just say that these folks are consenting adults and use safe sex methods so they don’t have to worry about offspring mutations and the like. Let’s also say they also adopt children and promulgate a culture that promotes ’safe’ incest. In the end, pro-incest individuals can use the same argument that “no harm” is done, which of course, Christians would argue against.
Thanks for creating a meaningful discussion from the ‘opposing side.’ I find your points thought-provoking and respectful.
M.K. Louies last blog post..Inspiring Knowledge
M.K. – That quote is the end of a chapter in which he addresses the exact statement you made regarding alcoholism as well as discussion on what it would mean, ethically, if it was discovered that pedophilia had a genetic component. The ethical problem with that comes into play when a person does something to harm themselves or others.
Someone who has a genetic predisposition towards alcoholism who drinks is harming themselves in exactly the same way someone with a genetic predisposition towards diabetes does when they do not regulate their carbohydrate intake.
Comparing diseases to homosexuality – outside the context of religion – is an apples and oranges comparison. An HIV Negative couple like Brian and I, in our 8 1/2 year relationship, have done nothing to harm ourselves or others.
In fact, the fact that we are married in every sense by name, we have had much healthier lives. I had a medical problem five years ago that required surgery and having a committed partner like Brian made all the difference in the world in terms of making sure I made it to surgeon visits and helping to make sure I took my medicine and countless other ways that a mate can help their partner through a major medical event.
I have seen people bring up the idea that with HIV out there in the world non-celibate homosexuals are inherently at risk. For couples like us in a monogamous, committed relationship, the risk that exists as a result of infidelity is there for a heterosexual married couple as well.
I fully respect people’s desire to live their lives by standards found in the Torah, the Koran, the Bible, or any other religious tome. However, I object strongly to any of those books being used to control how people who do not subscribe to their tenets live their lives.
I agree that biology itself is amoral. People may be born gay with no fault whatsoever.
However, from a Christian perspective even this does not justify that homosexual acts are acceptable. Alcoholics are born with the alcoholic gene but does that mean we should embrace the idea of them drinking what they ultimately desire? Of course not.
Besides, the whole argument against homosexuality from a Christian perspective isn’t solely focused against homosexuality – it’s about pre-marital sex and the whole purpose of sex. It doesn’t matter if you’re homosexual or heterosexual, pre-marital sex is wrong according to the Bible. I just find it hypocritical/lame that vocal Christians only speak out against one group when sex outside of marriage is truly the ‘bigger problem’ for society.
Of course, this entire argument doesn’t hold water for people who don’t use the Bible as a moral compass. So it really all goes back to a matter of faith – if you do not share this faith, then there is no incentive to follow its commandments.
M.K. Louies last blog post..Inspiring Knowledge