Born This Way?: Homosexuality, Science, and the Scriptures

by J. Alan Branch

Lady Gaga's song "Born This Way" has become an anthem for homosexual rights, asserting in a simplistic fashion that same-sex attraction is a trait much like hair or skin color. In Born This Way? , the author surveys the most common scientific arguments in favor of homosexuality and respond to pro-homosexual arguments. A review of the research will show that, while there are some genetic or biological factors that correlate with a higher incidence of same-sex attraction and homosexual behavior, as of yet there is no proof of genetic or biological causation for homosexuality.

Genres: Sexuality, Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

Published July 25, 2018

Reviews

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Born This Way?: Homosexuality, Science, and the Scriptures” by J. Alan Branch is an excellent book. It is very good for those who want to find their footing in the Biblical view of transgenderism, & how to counteract the idea that God approves of this idea of changing genderism. One will also see a clear, conservative argument of the science behind the "so called" gay gene. Christians will be given understanding of the scientific arguments from a secular stand point & scriptural advice is given on how to combat the arguments related to the issues discussed. There is a lot of data and statistics & the book is filled not only with truth but compassion as well!

[Alan Castro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read. Branch dives into some of the widely accepted research that propels the sexual revolution and addresses the claims and presents some of the flaws in the studies. As well as some of the baseless conclusions that were jumped to as a result of the studies.

“The most painful step for most people who come to Christ is admitting we are sinners and have been engaged in actions in direct opposition to God’s will. Some of these sinful acts feel natural and are pleasurable, but the pleasure associated with an act does not determine its morality.”

“To be faithful to scripture, we must be simply Christians: people purchased by his blood. Our primary identity is not found in our sexuality; our primary identity is found in our redemption and relationship with Jesus Christ. When a person insists on calling himself a gay-Christian, he has made an idol of his sexual desires”

[Josh Perez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can a biological and genetic case be made for same-sex behavior? Is there such a thing as hardwired homosexuality? Many scientists have scrambled to present such a case, the culture has swallowed it hook, line, and sinker, and in the midst of this harmonious symphony someone needs to point out that the conductor isn't wearing any pants. Alan Branch is the discordant note that slices through the noise to shine a light on the claim that the biology behind homosexuality is settled silence. Welcome to Born This Way? Homosexuality, Science, and Scripture by Alan Branch.

1) Branch analyzes Sigmund Freud, Alfred Kinsey, and the various genetic arguments that have been put forward as the smoking gun. Biological determinism at its finest. These studies are redundant and technical to read, but Branch gets his point across clearly. These studies are inconclusive at best and complete swings and misses at worst. Cumulatively and individually the opposite of an air-tight case has been made. Zeal cannot replace what's real.

The "science" is massaged in order to be presented as an ally of the "born this way" crowd. The Scriptures provide pieces of the puzzle that a naturalistic lens will never acknowledge. We are more than genes and cells. Choices matter. Our biology does not determine our morality. And even if it is possible to be genetically predestined to be irreversibly gay, born this way...Jesus says all of us heterosexual or homosexual need a rebirth. Our bodies betray us, our genetics are flawed, our reality is cursed. The warp is real, and the need for a transformation of identity is necessary and possible...but only by surrender to the Lord of humanity and sexuality.

Overall, a bit eye-glazing to read, but an important refutation of a foundational pillar in the homosexual argument.

[Josh G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative. Branch does a great job interacting with the relevant claims and literature on this topic. He does a great job translating technical medical jargon (even though much of it still flew over my head!) and provides a Christian worldview analysis throughout. Branch also does a good job personalizing the issue, advocating for grace, compassion, and care.

This is a good example of a Christian thinker engaging with the secular sciences, providing a model for others to follow. I would love to see a second edition that updates the findings since 2016.

[Joseph Henry Kester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Branch interacts heavily with current research on homosexuality. This book is a very helpful primer on what secular science claims about homosexuality and how Scripture answers those claims. Even though it was only published five years ago, some of the data is already in need of an update.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well organized book that surveys some of the common arguments advocating for an innate genetic or biological cause of human homosexuality, shows the weaknesses and limitations of thise arguments from a scientific standpoint, and then discusses the implications from a Biblical standpoint.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

Great book. Made me aware of some areas that I was not aware of. From an Apologetic standpoint this book will make a great addition to your library.

[Heidi Leatherland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

[Jordan Litts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Content is good, but the writing style is a bit tough to get through.