ATSS: Bryan Ness, “Genetics, Sex, Gender, and Sexual Attraction”
20 July 2022 | by Bryan Ness
Many people assume that human sex and gender is binary, and that the normal outcome of reproduction and development is distinctly male or female. Likewise, it is considered normal for individuals to be sexually attracted to the opposite sex. Adventist believers typically consider this to be the way God created humans, as it says in Genesis, “male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27, NIV). That humans pair up heterosexually is also considered God-ordained. “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). Any other outcome, such as intersex or trans individuals, is abnormal, and the result of the fall of Adam and the entry of sin into the world. Same-sex attraction is typically considered equally abnormal, and even deviant and sinful.
Yet God created humans, and all other living organisms, with genetic systems that are designed to change and produce diversity. The diversity we see in the human family is the result of genetic changes, called “mutations” by geneticists, that have accumulated over time and spread throughout the human population. Many Adventists consider the process of mutation in DNA to be the result of the entry of sin into the world, but this is to misunderstand the role of mutations. Without mutations, not only would there be no detrimental genetic traits such as hemophilia and phenylketonuria, but there would also be no variation in traits such as hair color, eye color, psychological temperament, body shape, and so on. Mutations are essential for producing the wonderful diversity we see in all living things.
Modern genetics research has increasingly supported the contention that physical sex, gender, and sexual attraction are significantly influenced by genes. Based on the complexity of the developmental and genetic processes that take place between zygote formation and birth, it would be a surprise if no one were born trans, i.e., individuals with all the physical traits of one sex but who mentally and psychologically see themselves as the opposite gender. It would be equally surprising if there were no individuals born who are inherently attracted to individuals of their own sex. Both outcomes are considered normal, part of the normal spectrum of sexual and gender expression. Certainly LGBTQ+ individuals are less common, but they are not abnormal or unnatural.
Despite the traditional interpretation of a scattering of “clobber texts” that are assumed to prohibit gender nonconformity and same-sex sexual relationships, the Bible gives little to no direct guidance about how LGBTQ+ individuals should be treated by believers, and certainly does not support condemning such individuals as sinful. From New Testament times until quite recently, LGBTQ+ individuals were simply assumed to be engaging in self-chosen, sinful, deviant behavior that was abhorrent to God, and thus such individuals needed to be excluded from the community of believers. More recently, as it has become clearer that being gay or trans is inborn, and therefore not a choice, the church has made room for some LGBTQ+ individuals, at least in the North American Division, if they remain celibate for life.
Given that being LGBTQ+ is largely inborn, heavily influenced by an individual’s genetics, it seems unfair to place the burden of celibacy on such individuals as a requirement for church membership. Since being gay or trans is biologically normal, and there are no inherent moral arguments against gender nonconformity or same-sex sexual behavior, LGBTQ+ individuals should be allowed to embody who they are, including being allowed to marry whom they choose. By requiring trans individuals to forgo gender transition and demanding that gay individuals remain celibate, we are asking them to not do what is natural for them. Rather than looking down on LGBTQ+ individuals as being sinful when they embody who they are, we should be celebrating the diversity of gender and sexual expression that has resulted from the genetic systems God created. By recognizing the naturalness of the full spectrum of gender and sexual variation in humans we affirm the humanity of all individuals and recognize that each of us is beloved of God, just as we are.
Teacher:
Bryan Ness is a professor of biology at Pacific Union College.
Moderator:
Randi Robertson is an instructor/pilot for JetBlue Airlines. She teaches at JetBlue University at Orlando International Airport.
How to join:
This presentation is over. You can watch it here.
ATSS starting time depends on where you are. If you’re on the west coast of the United States, it’ll be 10:30 AM. On the east coast, 1:30 PM.
Times around the world:
-
- Reykjavík: 5:30 PM
- College Place: 10:30 AM
- Lincoln: 12:30 PM
- Denver: 11:30 AM
- Bracknell: 6:30 PM
- Loma Linda: 10:30 AM
- Nairobi: 8:30 PM
- Gackle: 12:30 PM
- Hosur: 11:00 PM
- Waco: 12:30 PM
- Keene: 12:30 PM
- Helsinki: 8:30 PM
- Stockholm: 7:30 PM
- Hamburg: 7:30 PM
- Cape Town: 7:30 PM
- Madrid: 7:30 PM
- Paris: 7:30 PM
- Honolulu: 7:30 AM
- Cooranbong: 5:30 AM (Sunday)
- Perth: 2:30 AM (Sunday)
The class is intended to last about 2 hours, though the conversation often continues to 4 PM (Eastern time).
About our class:
- The AT Sabbath Seminar is intended to be a courteous forum. We discuss and ask questions politely. We don’t accuse, get angry, or put people down.
- Stick to the topic in both comments and chat discussion.
- Make your comments and questions short—don’t dominate.
- Keep your microphones muted unless you are called upon to make your comment or ask your question.
- Indicate your interest in speaking by raising your electronic hand—under the “reactions” button.
- Please use your name when you sign in! Not your phone number, not your initials. This will help us differentiate you from unwelcome guests who want to disrupt us. You can set your name after signing on by clicking on the 3 dots next to your picture, which drops down a menu.
- If it should happen that we are attacked so that we have to stop the meeting, we’ll quickly post a new meeting link on our AT Facebook page.
We look forward to getting acquainted with you!
Coming up:
- Lisa Clark Diller
- Tom de Bruin
- Gil Valentine
- Gerald Winslow
- Jon Paulien
