Human growth and change are not predetermined but highly influenced by the child’s environment, the food they eat, the stress they are subjected to and the nurture (love and care) they do or do not receive. The physiology and psychology of this life-long process are not completely determined by the DNA, which we have shown is not ‘perfect’ by design, nor some script God has pre-written in the Book of Life.

The genetic pre-dispositions and environmental changes a person experiences certainly includes outliers from the norm, including same-sex attraction and unfixed gender identity. Whether the differences appear early in life or develop over time, whether they are genetically determined or influenced by upbringing or trauma – the reality is they are wonderfully part of the spectrum of life.

To return to an earlier metaphor, we enjoy a sunset exactly because 95% of the day is ordinary – blue or cloudy skies with the sun shining white or glowing through the haze. But for 15 to 30 minutes there is the remarkable change where the sky becomes yellow and oranges streak the clouds. The horizon in the west becomes red and the sun a fireball.

 “For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let anyone accept this who can." Matthew 19:12 NRS

I hope the Church and society will finally listen to Jesus, to accept and celebrate the whole of human diversity.

©2009  David Loofbourrow  All Rights Reserved