Beyond 'Born This Way': Navigating Complexity in Faith and Attraction

How often do we, as Latter-day Saints, find ourselves navigating conversations fraught with complexity, particularly when it comes to matters of faith and personal experience? The recent By Small & Simple Screens podcast episode featuring Jeff and Andrew Robinson offers a refreshing perspective, challenging the often-simplistic binary of 'born this way' versus 'choice' when addressing same-sex attraction. It’s a reminder that true understanding requires a willingness to grapple with uncomfortable truths and to refine our questioning.

Andrew Robinson, a seminary teacher, keenly observed a troubling pattern in his classroom: a default response to difficult questions about sexuality – a hesitant “we don’t know.” This seemingly innocuous answer, as Jeff Robinson, a psychotherapist with three decades of experience, points out, inadvertently reinforces a problematic assumption – the notion that individuals are 'born this way.' It subtly contradicts the counsel of the Brethren, who have consistently emphasized agency and the complexity of these challenges.

Jeff’s framework introduces a 'trichotomy': born that way, choice, or a symptom of mental illness. He posits that while individuals aren't born straight or gay, the act of engaging in certain behaviors can be learned, distinct from a deliberate, agentive choice. This distinction, as he argues, is crucial. Doing something is not necessarily choosing it. This is a critical point that demands careful consideration, particularly when guiding youth and young adults struggling with these issues.

The episode doesn’t offer easy answers, nor does it attempt to provide simplistic explanations. Instead, it fosters a spirit of inquiry, encouraging us to examine the assumptions underpinning our conversations and to approach these sensitive topics with greater intellectual honesty and compassion. It’s a testament to the power of honest dialogue, even when perspectives diverge – a principle we find echoed in the scriptures, particularly in Isaiah's call to “hear and give ear: listen and understand” (Isaiah 55:2).

Consider the implications for our own interactions with those who are struggling. Are we inadvertently reinforcing unhelpful narratives by defaulting to statements of uncertainty? Are we equipping our youth with the tools to discern truth and exercise agency in the face of complex challenges? The Robinson’s insights serve as a potent reminder that discipleship demands more than mere acceptance; it requires a commitment to rigorous inquiry and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths with faith and humility.

Let us remember that the Restoration is a process of continual revelation, a journey of seeking and understanding. The Brethren have consistently encouraged us to study the word of God, to pray for guidance, and to seek the counsel of trusted mentors. As we navigate these complex issues, let us be guided by the Spirit and strive to emulate the Savior’s example – showing compassion, offering understanding, and extending a hand to those who are struggling.

What assumptions are you bringing to your own conversations about sexuality and faith? How can we better align our teaching and counsel with the teachings of the prophets?