During the course of the interview, Piers Morgan -- host of the program which airs on CNN -- asked Cameron about his view of homosexual "marriage." I have no idea what the actor's belief about the controversial topic has to do with the release of his most recent movie, but Morgan seemed to think it was important, so he pressured Cameron into responding.
Cameron answered honestly: "I believe that marriage was defined by God a long time ago. Marriage is almost as old as dirt and it was defined in the garden between Adam and Eve, one man one woman for life, 'til death do you part. So I would never attempt to redefine marriage and I don't think anyone else should either. So do I support the idea of gay marriage? No, I don't."
Staying with the subject, Morgan then asked Cameron if homosexuality is a sin. "I think that it's unnatural," the actor replied. "I think that it's detrimental and ultimately destructive to so many of the foundations of our civilization."
In what has now become a predictable response to anyone who dares to publically express anything less than fawning approval of homosexual behavior, Cameron has been blasted. He has been called a homophobe, a bigot and ignorant.
Why would Piers Morgan insist on asking a guest a question about homosexuality when the guest was on his show to promote a movie? It's because a person's view of homosexuality has become the mainstream media's litmus test as to whether an individual is acceptable and should be taken seriously in popular culture.
It is no secret that Kirk Cameron turned from atheism to Christianity in 1987. He was around 17 at the time and was considered a teen heartthrob. As Cameron grew in his faith, he became uncomfortable with story lines written for his "Growing Pains" character and eventually left the show.
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In the two-plus decades since becoming a follower of Christ, Cameron has appeared in several Christian-themed movies. He has also teamed-up with evangelist Ray Comfort to produce media products designed to help people share the Gospel. Cameron is well known to be unashamed of his Christian faith.
No doubt Morgan was aware of Cameron's Christian beliefs when the actor was booked on his program. The host's questions were designed to put him on the spot and to reveal to the popular culture his "bigoted" and "homophobic" views.
Those who give credence to the media's litmus test insist that homosexuality is based in biology and not a choice. They believe homosexuality is present even before a child is born. Thus, there is no worse transgression than to deem it sinful.
The only problem is that is predicated on a faulty premise. There has never been a single, scientific study that has proven that homosexuality is genetic. Even the American Psychological Association (APA) now acknowledges there is no scientific basis for the assertion that homosexuality has a biological basis.
In 1998 the APA published a brochure titled, "Answers to Your Question for a Better Understanding of Sexual Orientation and Homosexuality." In the literature was the following quote: "There is considerable recent evidence to suggest that biology, including genetic or inborn hormonal factors, play a significant role in a person's sexuality."
Fast-forward to 2008, and the APA now says something very different. The APA now says:
"There is no consensus among scientists about the exact reasons that an individual develops a heterosexual, bisexual, gay, or lesbian orientation. Although much research has examined the possible genetic, hormonal, developmental, social, and cultural influences on sexual orientation, no findings have emerged that permit scientists to conclude that sexual orientation is determined by any particular factor or factors. ..."
The Bible is clear: People can be freed from homosexuality (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
Many in popular culture, like Piers Morgan, continue to ignore the fact that the evidence simply does not support their belief that homosexuality is genetic.
The most comprehensive study of genetics was completed on April 14, 2003, when the International Human Genome Project announced the successful completion of the Human Genome Project. Major science journals reported on the incredible advances made in the field of genetics based on the project.
However, the one piece of information that never materialized from the Human Genome Project is the identification of the so-called "gay-gene." So, as far a science is concerned, a genetic predetermination for homosexuality simply does not exist.
"The great enemy of truth is very often not the lie -- deliberate, contrived and dishonest -- but the myth -- persistent, persuasive, and unrealistic," President John F. Kennedy told the 1962 graduating class of Yale University.
Kennedy continued, "We subject all facts to a prefabricated set of interpretations. We enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought."
Opinions abound about homosexuality, but the fact is it has never been proved to be genetic. However, on this issue, too many in society are satisfied with, "the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought." Kirk Cameron just doesn't happen to be one of them. He was also courageous enough when asked about homosexuality to give an honest answer. I applaud him.
Kelly Boggs is a weekly columnist for Baptist Press and editor of the Baptist Message www.baptistmessage.com, newsjournal of the Louisiana Baptist Convention. Get Baptist Press headlines and breaking news on Twitter (@BaptistPress), Facebook (Facebook.com/BaptistPress) and in your email (baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp).
Copyright (c) 2012 Southern Baptist Convention, Baptist Press www.BPNews.net
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