What is a theologically faithful definition of sexual orientation? Does sexual orientation affect one's sexual identity?
Christians must be honest enough to recognize that the modern secular understanding of sexual orientation has legitimate insights that we can appropriate in a way consistent with evangelical theology, Scripture, and the Christian tradition . Christians in general, and evangelicals in particular, must admit that we have often had a very superficial understanding of sexuality. We assumed for centuries that people simply chose their pattern of sexual interest . The modern secular concept of sexual orientation suggests that every single human being who has reached the age of sexual maturity is characterized by a specific pattern of sexual interest that includes sexual arousal , sexual fantasy , sexual expectation, and a hope for specific sexual fulfillment. From the vantage point of biblical theology and orthodox pastoral counsel, the modern notion of sexual orientation helps us see how deeply situated matters of sexual interest, sexual arousal, and sexual fulfil...
