The search goes on for the elusive ‘gay gene’. Finding such single genes in the vastness of the human genome has been likened to searching for a needle in an enormous planet-sized haystack. In this case there is the additional problem that the gene isn’t there! Thus, the search will only end when everyone concedes this.
The reasons for my bold assertion (though one widely shared by scientists) will become clear below. But this search for the gay gene is an odd phenomenon, isn’t it? On the one hand we have (some) homosexuals who are keen to find the gene. They are convinced that when such a gene is identified their homosexuality will be proven to be genetically programmed and thus hardwired into them. It will be a hardware issue. It is not their choice, and so it is fixed.
On the other hand, we have (some) evangelicals. They are keen that no such gene be identified. The absence of the ‘gay gene’ will demonstrate homosexuality to be a software issue and thus one which can be deprogrammed. It is their choice, and so it can be changed. Both parties share a view of what the effects of a ‘gay gene’ would be. And both parties are wrong. They are wrong scientifically and wrong theologically.
Genetics and determinism
In the 20th century, with the discovery of DNA and the explosion of the science of genetics, the long debate about nature vs nurture became more focused. It became focused on genes. People came to believe that genes shaped our lives and determined our behaviour.
Partly in reaction against this, in disciplines such as sociology, nurturing views of behaviour were fostered. Sociologists wanted, and still want, us to believe that our behaviour is shaped (almost) entirely by our upbringing and circumstances.
