I have never had occasion to do so, but given the rise in prominence of it, i anticipate dealing with it at least once during my ministerial career. Homosexuality is one of those things that is difficult to deal with anyway, given the enigmatic nature of it, but add to that the political milieu of the discussion and the sensitivity of the subject matter in general, and it makes it all the more difficult to deal with.

Usually, there are two different ways of approaching homosexuality: either it is a bare choice that people have made, and the person is condemned for making the poor and sinful choice, or it is a natural or in-born condition that a person has no choice in. I have always had a problem with both options, to be very honest. I am Augustinian and Traducian enough to believe that, if we are all born with a nature inclined toward sin, that there certainly is some form of transmission of particular sin tendencies from parent to child, and so in-born tendencies are always factors when it comes to sin—and yet, these are not excuses that make the tendency and behavior flowing from it, therefore, not sinful. But on the other hand, i am enough of a common sense person to know that there are environmental factors that make people more susceptible to certain ways of thinking and behaviors. Both are contributing factors, and, hence, there is no such thing as bare choice—as anyone who has some kind of compulsive or addictive problem understands.

So, having those things as firm beliefs in myself, i truly appreciated this short article helping us to understand some of the contributing factors that lead to homosexuality. In fact, the whole site on which it is found (NARTH: National Association for the Research and Therapy of Homosexuality) is an excellent place that provides excellent resources if we were to come upon a homosexual person struggling with his or her sinful behavior, wanting help that is both biblical and truly scientific.

Now, i can tell the responses i am likely to get from some people, and i don’t usually go for an integrationist methodology for counseling folks, but there are real psychological problems that sin and sinful environments cause, and they need to be dealt with both biblically and scientifically (since, properly done, science and the Bible are not at all enemies, and since all things that God reveals in creation are still God’s revelation and truth). I do believe, though, that this, and not the Nouthetic model, is what will be the long-term help for homosexuals. That’s part of the difficulty i have with the Nouthetic model in general: that there is a command what to do, but no guidance in practically how to do it. That’s a recipe for more frustration and sin, not less. Helping people understand the various sources (environmental, biological, and spiritual) is the way to help them move forward with sins of a homosexual nature.

Probably not many of you are Trekkers, but if you happen to have any interest at all, there are some really great pictures for desktop wallpaper or other uses that are free to download over at the official Star Trek site. I downloaded a really nice green nebula i am now using for my desktop wall paper.

The picture to the right is a character from the regular comic strip at StarTrek.com called (as indicated) The Trek Life. It’s a really funny comic if you have some bit of knowledge about Star Trek facts and storylines.

I really do love Star Trek. I watch TNG and Voyager every afternoon on SpikeTV (i’m watching Voyager as i write this post, as a matter of fact). I’ll probably make a big deal about the Star Trek XI movie coming out next year. I’m really looking forward to it. :-D

I’ve always been an artist. I love nothing more than to sit down with pen and paper and pour out my creativity in a way that produces something nice. So when i saw the Moleskine notebooks that Sky Cow Books sells, i wanted to give them a try.

I’ve had my set for a couple of weeks now. The cover is a thick cardboard, and the paper on the notebook i purchased is basically writing paper (they have others made specifically for sketching, but i like the thinner paper). All the pages are sewn in together by proper book binding—but lest you think that that means you can’t tear out pages, there are several pages in the back perforated just so you can tear out pages to use for other things.

These would make great journals or small sketch books. In addition to the blank pages, they offer lined pages for writing (for those of us who have a hard time keeping a straight line even with them!); they offer tabbed edges perfect for address books or other indexed uses; and they also have Moleskine books that are lined for music. Interesting i thought.

At any rate, i like mine, and as more purposes arise for which to use them, i may just have to purchase some more.

The only time i give recommendations to people for products is if they are, in my opinion, really very good products.

What you see here to the left is one of ten designs by a Christian t-shirt and poster maker who sells stuff at www.randomshirts.com. The t-shirts are neat, funny, and thoughtful. What i really like, though, are the posters like this one. There are ten posters in this series, 18″ x 24″ @ $5. They are really works of art, unlike lots of posters you might see. I’m planning on getting a few and decorating my office.

Be sure that you support a good Christian business like this one, and you also have the added benefit of getting a great product that will beautify your space and be a reminder and an encouragement to you.

Be sure to take a gander at all their stuff.