A new book based on a peer-reviewed, longitudinal (long-term) study confirms change in sexual orientation is possible.
Ex-Gays? A Longitudinal Study of Religiously Mediated Change in Sexual Orientation by researchers Stanton L. Jones and Mark A. Yarhouse reports 67 percent of study participants reported a change toward heterosexual orientation or were successfully continuing efforts toward that goal. The change rates are comparable for dealing with other difficult issues such as depression and better than Department of Labor rates reported for addressing substance abuse. The research was conducted over three years.
In-depth information about the study, its research methods and an extensive white paper on the work are available at www.ivpress.com/cgi-ivpress/book.pl/code=2846.
The book will no doubt stir up controversy as it is challenged by those who won't even bother to read it. But I know from my experiences -- including a former employee now married with children -- that gay men can change from homosexual to heterosexual orientation. While it appears some environmental and genetic factors may predispose one to a same-sex sexual attraction, homosexual orientation is not an immutable fact of nature or Creation. Anyone who doesn't believe that would do well to read this new book with an open mind.
