News & Commentaries


1. Pope Invites Faithful to Imagine a Changed World [weblink]

2. CBCP Condemns Maguindanao Carnage [weblink]

3. Manila Cardinal Bans Weddings Outside Churches [weblink]

4. EU Commission Strikes Down British Religious Freedom Exemptions from Anti-Discrimination Law [weblink]

5. Setback for Same Sex 'Marriage' in New York? [weblink]

6. Liberty Counsel Files Complaint with the FCC for Indecent Acts of Homosexual Adam Lambert [weblink]

7. Adam Lambert Unapologetic Following 'Lewd and Filthy' S&M Routine on Network Television [weblink]

8. "Manhattan Declaration" Embodies U.S. Christian Pushback against Abortion, Same-Sex "Marriage" [weblink]

9. Catholic Insight Opposes Homosexual Office Seekers [weblink]

10. Happy Thanksgiving – Pray that America Would Return to God [weblink]

Quote:

"Thou hast given so much to me,
Give one thing more, - a grateful heart;
Not thankful when it pleaseth me,
As if Thy blessings had spare days,
But such a heart whose pulse may be Thy praise."
- George Herbert

Bro's Journey with Courage

This is "Bro's" journey with our Courage group. This guy never fails to inspire all of us especially when it is his time to share in our sharing meetings. For me personally, "Bro" is inspirational because he struggles like most of us do and yet his life continues to be a strong witness and testimonial to the power of grace at work and the power of prayer in keeping him chaste for more than a year now. Way to go "Bro!"


A Journey with Sacred Heart of Jesus & Immaculate Heart of Mary

Mary said, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for HE has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness. Behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart. He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly." Ito ang mga katagang binanggit ng ating Mahal na Ina na si Maria nung nalaman niya na mananahan sa kanya si Jesus. Gaya niya buong galak kung masasabi sa buong taon na ito totoo nga naman nanahan sa akin ang Panginoong Hesus at tunay nga naman namunga ito ng masagana. Kahit ako sa sarili ko ay namamangha at nagugulat sa aking sarili kung paano ako binago at hinubog ni Jesus bilang maging isang matatag na Kristiyano.

Hayaan ninyo ako balikan ang aking mga kahinaan hindi para ipagmalaki kundi matuto sa aking mga pagkakamali at muling bumangon sa pagkakabagsak. Aaminin ko dati ay nagpupunta ako sa mga lugar na di dapat, ang sobrang self-abuse sa sarili ko, at ang pagtingin sa mga pornographic materials. Oo masarap at masasabi ko nagenjoy ako pero ang kapalit na sandali na kaligayahan ay punong-puno ng guilt sa isip at sa puso at pangliliit ng tingin sa sarili ko. But with God’s grace and mercy all of these changes into the fruits of the Spirit that produces love, peace, joy, kindness, patience, meekness, goodness, obedience, and self-control. I thank God because of His help to me. He used my spiritual director to be an instrument para makilala ang Courage family ko na masasabi kong malaki ang naitulong at nagawa sa akin para lubos ko makilala ang tunay na ako at higit sa lahat makilala si Hesus bilang aking tunay na hari at tagapagligtas.

As I journey with my Courage family, I can really say that I learned a lot from them, most especially during the sharing meetings and experienced the real presence of Jesus during the Sacrament Sundays, fellowships, retreats, and prayer meetings where all of us as one family kneel and bow down before the Blessed Sacrament, recognizing our nothingness and sinfulness to Him. I thank God because my Courage family gives me the strength para mas lalo ko pa ma-i-explore ang journey ko with Jesus. Ito ay nung nawala na ang takot ko humarap sa taon ung naging lector ako sa simbahan namin at di ko malilimutan sa kaunaunahang pagkakataon na kumanta ako ng solo nung Easter Vigil.

Higit sa lahat binigyan nila ako ng lakas para tuparin ang isa sa mga pangarap ko na pumasok sa seminaryo, at ito ay naganap last April 19, 2009, Feast of the Divine Mercy. Kahit sa maiksi kong pag-stay dun at di man natuloy ang dream ko maging pari di ko pinanghihinayangan ang pagstay ko dahil mas dumami ang aking mga tunay na kaibigan at mas lalo kong natutunan pahalagahan ang vow of obedience, poverty, and chastity. Masasabi ko hindi na naging madali ang lahat ng mga trials at temptations na na-experience ko pero sa kabila nito eh hindi ko naramdaman na nag-iisa ako sa Laban na ito dahil sa love and support ng Courage family.

Just recently I suffered from depression at naisip kung kumalas na sa Courage at bumalik sa dati kung makasalanang gawain. Pero bakit ba di ko kayang masaktan si Hesus? Siguro nga masasabi kong mas minahal ko na si Hesus higit sa aking sarili. Tanong nga ng isa nating brother, “Have you already experienced the suffering of Jesus on the Cross?” And I realized it cannot be measured by only one year of chastity and I should not be boastful because it happens for the reason of God’s grace and not just my own strength and effort. I learned that this spiritual warfare is not my fight but I place and offer it to God’s hands and will.

Once again with a joyful heart I thank God because I am really blessed because he gave me a very supportive family, true friends and unforgettable and learning experience together with our Lord Jesus and Mama Mary.

Ang Ladlad and the Gay Agenda

I hope that the gay community will not interpret this post as bashing although I make it clear where I stand. I stand on the side of truth based on reason and sound morality without any prejudice towards any person who does not share my views because I believe there is charity in espousing the truth about the matter.

This whole issue with Ladlad is not about "religious bigotry" or "discrimination". The way I see it (and have seen it), there is a move from the gay community not just for recognition but for acceptance of the homosexual ideologies by our society under the guise of legislating laws that will move in favor of "equality of rights". I have heard Ang Ladlad say that they are not bargaining for "special rights" but for "equal rights", and that they are also not lobbying for "same-sex marriage" legislation as it is going to happen anyway according to their views.

At this point I want to borrow some of the arguments by a friend of mine that he posted in an online group on why Ladlad cannot be considered a party list or sectoral minority in our society and these arguments basically say it all:

1. LADLAD cannot be classified as a sectoral party under R.A.7941 since they do not represent any of the following sectors enumerated in Section 5 :labor, peasant, fisherfolk, urban poor, indigenous cultural communities, elderly, handicapped, women, youth, veterans, overseas workers, and professionals.

2. LADLAD cannot be classified as a sectoral organization, or a group of citizens or a coalition of groups of citizens who share similar physical attributes or characteristics, employment, interests or concerns. This is because there are support groups and organizations of persons with same-sex attractions (or what popular media calls homosexuals), but do not share the same interests and concerns of the group LadLad.

3. LADLAD may be a political party, since their desire to be represented in Congress is to speed up the passage of the Anti-Discrimination Bill (currently House Bill 956 and Senate Bill 11) pending in Congress. This is clearly part of LadLad’s agenda (http://www.angladlad.org/about.asp), and together with their desire to repeal the Anti-Vagrancy Law, they will attempt to legalize every homosexual behavior in the Philippines, and possibly introduce same-sex marriage in our country. Please note that the bills they are endorsing have a repealing clause that will incapacitate all our criminal laws. Through these laws, homosexuals will have a freehand on any behavior they choose.

4. LADLAD does not represent a group that is marginalized by society. I argue that because homosexuality is something that is vaguely understood by the people, discrimination springs from ignorance and misconceptions (quoting Hon. Etta Rosales on her introductory note for HB634), and not from a malicious intent of judgment. After all, persons with good experiences with homosexuals tend to love homosexuals – notwithstanding the efforts of the gay community to desensitize the public through their independent “gay” films like DayBreak, Dose, Ang Lihim ni Antonio, just to name a few. If truly the gay community is marginalized, gay parades, gay beauty pageants, gay films, gay magazines and other manifestation of “gayness” will not be allowed in Philippine society. But the fact is they are accepted by the public, and the true cases of homosexual discrimination may be caused by poverty or ignorance.

5. LADLAD represents a behavior-based group, not like the other sectors enumerated in Section 5 of RA 7941. They do not rest on substantial distinctions (People v. Cayat) that have relative permanency (such as the elderly or women), but only on superficial difference that changes relatively in time. As such, they may represent a group that may recklessly impose their own behavior standards on the public. They represent a group that promotes and celebrates the homosexual lifestyle – cruising, gay-bars, same-sex relationships and sexual activities. I don’t think the law (RA7941) was created for the purpose of including behavior-based groups. If you will allow LadLad to be a candidate for partylist, then we should also allow shoppers, car enthusiasts, pedophiles and mountain hikers to file their candidacies as well.

Basically the whole thing about this issue is that Ang Ladlad will always cry foul whenever it does not get what it wants and is quick to resort to labels such as “discrimination”, “intolerance”, “homophobia”, etc. If you think about it really, all this boils down to a crisis of identity and the false identity that many gay people have come to embrace for themselves. The totality of the human person is too complex as to be defined by one's sexual struggle. Our truest identity lies in God, who has created us in His image and likeness and as such we are called to order our lives to live up to this dignity inherent to every man, woman, and child regardless of one's sexual orientation or preference.

One thing that I observe about the rabid gay activists in general is that they are the people who are most likely not to “tolerate” things despite being a group that demands tolerance from society. Whenever an issue like this comes along and hit the frontpage news it gets magnified a thousand times over. I can still recall similar incidents like this in the not so distant past and the arguments have been the same time and time again.

In all fairness to the gay community, they have gained more recognition now in most places in society – politics, showbiz, business, work, etc., than they have a few decades back because of their outstanding contributions to their respective fields. Having said that, why then is there a clamor for the so-called "equal rights"? Is there really discrimination happening around or is this a self-serving agenda among the LGBT groups?

For the gay community to impose their own sense of “morality” (if you can call it that) by passing laws that would accord rights and privileges on the basis of their sexual orientation and that would promote tolerance of their homosexual behavior in public life is going way beyond the limits already.

I say these things because for quite some time now I am very much aware of the unravelings of gay agenda in the US and how it is impacting their society. I don’t want that to happen here in the Philippines.

On the part of the Comelec commissioners, I believe they have done the right thing. You can call them all the hateful words you can come up with, but these men also have a duty to defend the rights of the greater majority of people from the onslaught of homosexual tyranny and activism.

News & Commentaries


1. Pope: Humanity Must be Healed of Spiritual Deafness [weblink]

2. Bishop Backs Ruling on 'Ang Ladlad' [weblink]

3. COMELEC: Many Gays in Congress; No Need for 'Ang Ladlad' [weblink]

4. HIV Infection on the Rise Among RP Youth, Says UN Agency [weblink]

5. Christopher West Presents ‘Profoundly Troubling’ Idea of Christian Freedom, Catholic Writer Says [weblink]

6. Archbishop Calls for Overturning Territory’s Recognition of Same-Sex Unions [weblink]

7. The Obama-Care Health Bill's Stealth Homosexual Agenda [weblink]

8. Interim Report on Catholic Sex-Abuse Says "Homosexual Identity" Not a Predictor of Sex Abuse [weblink]

9. Obama-Supporting Homosexual Activist to Out Sexually Involved Priests Unless they Support Gay 'Marriage [weblink]

10. Largest U.S. Homosexual Publisher Shuts Down, Closing Major Gay Newspapers [weblink]



Quote:

"It is one of the severest tests of friendship to tell your friend his faults. So to love a man that you cannot bear to see a stain upon him, and to speak painful truth through loving words, that is friendship." - Henry Ward Beecher

Perfectionism Fuels Addiction

I like this one from Candeo. Because perfectionism is seen as a positive trait especially in the workplace, we tend to overlook how it impacts other areas of our life. In this article, Mark Kastleman tells us why perfectionism is at the core of our sexual addiction.


“No one would ever see a drunk, passed out in the gutter, and say, ‘There lies a perfectionist!’ But that’s exactly what I was! If I couldn’t do life perfectly, then I wouldn’t bother even trying.”

These were the words of a member of Alcoholics Anonymous, describing himself before he was “restored to sanity” by the principles and practices of humility contained in the Twelve Steps.

The following comments were sent to me by a dear friend. See if they ring true in your life experience.


Perfectionism Is At the Core of Almost All Addictive Behavior

I know it sounds like a glaring contradiction, a cruel paradox, but it’s absolutely true-most addicts are obsessed with perfection! They perceive that in order to be of any real value; to be loved and accepted, they have to be perfect. And when the pursuit of perfection wears them out, they seek escape through addiction. This then piles on the guilt and shame, and once again they clench their fists and grit their teeth and start the whole perfection thing again-and so goes the cycle, over and over again.

I think we react so negatively and mercilessly to imperfection in ourselves and others because we have fallen for a lie that suggests there can be no allowance for learning by our own mistakes. We are constantly shaming and blaming ourselves for not being perfect and we are filled with disgust toward anything less-than-perfect about ourselves or the world around us.

If you think about it, this is really a kind of “perfection idolatry”- worshipping perfection as the only way we can be valuable, loveable or “good enough.” The irony is that this harsh and unreasonable approach to ourselves and others, only separates us from God, others and ourselves. The fact is, our chance to experience imperfection in this life is exactly the way God intended it to be.

I couldn’t agree with my friend more! She is absolutely right–perfectionism often triggers and fuels addictive behavior. Many of us (I suffered with this for 30 years and I still feel the residue) believe that if we do “everything perfect” then maybe, just maybe we will be “good enough” for God and others to accept us.

When we set total “perfection” as the daily level of performance we “must” attain to be acceptable to ourselves, God and others, we set ourselves up for failure.Why? Because we have placed a rigid, unreasonable, unattainable burden on our own back that we can only bear for so long until it wears us out. And, it also wears out those around us because we often require the same level of perfection from them as well. Then, when we are exhausted–physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually, our “perfectionist–all-or-nothing” attitude says, “If I can’t be perfect, then why try?” So, we seek out self-medication to help sooth our feelings of unworthiness, shame and guilt–and to simply have an outlet and get a reprieve from our internal “merciless dictator/critic.” If we don’t release in this way, we will simply collapse under all the pressure.

Then, after we escape and self-medicate (which comes in many forms including substance abuse, pornography, food, anger, depression, as well as outlets that are neutral or even healthy) we feel “guilty” for failing to pursue perfection so we start the whole process over again.

The grand key is to realize that there is only one overriding feeling we should have for ourselves and others-unconditional love. Our Creator’s love for us is completely unconditional-we cannot earn it, nor can we make ourselves unworthy of it. It is always there, unconditional and constant.

With UNCONDITIONAL LOVE as the motive and fuel for everything we do, we realize that we and all of us are in this life to learn by our own experience, by our own trial and error. And hopefully, over time, baby-step by baby-step, we are “becoming” better at choosing that is which is good; that which is light and love.

If you go back to the origins of the word “perfect,” it means “complete” or “whole.” Each of us has our own unique potential–our own place of “completeness” to be evolving toward. It is a process of making mistakes, learning from them and moving forward. In some things, it may take us 763 of the same mistake before we finally say “I get it! I’m ready to move on!” Does that make us evil, hopeless, flawed or “not one of the good ones”? Of course not-it makes us “human.” It’s called “life.”

Does all of this mean we shouldn’t try to improve. Certainly not. But, we would all do well to lighten up and be far more gentle, forgiving and compassionate with ourselves and each other. Amidst all our noble efforts to learn and grow and overcome, let’s not forget to notice and embrace all of the simple joys and wonders along the way.


Acknowledgment: To learn more and sign up for a FREE sample Candeo mini-course click HERE.

Porn Can Cripple Your Will Power

Here is a great article on porn addiction forwarded to me by Candeo when I signed up to their free online program. This article will give you an oversight to help you understand a bit the brain science behind your porn addiction and why it is difficult to quit.

Porn addiction has been a struggle for me ever since, but lately things have been very encouraging for me. I'm not that yet confident to divulge the details. I feel thankful that God is showing me the way out of this mess. The road towards recovery is long, but I want to encourage everyone trapped in this addiction that there is a way to break free. Keep persevering.



by Dr. Bernell Christensen

After decades of helping individuals work through their addiction to pornography, I’m still amazed by the consistency of the responses I see in both the addict and those who care about him or her. When one is shackled in porn use, he or she is usually deeply frustrated and greatly perplexed by the power of their addiction—especially by the fact that when they feel the “urge” wash over them, they temporarily jettison everyone and everything they care about to indulge in porn or some other sexual behavior. Afterward, they can’t understand why their will power and self-discipline were so weak! At the same time, those who care about the addict feel tremendous frustration each time he or she gives in to the addiction—“Why can’t you just say no!” “You just need to learn to control yourself!”

To understand why an addict has little or no will power and self-discipline when faced with the overwhelming urge to indulge in his addiction, you must first understand what addiction does to the brain. In the forehead area or Frontal Lobes area of the brain is the control/executive center. This is the most advanced part of our brain—what makes us human. It is the area of the brain that has to do with will, self-discipline, anticipation of consequences, reasoning, planning, and goal-setting. Addictions inhibit this part of the brain and reduce these capacities. This is one reason why addicts are so “surprised” after they have indulged in violation of their own values, beliefs, resolutions, goals, memory of past consequences, etc.

Because addictive behaviors spawn from the Limbic System or reward-pleasure-appetite-emotion-driven part of the brain, and are accompanied by a tidal wave of endogenous chemicals (natural morphine-like chemicals produced by the brain) once the individual makes up his mind to start down the path of indulgence, the frontal lobes are, as it were, “blocked out” dramatically reducing “will-power” and “self-control”. It’s like battling the addiction with only 50%, 30%, or even 20% or less of one’s will, self-discipline, and self-control in operation. This is one reason why people who have never been addicted will say, “Why don’t you just quit”? or “Why don’t you just stop looking at it?” assuming that if they were addicted they could control it.

Of course they arrive at this reasoning with 100% of their will, self-discipline, and faculties in-tact. What they don’t realize is that with the logic/self-control centers of the brain severely handicapped, overcoming the urge to indulge is like running a race severely crippled. For the addict, the whole process is extremely frustrating and disheartening, because they want to quit, but it seems the harder they try the more powerless they become.

What we know, is that without the correct knowledge, tools and relevant skills, facing one’s addiction is really not a fair fight!


We Live in an Age of Addiction

We all are prime targets for addiction. We lead hectic, fast-paced, anxiety-filled lives. We often base our self-worth on our accomplishments. We drive ourselves further and further to achieve. Peace and confidence are often elusive for many good-hearted souls. As we continue to push ourselves harder and faster, we become more tired, stressed, and often more isolated.

To help you consider further “how your addiction has advanced to where it is today,” consider the example of the college student. Keep in mind that this example with just a few adjustments could describe the burned-out businessman, financially-buried single mom, and many other individuals who are struggling with the trials of life. As you read this example, ponder how it reflects your own situation:


The College Student

Imagine an individual who excitedly enters college with a burning desire to gain valuable knowledge and skills. He wants to invest in himself and develop his talents and abilities. However, he soon discovers that he is surrounded by other bright, talented and ambitious people in a very competitive and rigorous environment. He’s not only in school, but he has a job in order to finance his schooling. He finds himself not just jogging, but sprinting in a rat race to just to keep up. Before long he is exhausted, but he doesn’t give up; he can’t slow down. He continues to work, study and sacrifice day in and day out, week after week, month after month, often for years.

He finds himself isolated and lonely because of a lack of time, social opportunities and energy. The intense daily competition leaves him feeling insecure and questioning his own worth, uniqueness, talents and abilities. He often rises early in the morning to study, attends classes, works to earn a little spending money, studies some more in the evening, and arrives home exhausted. He has little opportunity to really “play” and enjoy leisure time. He begins experiencing emotional burnout and mental and physical fatigue. Before long he finds himself craving pleasure and escape. He doesn’t have much time for such things. He is a prime target and set-up for Internet porn.

He discovers that pornography is an easy, quick and cheap source of pleasure and escape. It is exciting and arousing—an extreme and intense amount of pleasure in a short period of time. Reaching climax stimulates his parasympathetic nervous system, providing instant relaxation and calmness. In fact, he even begins using self-stimulation and climax as a way to “be able to relax and go to sleep.”

Within a short period of time the student develops an addiction. He begins accessing pornography more and more often. It starts interfering with his studies and ability to focus and concentrate. He feels guilty about his behavior and tries to stop, but finds himself going back again and again. He tries to avoid even thinking about pornography and self-stimulation, and begins to fear these thoughts and his “out-of-control” behavior. The more he fights the thoughts, the more they force their way into his mind. Eventually, worn out by the struggle, he gives in and finds temporary relief, only to start the obsessive/compulsive cycle all over again.

This bright, young, honorable man finds himself shackled in chains, entrapped both in an addiction and in an obsession/compulsion. The more he tries to stop, the more difficult it becomes. The intense guilt, helplessness and discouragement become overwhelming.

Change a few of the particulars, and this story might generally describe your addiction. What this young man doesn’t realize, and what you may not know, is that addiction severely alters and handicaps the Frontal Lobes, robbing the addict of his will power and self-control. While this is most certainly not an excuse or justification, it definitely explains a great deal about an addict’s behavior! If the explanation ended here, there would be little hope for those who struggle under the heavy burden of addiction. But, what I have described is only the beginning!

What I know after decades of experience helping addicts, and what the latest brain imaging studies clearly prove is this: Frontal lobes that have been damaged by years of addiction can be healed and restored to their proper function! Yes, you can fully regain your will power and self-control! It takes time and effort. It requires that you gain the right knowledge, tools and skills. The point is, it can be done! That is what the Candeo program is all about—helping you successfully progress down the path of fully regaining your ability to choose; your free will; your self-esteem and self-confidence. Many have regained their lives and so can you. All you need do is start moving forward one step at a time down the recovery path. Let Candeo help you take your first step today.

—————–

Candeo is Devoted to Helping Pornography Addicts Start Down the Path of Healing

Candeo is an online organization whose mission is to educate and train individuals about the realistic, scientifically proven nature of Pornography Addiction.

It is estimated that in the U.S. alone, there are more than 60 million individuals, including men, women and children, caught up in Internet Pornography Addiction at some level. Pornography use is having a dramatic impact on their individual lives, families and society as a whole.

Candeo’s groundbreaking training system is an online Pornography Addiction Psycho-Education & Training System. This website contains many resources to help you learn more about this exciting new approach to helping those who are Addicted to Pornography.

To learn more and sign up for a FREE sample mini-course click here

News & Commentaries


1. Benedict XVI Surfs the Web and Uses Email [weblink]

2. COMELEC Bars Gays in House on Grounds of ‘Immorality’ [weblink]

3. Herald of 'Choice' Visits Philippines [weblink]

4. Young Muslim Writer Defends Crucifixes in Italy [weblink]

5. Europe Needs Children, Institute Affirms [weblink]

6. Gary Glenn Responds to Regrettable Mormon Church Decision to Back 'Gay Rights' Laws [weblink]

7. American Medical Association: Government Policies Bad for Health of Homosexuals [weblink]

8. Interview: Former Gay Youth Leader Re-Emerges to Tell His Dramatic Conversion Story [weblink]

9. Michigan Bill Introduced to Reverse Ban on Same-Sex "Marriage" [weblink]

10. Renegade Priest to Enter Same-Sex "Marriage" on Saturday [weblink]



Quote:

"He who loves with purity considers not the gift of the lover, but the love of the giver." - Thomas Kempis

Kerygma Conference 2009

Finally, I will be able to attend Kerygma Conference along with some Courage brothers. I have heard and read much about how people who attended the previous conferences got some life-changing, earth-shaking experiences and I want to see for myself. Besides, I really needed a big inspirational boost to bring my life in focus.

The biggest Catholic learning event of its kind has gotten even bigger this year. Around 10,000 participants are expected to gather at the Big Dome on November 28-29. Aside from this, some 3000 people from the Visayas and Mindanao provinces will listen to the conference talks via live simulcast in Cebu. The theme for this year is "Dream Big, Win Big".


What to Expect?

* Compelling and life-changing talks by Bo Sanchez and Kerygma Preachers Arun Gogna, Alvin Barcelona, Obet Cabrillas, Jon Escoto and Adrian Panganiban;
* Dynamic worship in the company of people who love God and want to live big for Him;
* Amazing works of healing thru our guest healer Bob Canton;
* Bigger blessings and bigger surprises!

Beneficiaries of KCon 2009 include Anawim, a home for the abandoned elderly; He Cares, a home for street children; Tahanan ng Pagmamahal, a home for abandoned children; and Grace to be Born, a shelter for unwed mothers and their babies.

Tickets are priced at P100, 200, 300, 400, & 500. You can buy your tickets at SM Ticketnet outlets or you can call the KCon Secretariat at 416-7809 and 725-9999. If you really want to attend this event, I suggest you buy your tickets now.

My Genes Made Me Do It!

I got some great stuff here that I want to share with you. It's an e-book called My Genes Made Me Do It! - A Scientific Look at Sexual Orientation and you can download it chapter by chapter for free here.


What is the Book About?

The book is one of the most comprehensive and easily-read books in the popular market today on science and homosexuality. It is an objective review of more than 10,000 scientific research papers and publications from all sides of the debate.

The book argues for a roughly 10%/90% nature/nurture effect in homosexuality and claims that any genetic effect is very indirect e.g., any physical characteristic making a person feel gender-atypical. The book shows that homosexual orientation is not fixed but that change is possible. It contains arguments not found elsewhere.

Using cutting edge science and summarising thousands of scientific publications and papers, it is nevertheless very accessible to the average reader. The book covers the development of homosexual and heterosexual orientation, instincts, intersexes, culture, prenatal hormonal exposure, neurology, and genetics.


Chapter Headings

1. Can genes create sexual orientation?
2. The genetic implications of homosexual occurrence.
3. Are heterosexuals born that way?
4. How strong are our instincts?
5. What produces intersexes?
6. What do different cultures tell us about sexual orientation?
7. Does pre-natal hormonal exposure make you homosexual?
8. Are brains gay?
9. The "discovery" of the gay gene.
10. Twin studies - the strongest evidence
11. Path Analysis - where does it lead?
12. Can you change your sexual orientation?
13. Summary: Minimal genetic contribution to homosexuality.


Book Reviews

"I have not come across a more readable scientific treatise. I am no academic, and I found the book fascinating. The authors are able to express complex scientific truths in an understandable form, and even where things do get rather complex, helpfully, each chapter is provided with a conclusion which summarises the chapter in simple terms. It's a good read, and is packed with good, well-researched information, and is a vital contribution to the nature-nurture debate." (From Courage Newsletter (UK) Easter 2000 by Dave Pownall)


"....Together they have put together a very readable book that offers a wealth of useful information on the topic of homosexuality.

.....The authors do an excellent job of explaining the difficult scientific terminology involved in the study of genetics, making the topic manageable for the average reader.

Many myths surround the topic of homosexuality and its causes. My Genes Made Me Do It! does an excellent job debunking these myths with scientific research and evidence. " (Tim Ratigan, Human Life International, 2001)


"Are you tired of hearing that people with homosexual temptations are "born that way?" Are you finding recovery difficult, and have doubts as to whether or not homosexuality is a biological problem robbing you of the determination you need to keep going? Have we got a book for you!

...A most helpful book ...excellent discussions ...great documentation." (Anonymous (!) Homosexuals Anonymous, 2000)


(Acknowledgment: The book is authored by Neil and Briar Whitehead. For more information on scientific articles and research on homosexuality, visit their website at www.mygenes.co.nz)

News & Commentaries


1. Twelve Reasons the Cross Is Not a Violation of Freedom [weblink]

2. Manila Holds Congress of the Clergy [weblink]

3. Priest’s New Book Challenges Men to Learn ‘True Manhood’ by Following Christ [weblink]

4. Help C-FAM Gather 1,000,000 Signatures [weblink]

5. Argentinian Governor: I Will Not Accept Abortion or Homosexual Marriage [weblink]

6. Massachusetts Man Fired From Corporation Over Christian Belief in Traditional Marriage [weblink]

7. Marriage Victory in Maine [weblink]

8. Statement by Mike Heath on Defeat of Homosexual Marriage Law in Maine [weblink]

9. Quebec Priest Denies Possibility of Sexual Reorientation Therapy on TV [weblink]

10. United Nations Report Pushes for Right to Sex-Change Operations [weblink]



Quote:

"It is love alone that gives worth to all things.” - St. Teresa of Avila