Mohler vs. Gene Robinson: Symposium on Homosexuality and Religion

April 22, 2008
by Josh Montez

The American Psychiatric Association has agreed to host a discussion on religion and therapy for homosexuality. Next month they'll bring in conservative theologians and pro-gay voices to duke it out in two debates.

When it comes to the kinds of counseling therapists can ethically offer those struggling with unwanted same-sex attraction, the Psychiatric Association usually takes its cues from the gay community. But a spiritual component will be offered by Dr. Al Mohler of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Spokesman Bob Stith.

“The APA is getting, I believe, a lot of pressure from within their own ranks of people who feel that they are shutting out the religious dimension. I think they are beginning to heed that.”
The highlight of the event will be a debate between Mohler and gay Episcopal Bishop, Gene Robinson.

“There are a lot of general statements made that if you take it apart, it doesn’t hold water," says Stith. "And Dr. Mohler’s very good at being able to do that. I think he’s going to be very good at being able to diffuse both the theological smokescreen and the fact that the actual science doesn’t support what they say it does.”

Robinson was not available for comment. On the under-card is another debate between pro-gay psychiatrist, David Scasta and Dr. Warren Throckmorton of Grove City College.

“I think what this symposium signals is that religion as a core variable of personality is being taken more and more seriously them at the health professions.”

The symposium will take place in Washington DC on May 5th. the rest