IN THEORY:Do teachings on homosexuality need to be revisited?

Many religious leaders and traditions do not need to revisit their stances because they already call for genuine love and respect for gay and lesbian people. They do not characterize sexual activity between people of the same sex as immoral, but they support equal rights and they advocate an end to discrimination.

It is a serious problem in our nation when the religious views of one or some traditions continue to be presented as if they are the only valid ethical or moral teachings, or that they somehow represent religion or faith. The truth is that there are differing positions both between religions and within religions.

If new evidence will prompt a change in the ethical teachings of those religious leaders who preach that homosexual activity is immoral, it should be welcomed. But it seems that every few months, there is a new study about the role of genetics in some aspect of life, whether addiction, mental illness or gender differences.

Usually, the results are suggestive rather than conclusive. I wonder at what point the evidence that homosexuality is a genetically inherited trait would be considered so irrefutable that it could change the minds of those who adamantly claim that homosexual activity is immoral.

Awareness of "nature versus nurture" and "determination versus free will" should already inform our understanding; there is a complex interplay between the influence of biology (what we are born with) and environment (how our society and learning shapes us). The reasonable possibility that homosexuality might be genetic in some people has not thus far tempered the views of some, but we can hope that increasing evidence and growing awareness may lead to positive changes.

In Zen, each person is called to realize and express his or her true self, sometimes referred to as "Buddha nature," whether gay or straight. There is nothing in the Zen tradition to prohibit or disparage same-sex orientation, sexual activities, relationships or marriage, whether it is genetically inherited or a choice of lifestyle.

REV. DR. DEBORAH BARRETT

Zen Center of Orange County

Costa Mesa

Do not lie with a male as one lies with a woman; it is an abhorrence. (Leviticus 18:22).