The Dangerous Expectations of Reparative Therapy – The Video
Many people today think reparative therapy is Christian-based, but it’s not. There is no gospel in it, and it’s important for Christians to speak intelligently about how helping someone with same-sex attraction in a gospel-focused way is altogether different.
One of the dangers of reparative therapy is the expectation that change will always look a certain way. In the video The Dangerous Expectations of Reparative Therapy, the speaker shares, “That if you’re faithful enough, pray hard enough, or go through the right process, your sexual desires will shift completely to heterosexual attraction. But Scripture doesn’t promise that. What it does promise is that God will be with us in our struggle and that we can live a life of obedience, even when temptation remains. That’s the goal—not becoming straight, but becoming more like Christ.”
This distinction is crucial. Gospel-centered care doesn’t guarantee the removal of temptation, but it does point people to Jesus as their strength and hope. The Christian walk isn’t about conforming to heterosexual norms—it’s about being conformed to the image of Christ.
Let’s be clear when we talk about reparative therapy—it offers a human-centered process aimed at outward behavioral change. The gospel, however, offers heart transformation and lasting identity in Christ. That’s the difference we must articulate with compassion, clarity, and conviction.
Click here to read Nicholas’ blog post that says a whole lot more about this misunderstood issue. And click the following link to read the full version of our 2017 Harvest USA Magazine.
