It would not be a better analogy, because the scientific consensus is that masturbation is beneficial, therefore desirable from an areligious standpoint.

The reason why alcoholism is a good analogy for me is because it is a point that is considered a sin in the bible, but it is also considered undesireable from an areligious standpoint.

Thanks for bringing up the question. By bringing negative examples, it helps highlight the usefulness of the right one.

the main issue I'm having with this logic is that Alcoholism and homosexuality are in no ways similar, unless you're making the grand assumption that homosexuality is as harmful to your spirit as alcoholism is to your body

I didnt give you a stupid excuse, the answer I gave you is the most logical answer I can give to a illogical question such as "What if so and so etc" such as yours.

@bolded. It will be my great delight. I never ask someone to do something I wouldn't myself be willing to do.

Regarding italics, if the bible stated that being heterosexual was a sin, I would stop being a Christian immediately. It is contrary to every fibre of reason and conviction I have irrespective of scripture. To assure you, there are areas in the bible I struggle with very much so. Thankfully, they aren't as blatant as "flee from heterosexuality, or any form of sexuality whatsoever".

In other words, I can understand why people who, with their convictions of life telling them homosexuality is good, were quick to throw the bible out. I can understand that position since, if I were in their shoes, I would have done the same.

Excellent question.

@bolded. It will be my great delight. I never ask someone to do something I wouldn't myself be willing to do.

Regarding italics, if the bible stated that being heterosexual was a sin, I would stop being a Christian immediately. It is contrary to every fibre of reason and conviction I have irrespective of scripture. To assure you, there are areas in the bible I struggle with very much so. Thankfully, they aren't as blatant as "flee from heterosexuality, or any form of sexuality whatsoever". And despite very relevant and heavy challenges from areligious material or material from antagonists of Christianity, I have found many of these to at least have some answer, if not a shadow of one. I am still convinced. I know you realize there are many religions to choose from, even not choosing any at all (which would be quite convenient). If I am still a Christian today, it's because I am not convinced it is fatally flawed like in posted theoretical scenario.

In other words, I can understand why people who, with their convictions of life telling them homosexuality is good, were quick to throw the bible out. I can understand that position since, if I were in their shoes, I would have done the same.

Excellent question.

To tell you the unmasked truth, I believe I am biologically bisexual. I have had homosexual relations in the past, and have enjoyed them all. I still fantasize on them.

Having said that, given my dedication to my convictions, I have worked to focus my efforts on the heterosexual side of my desires.

Though you may be very saddened by that, I hope you understand that is my personal choice, and in a world where people are free to choose  and follow where their heart leads them, I know you respect my decision if at least out of respect for the disposition of my heart.

This is a hypothetical question, but your evasion to answer is making me think you see my point already.

Do you masturbate? Masturbation is a sin, as I'm sure you know. Do you do it anyway? Why, why not?

If you're not allowed to masturbate according to your religion, and you don't find the same sex attractive (as our hypothetical Bible describes) then how do you engage in what even padib calls a scientifically proven healthy release?

This isn't a question about what is natural, etc etc. This question is asking you to put yourself in the shoes of a gay person. You find women attractive right? What if finding women attractive was wrong, a sin? Would you be able to resist. Would you be able to lie to yourself?

That is the question.

Your question which I was referring to was the "What if " question, its like asking what if we breathed carbon dioxide instead of oxygen? You never asked me about masturbation until now.

In terms of masturbation, yes I have, and I'm pretty sure you and the rest of the people in the world (or the majority of it) have done as well. We're human, we're not perfect, we make mistakes, even sinful mistakes. Point is no one is perfect.

It might be a proven healthy release, but there are also other factors that can prevent from leading to that certain disease or condition.

Finding a woman attractive wouldnt be a sin for a male, because it IS natural for a man to be attractive to a female, its a natural thing, you cannot deny that. The fact that "Gay" person as you put it would be attracted to a person of the same gender is based on personal free will and decision, its not something that their born with, I'm sorry but I dont believe the "Your born gay" discussions, thats like saying a murder was born to murder, he acted on his own decisions and on his own will to murder, not cause he was born to do so.

If your homosexual, than your homosexual, if your heterosexual, than your heterosexual, that is a decision you make, that is why Free Will exists. No point in hiding about it.