Same-Sex Attraction and the Doctrine of Concupiscence

<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW162273317 BCX4"> <p><span data-contrast="none">The government of New South Wales in Australia is</span> <a href= "https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/gay-conversion-law-would-ban-suppression-of-gender-identity-20230808-p5dute.html"> <span data-contrast="none">contemplating a bill</span></a> <span data-contrast="none">that would make it illegal to counsel an individual to “change or suppress” their sexual orientation or gender identity. But the Anglican Diocese of Sydney is refusing to comply. </span><span data-ccp-props= "{"201341983":0,"335559731":720,"335559739":0,"335559740":480}"> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast="none">Last year, Anglican leaders there issued a statement</span> <a href= "https://www.sds.asn.au/sites/default/files/DocComm.Doctrine%20of%20Concupiscence%20Report.29%20November%202022.pdf?doc_id=NTEwNTU%3D"> <span data-contrast="none">on concupiscence</span></a><span data-contrast="none">, an aspect of the doctrine of sin having to do with fallen desire, clarifying its relevance to same-sex attraction.</span> <a href= "https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/sydney-anglicans-say-same-sex-desire-an-inclination-toward-evil-20230816-p5dx1o.html"> <span data-contrast="none">Archbishop Kanishka Raffel remarked</span></a><span data-contrast="none">, “</span><span data-contrast="none">Probably in our culture ... that sounds harsh. But this is basic Christian doctrine. … What we want people to know from a pastoral point of view [is] that there is God’s help to help us live God’s way.”</span><span data-ccp-props= "{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559731":720,"335559737":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":480}"> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast="none">Especially when it comes to sexuality, it is widely assumed today that our desires are inherently good and define who we are. But the Christian vision of sin implicates human behavior</span> <em><span data-contrast= "none">and</span></em> <span data-contr