You can see the faulty logic

of this position. The bottom line is that we are all "born with"

various potential and actual foibles, and are further conditioned by our

environment to be sinful creatures (if not, will the first perfect person

please stand up?). Some of us are worse than others, but we are all burdened

What God then does is ask us

to rely on him for our salvation and for release from the slavery in which

our various bad habits bind us.

For some, this may mean resisting

a sexual drive that is unhealthy or even violent. For others it could

be as simple as resisting the temptation to gossip. Whatever the challenge

may be, we can know with certainty that God equips all his children for

this task in the person of His Son.

So, Dr. Dean's assured

knowledge of God's will notwithstanding, let us avoid the trap of

giving into a biological determinism that allows us to justify and accept

every single urge as "God-given."

Instead, let us strive to live

according to God's will as clearly stated in the Bible and orthodox

Christian tradition so that we may attain eternal happiness in the abode

of His infinite love.

Trey Hoffman

Peachtree City, Ga.