Are Greeks an example of learn homosexuality?

[EmpiricalGod]

Hello People

We all know that a lot of fundementalism christians believe that homosexuality is a learnt trait, and they believe that homosexuals are choosing to rebel against their god.

I once heard an example quoted that seems to actually help out that belief.
I am talking about the ancient Greek culture and how homosexuality was practiced in the army, and was seen as acceptable, or even admirable.

I certainly have heard from other sources that ancient Greeks did embrace homosexuality, but is it really true that their culture made some men practice homosexaulity even if they wouldn't normally.

Personally i hold the belief that homosexuality is mostly a born-in trait and in part can be influenced by culture and surrounding circumstances eg abuse, but how much influence can move a man to practice homosexuality when they normally wouldnt?

[ModernHeretic]

When we talk about homosexuality, we're talking about sexual desire, which is really a physiological thing, and hence is pretty much inborn, although it's most likely influenced by the environment as well as the genes.

That said, if you're talking about behavior, it's entirely likely, and in fact even probable that a person can learn to engage in and perhaps even enjoy homosexual relations, even if he or she wouldn't naturally do that.

Kinsley thought most people were bisexual to at least some degree, i.e. that sexual orientation was more of a spectrum than a discrete set. In other words, maybe you can be straight or gay to different degrees, and hence some people are more straight or more gay than others in terms of their innate sexual inclinations.

If so, I don't see why a person who was already interested or maybe just curious couldn't learn to enjoy gay or lesbian activities.

[seanc]

I think they were just more free to act upon their homosexual feelings, which I believe are more widespread than we might think. Homosexual acts didn't have the negative connotations in their society as they do today... although the acts themselves were different (mostly pederasty, and actual penetration was frowned upon).

Of course, this is all baseless and is just my personal opinion! :p

[sensate]

Maybe ancient Greek sexuality was human sexuality at a natural state and our society is an example of learned heterosexuality.

[figuer]

Most hetero men, in my experience, would have no trouble penetrating another man, and enjoying the act. The restraint is mostly cultural. This doesn't mean that they are homosexual per se, as they are attracted to women and desire marriage etc.

[Godless11]

They did this for practical reasons. Pretty much every man joined the army and there were psychological benefits to having a lover; it kept them from getting so lonely. Also, aren't you more likely to fight your hardest if your lover is fighting alongside you.

[Theophage]

They did this for practical reasons. Pretty much every man joined the army and there were psychological benefits to having a lover; it kept them from getting so lonely. Also, aren't you more likely to fight your hardest if your lover is fighting alongside you.

I find it ironic that during my time in the US Army, the above was used as an argument against having women or homosexuals in combat, as it caused men to act less rationally in combat. Examples were given of men either unable to stifle their heroic impulse to save a woman in danger, and thus put themselves in greater danger, or (in the case of homosexuals) always having to watch their "back". Apparently gay men find being in a foxhole in the middle of combat to be the perfect place for a little of that down home lovin'... :rolleyes:

[seanc]

I find it ironic that during my time in the US Army, the above was used as an argument against having women or homosexuals in combat, as it caused men to act less rationally in combat. Examples were given of men either unable to stifle their heroic impulse to save a woman in danger, and thus put themselves in greater danger, or (in the case of homosexuals) always having to watch their "back". Apparently gay men find being in a foxhole in the middle of combat to be the perfect place for a little of that down home lovin'... :rolleyes:

Oh, but haven't you heard? Don't Ask Don't Tell works! Kinda like segregation in the army worked 60 years ago!

[Lógos Sokratikós]

The ancient Greeks weren't a homosexual society. They were a society that allowed homosexuality, gave it an honorable place, and at the same time thrived culturally and demographically.