I was taken back by the viewpoint expressed by some of the letters to the editor about either having faith in science or religion. It doesn't have to be a choice. We can accept both. One of the main purposes of a university, including BYU, is to expand our understanding of the world around us. From what I have seen in the excellently reported article about Dr. Bill Bradshaw's lecture, Dr. Bradshaw reported the current scientific understanding of homosexuality, and that many individuals, including active Church members, struggle with it.
Homosexuality is not just about same-sex attraction, it is something inherent to the make-up of certain individuals. It is not about sinning. And, for Dr. Bradshaw to present his lecture at BYU goes a long ways to trying to expand the understanding that we should have of genetic diversity around us. Even though Spencer W. Kimball said it was a sin, as far as the Church is concerned, does not mean that homosexuality does not exist. Many questions can be answered by religion, but homosexuality is not one of them. A university should help us understand important issues, even controversial issues, and I believe that is what Dr. Bradshaw did. I applaud him for his courage and professionalism in making this presentation at BYU.
Donald L. Robertson, PhD
Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry
MiraCosta College
Oceanside, Calif.