The biblical worldview holds that children are a blessing from the Lord (Psalm 127:3), and that God’s design for the family is rooted in the complementary union of a man and a woman (Genesis 2:24). Any consideration of child-rearing and adoption must begin with this truth: the family was instituted by God for His glory and the good of humanity. When society deviates from this divine blueprint—especially by placing children into the care of same-sex couples engaged in homosexual relationships—it not only violates God’s moral law but also places children into a structure that, by nature, cannot meet their full developmental and emotional needs.
The Biblical Model of the Family
The Bible is clear and consistent: marriage is between one man and one woman. Genesis 1:27–28 declares, “So God created man in his own image… male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply…’” (ESV). This foundation is affirmed by Christ Himself in Matthew 19:4–6, where He affirms male-female marriage as the context in which God joins people together in covenantal union. The family is the foundational institution where children are to be born, nurtured, taught, and discipled (Deuteronomy 6:6–9; Proverbs 22:6).
When two people of the same sex seek to raise a child together in a relationship that is defined by what Scripture calls sin (Romans 1:26–27; 1 Corinthians 6:9–11), they model not righteousness, but rebellion. Children are formed not only by what they are told, but by what they observe. When the parental relationship is one of sexual sin, the home becomes a training ground in moral confusion.
Male and Female: Both Are Needed
God designed men and women not to be interchangeable, but complementary. While both sexes are equal in value, they bring different strengths and responsibilities to parenting. The father’s presence provides strength, authority, and guidance, while the mother provides nurture, emotional security, and compassion. These are not stereotypes; they are observable and biblically reinforced truths about human nature.
To deprive a child of either a mother or a father is to deprive them of a key component of healthy development. This is not merely a social preference—it is a theological reality rooted in the creation order. Studies (including those not produced by Christian institutions) repeatedly confirm that children thrive best in homes where a married mother and father are present. This does not mean every heterosexual marriage is perfect—but it does reflect God’s created intention.
The Inappropriateness of Gay Male Parenting
Two homosexual men attempting to raise a child together create a morally and practically unfit environment. Male sexuality is, in general, more overt and aggressive. A household defined by a sexual relationship between two men inherently increases risk factors, particularly if the relationship dissolves—leaving one homosexual man as the sole caregiver of a child of the same sex he is sexually oriented toward. While this does not suggest all such individuals will harm the child, it does highlight a category of risk that should not be ignored.
Additionally, two gay men raising a girl introduces its own risks. The child will have no maternal figure—no woman to model feminine identity, modesty, and virtue. This absence may deeply affect the daughter’s development and sense of self. God has appointed mothers to help raise daughters in the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:8), and when no mother is present, a daughter is deprived of crucial guidance.
Despite what feminists and other radical idealogues want us to believe, male and female are not the same, and they are not interchangeable. Two women or two men cannot reflect the parental example that children need to thrive.
The Problems with Lesbian Parenting
Two lesbians parenting a male child also subverts God’s design. A boy raised without a father is more prone to identity confusion, passivity, or excessive aggression. But when both parental figures are not only female, but involved in a romantic relationship condemned by Scripture, this problem is compounded. Lesbian couples may also be more likely—whether intentionally or inadvertently—to affirm gender fluidity, leading some boys to question their masculinity or even pursue gender transition, a practice that mutilates the body and mocks the Creator (Psalm 139:13–16).
While not every lesbian couple will push gender ideology on children, modern trends show that progressive same-sex households are often deeply enmeshed in ideologies that promote such confusion. This makes them unfit to raise the next generation in truth, especially Christian truth.
Surrogacy and Designer Babies
The matter becomes even more egregious when gay or lesbian couples intentionally commission the birth of children via surrogates or sperm donors. In such cases, a child is deliberately brought into the world with the express intention of being denied either a mother or a father. This commodifies the child—making him or her the product of adult desire, not the fruit of a God-ordained union.
These children are often created in labs, with sperm and egg chosen for specific traits. It is designer parenthood—not for the child’s sake, but for the parents’. This further separates procreation from the marital covenant and defies the doctrine that children are a gift, not a right (Psalm 127:3). God’s design is not for children to be engineered and handed off to same-sex couples. The practice is unethical and spiritually devastating.
Personal Testimony: Ross Johnston’s Story
Ross Johnston, a young man raised by two lesbians via artificial insemination, has publicly testified to the deep spiritual and emotional wounds he experienced. Though he loves his mothers and prays for their salvation, he acknowledges that his upbringing was far from ideal. As a Christian now, Ross advocates not only for biblical truth but for the right of every child to have a mother and a father. His story demonstrates the internal conflict faced by many children raised in homosexual households—they may love their parents, but they know deep down that something essential was missing.
The Desire to Look “Normal”
It is true that many homosexual couples adopt or use surrogacy because they long for what heterosexual couples have: the experience of family. This is not unnatural. All people are created in God’s image and wired to desire connection, legacy, and love. But sin disorders our desires (James 1:14–15; Romans 1:21–28). When fallen desires are pursued outside of God’s order, they lead to destruction—even when motivated by seemingly noble aims.
The pursuit of children to “look normal” is not about the child—it is about the adult’s self-validation. Yet the ability to imitate normalcy under secular law does not transform what is morally wrong into what is right. Legal recognition is not the same as moral legitimacy.
Celebrity Culture and the Normalization of Deviation
Several celebrities have popularized same-sex adoption. Elton John and his partner adopted two boys via surrogacy. Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi have spoken openly about their desire for children. Anderson Cooper, a CNN anchor, has fathered children through surrogacy while in homosexual relationships. Pete Buttigieg and Chasten Buttigieg adopted twins. These high-profile cases glamorize what Scripture calls sin, making it difficult for society to see the cost. Children are not accessories to validate adult choices—they are immortal souls in need of godly formation.
Single Gay and Lesbian Adoption
It is no more appropriate for a single homosexual man or woman to adopt a child than for a same-sex couple. While the adoption of a child by a single heterosexual person may be considered in special cases, this exception should not extend to those whose lives are defined by open sexual sin. Adoption is not a right—it is a sacred trust. If someone is not modeling holiness and repentance, they are not fit to disciple a child (Matthew 18:6).
This may not apply to scenarios where, for example, a gay or lesbian relative assumes custody of a child after a tragedy. In such cases, the priority is kinship stability and protection—not the approval of a moral lifestyle. But even then, Christians must counsel such guardians to repent and pursue holiness, especially if they claim the name of Christ.
Conclusion: Adoption Must Serve the Child, Not the Adult
Adoption is a beautiful reflection of the gospel. God adopts believers into His family through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:5). But this sacred act must never be twisted into a platform for adult self-fulfillment. The welfare of the child must come first—spiritually, emotionally, and developmentally.
Children should not be used as accessories for the gay community to parade in an effort to normalize their lifestyle.
From a biblical perspective, same-sex adoption falls short of God’s standard for family and child-rearing. It models sin, removes either the mother or father, and often uses artificial means that treat children as commodities rather than gifts. While some children may “survive” such homes, God’s will is for children to flourish in homes where His created order is honored.
As Christians, we must speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), advocate for righteousness in adoption policies, and care deeply for the souls of children—and of those living in deception. The solution is not hatred, but holiness, repentance, and the restoration of God’s design for the family.
S.D.G.,
Robert Sparkman
rob@basedchristianity.org
RELATED CONTENT
Alan Schlemon of Stands to Reason discusses one of the claims concerning same-sex couple adoptions: shouldn’t same-sex couples be allowed to adopt if the alternative is that the child is placed in the foster care system and is abused as a result. He discusses how policy should not be based on exceptions. The evidence is clear that children thrive best in a normal family with a married, heterosexual couple. In fact, single heterosexual parents should not be the rule.
Ross Johnston gives his testimony as a child born from artificial insemination to a lesbian mother. He mentions the voids in his life due to his family situation. We have a difference in perspective in some areas, I suspect, but he seems to be a very energetic, thoughtful believer.
This same-sex couple from Walton County, Georgia adopted two boys and used them for child pornography. Their names are William and Zachary Zulock. They plead guilty to incest, child molestation and sexual exploitation of children. This case is not an isolated incident.
Concerning the Related Content section, I encourage everyone to evaluate the content carefully.
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I recommend these Youtube channels for good content on Christian matters: Founders Ministries, Ligonier Ministries, Grace to You, G3 Ministries, and Truth for Life. RC Sproul, Voddie Baucham, Alistair Begg, Kevin DeYoung, Albert Mohler, Tom Ascol and John MacArthur are well-known, trustworthy pastors and teachers with content across multiple forums.
Francis Schaeffer, Tom Ascol, Allie Beth Stuckey and Nancy Pearcey have some valuable materials related to cultural matters, as well.