The fact is that we simply don't really know
Exactly Bob. And in my opinion we (as a species) substitute not knowing with our beliefs.
But beliefs in a sense are a science analogous to the approach to physics you described i.e. a belief is an assumption that something is true and life is the model against which those beliefs are tested.
Problem is, as you allude to, early results can be misleading so it is difficult to tell when and where the belief goes out of synch with the model.
But for this analogy to work properly beliefs HAVE to be tested against life because as you stated "The fact is that we simply don't really know". It is when we lose sight of that fact, the only fact we have, and blindly stick to our faith that the process falls down.
Taking divorce as an example: in some scripture divorce is sinful, which must mean we have separated from God. But how many of us at DCS have found the opposite to be true? i.e as a result of our divorce experience we actually form a deeper more loving relationship with God?
So the belief that we can be separate from God is not what life is telling us. Indeed the very idea of separation has to be reconsidered. If God is ALL there is, there can be no where to be separated from him in, so why not re-examine the belief of separation?
Is it possible that whilst we think God has banished us as sinners and we live as if that were a fact, is it possible that this belief is erroneous and the idea of separation is all on the human side?
In relation to homosexuality it is the belief that it is sinful that leads to the idea of separation, now or at judgement time. And yet " The fact is that we simply don't really know"
And that is where I have personally let the matter lie and am happy to let life support or indeed contradict the model.
Paddy