Without Natural Affection

Twice in the epistles of Paul (Romans and 2nd Timothy), in a list of transgressions, he includes "without natural affection."  In the letter to the Romans, it is just a few verses after a description of male homosexuality, and so it has been often tied to same gender attraction.  However, also included in both lists are disobedient to parents, boasters, proud, and trucebreakers/covenantbreakers.  It's not like the description of homosexual lusts were any more connected to "without natural affection" than to any of the other transgressions in the list.
But I think those who are straight just relegate that phrase to mean "gay" and move on, while those who are gay oriented insist that their attractions are not unnatural and similarly move on.  But I think that's not a wise way to treat the teachings of the Bible.

Here's a big problem I have with it.  I'm married, and I sometimes find myself attracted to those to whom I am not married.  Of course it would be irresponsible for me to pursue a relationship with someone when I'm married to another.  But is it only natural if these attractions are to others of the opposite gender, while a great wickedness if it towards those of the same gender?  That somehow marital infidelity is perfectly understandable if it is heterosexual, but an abomination if it's homosexual?  I think a lot of people kind of read these passages this way, but I don't think that is what Paul meant.

What is natural affection?  I think the most natural primal affection is that of a mother for her child.  However, watching the news today, I wonder if we are seeing more and more cases of mothers who are more detached from their children than affectionate.  Parents view children more as a burden and less as a blessing in today's world than perhaps was the case in earlier times.  This could be thought of as lacking natural affection.

On the other hand, if the affection referred to is sexual in context, perhaps being attracted to pictures and videos (read: pornography) is a case of unnatural affection.  While our sexual desires may be natural, introducing fictional objects as the focus for that desire could be considered unnatural, and it can delay the progression of sexual growth and development.

So my conclusion is that I think that it would be wise for all of us, of any orientation, to consider more carefully the meaning of "without natural affection," and not just pass it over.