Homosexuality and the Bible: Part 2, The NT

[fallingblood]

This is my final article on Homosexuality and the Bible. It deals primarily with the New Testament and what it has to say on homosexuality. You can find it all here: Articles « Belzian Educational Foundation

Having examined the Old Testament scriptures that have been used in order to condone the intolerance towards homosexuals, and seeing that they do not support such an intolerance, especially in the case of non-Jews, our next task is to move onto the New Testament and see what we can find there.

Concerning the New Testament, Paul is our earliest writer. In his writings, even though he never uses the term homosexuality, he describes what can only be described as such in two separate passages. In a moment, we will look at these passages to see what we can gather from them.

One thing that must be remembered is that Paul was living in a different time, and did not have access to the information we do today. That is important to keep in mind as we have had many advances in research concerning sexual orientation in general.

Now, when looking at Paul, he clearly labels homosexuality as a sin. In the verses in question (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Romans 1:26-27), Paul describes more than just male anal intercourse, and thus shows a progression from the Old Testament laws that we have already examined. In his passages, Paul makes it clear that is is talking about individuals, both male and female, who give up, what is in his mind natural, for the unnatural. In context, we see that he is talking about sexual practices, and while regarding males in general, the Greek itself makes it clear that Paul is referring to homosexuality in general.

To illustrate this point, we will look at both passages individually. First, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, “Do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived! Fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, sodomites, thieves, the greedy, drunkards, revilers, robbers -- none of these will inherit the kingdom of God.”

The key terms in this passage are male prostitutes and sodomites. We will first look at male prostitutes. When looking at the Greek word, it can refer to an adolescent boy who sold sexual favors to older men; however, in a more general use (which we see here) it could also refer to the more passive male in male anal intercourse. The Greek word for sodomite also can have a similar meaning. It is a term used more to describe the active male in male anal intercourse. That being so, it is quite clear what Paul is talking about here.

Unlike the Old Testament passages, what Paul is talking about is more clear. In the Old Testament passages, as we saw when examining the Old Testament, the passages did not necessarily refer to homosexuality. When looking at the act of male anal intercourse (which the Old Testament is describing), we see it more describing an act of force, used to subjugate and humiliate the passive male in the act. For Paul, there is not the sort of suggestion. In context, we see other forms of sexually “immoral” acts also being described, as well as acts that are entered into willingly for the pleasure that they bring to those committing them.

Interesting though, homosexuality is not singled out here. Instead, we see it being listed with other random sins, such as stealing, being greedy, and being a drunkard. So the focus on homosexuality, at least in this case, is unwarranted. Even more interesting though is if we continue to read the passage; verse 11, “And this is what some of you used to be. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.” It truly is sad that more do not actually continue onto this verse, but instead choose on picking out a small portion of the passage and use it to condemn another.

Moving on to Romans, we see a similar situation; verses 26-27: “For this reason God gave them up to degrading passions. Their women exchanged natural intercourse for unnatural, and in the same way also the men, giving up natural intercourse with women, were consumed with passion for one another.”

This is the only passage in the Bible regarding lesbianism, and the fact that Paul also covers women being with other women, gives all the more reason to consider that he is speaking about what we today refer to as homosexuality. It also gives a little clue to Paul's mindset on the subject. Paul describing the acts of homosexual sex as unnatural shows the misunderstanding of sexual orientation that was present during his time. Paul states that these individuals exchange their natural intercourse for unnatural, implying that it is a conscious decision to be homosexual. With modern research, we now understand that homosexuality is not a choice, but like heterosexuality, is something that we are born as or possibly are predetermined to being.

[fallingblood]

As with the passage in 1 Corinthians though, if we read a little more, we see that homosexuality is not necessarily being singled out. If we continue to read Romans 1:29-31, we see other sins being addressed: “They were filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, covetousness, malice. Full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, craftiness, they are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, rebellious toward parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless.”

And as with 1 Corinthians, if we continue to read Romans, we also see that Paul states in chapter 3, verse 22-24: “....For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Again, it is sad that more are not willing to read all of what Paul says instead of taking a few verses out of context in order to justify their intolerance.

What we see in these passages is that Paul is stating that homosexuality is a sin. There really is no denying that. It is something that should be accepted, and understood. Paul is saying that homosexuality is a sin; however, he also states that being a drunkard or a gossip is also a sin. Paul lists a number of other sins as well, and it does not make sense just to pull one out and condemn it while ignoring the rest. More so, Paul tells us that we are all sinners. We are all guilty of sin.

Expanding on that, Paul also tells us not to judge others. In Romans 2:1, “Therefore you have no excuse, whoever you are, when you judge others; for in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, are doing the very same things.” Moving onto verses 4-5: “Or do you despise the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience? Do you not realize that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But by your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath, when God's righteous judgement will be revealed.”

It is signification that these verses follow right after the verse concerning homosexuality. Even though Paul acknowledges these sins, he also advises that one should not pass judgment on those who commit these sins. This is the same attitude that we see with Jesus.

Coincidently, Jesus never mentions homosexuality. However, one should not really read too much into this. All that this suggests is that the topic never came up. But we can take some advice from Jesus that does relate to this issue.

In Matthew 7, we see a number of verses dealing with not judging others. First we see verses 1-5: “Do not judge, so that you may not be judged (Luke 6:37 also adds, “do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven) For with the judgment you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speak in your neighbor's eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' while the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor's eye.” Moving on a few verses, we see the golden rule in verse 12: “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.” (As a note, the Pharisee Hillel also voices the same idea. So we have do have the suggestion that it was a common idea that the golden rule was widespread. Paul, being both a follower of Jesus, as well as a Pharisee, like Hillel, it is likely he also held a similar idea).

What we see here is that both Paul and Jesus, regardless of what they believe to be sin, they tell their followers not to condemn nor judge others. That even though one may sin, we all are guilty of such. We all have short comings, and according to Paul and Jesus, none seem to be worse than another. Thus, it is foolish to focus on one sin out of many, especially, as Jesus states, we all have a log in our own eye.

So regardless of whether or not one may consider homosexuality to be a sin, many should take a lesson from Jesus and Paul; do not judge others. We all have faults, and really, we are in no position of pointing out what we may see as a fault in another person. When it really comes down to it though, even though Paul may consider homosexuality as a sin, that does not justify the intolerance that is shown towards homosexuality, especially when we consider that a far greater command is the love of one's neighbor, as well as the repeated command not to judge.

We now finally come to the question, if the Bible is not a logical justification of the intolerance towards homosexuality, what fuels this intolerance? Considering that we also see this intolerance in both the religious as well as nonreligious, why do we see it at all? I propose that the reason is simply that homosexuality is a minority.

As with many minorities over the centuries, they are seen to be different. And in that same regard, since they are seen to be different, they are persecuted. We see this to be true with many minorities throughout out time. When people do not understand them, they fear them, they try to change them, or they try to get rid of them.

It does not have to be this way though. If understanding can be spread, and this can be done through providing sound information, this intolerance that leads to persecution can be fought. And when one realizes that the true enemy is not religion, but that it is deeper and more widespread, then this intolerance can be better dealt with. However, by focusing ones attention on religion as the culprit of this intolerance, all that is created is further problems, and additional intolerance. Instead of fighting the problem, what occurs is the creation of a problem by making the imagined opponent defensive. When really, what should be done is the spreading of information.

[krsnaraja]

Foremost information that should be spread is the number of HIV cases related to homosexuality. That all homosexuals should come out from their closets & declare they are one lest they be judged by God himself.

[fallingblood]

Originally Posted by krsnaraja

Foremost information that should be spread is the number of HIV cases related to homosexuality. That all homosexuals should come out from their closets & declare they are one lest they be judged by God himself.

That seems a little asinine.

[KingOfTheJungle]

fallingblood: we finally can agree on one thing. People who engage in homosexuality often receive a level of hate that offenders of the other sins don't receive. I've seen countless protestors on streets with signs that say God hates homosexuals and I don't remember ever seeing that level of protesting for idolators, murderers etc. I think in many ways the Christian church has failed miserably at hating the sin but not the sinner when it comes to homosexuality.

[Tristesse]

Originally Posted by Junglej25

fallingblood: we finally can agree on one thing. People who engage in homosexuality often receive a level of hate that offenders of the other sins don't receive. I've seen countless protestors on streets with signs that say God hates homosexuals and I don't remember ever seeing that level of protesting for idolators, murderers etc. I think in many ways the Christian church has failed miserably at hating the sin but not the sinner when it comes to homosexuality.

I think lumping homosexuals in the same bucket as murderers is vile and to even equate the two as if they've done equal wrongs(btw, there's nothing wrong with homosexuality) is disgusting and needs to end.

[krsnaraja]

Originally Posted by fallingblood

That seems a little asinine.

That`s why you still hide in your closets.

[fallingblood]

Originally Posted by krsnaraja

That`s why you still hide in your closets.

Now that is idiotic.

[Walkntune]

The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin no matter what kind of( theolitics) we come up with.You make a few good points as Christians should look at everyone with compassion and love and not under condemnation.You seem to be a little confused as to what is judgement and what is discernment of sin.Judgement has to do with trying to interpret intentions of another persons heart. If you have the Spirit of God in you then you will also carry the conviction of what is sin.

[fallingblood]

Originally Posted by Walkntune

The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin no matter what kind of( theolitics) we come up with.You make a few good points as Christians should look at everyone with compassion and love and not under condemnation.You seem to be a little confused as to what is judgement and what is discernment of sin.Judgement has to do with trying to interpret intentions of another persons heart. If you have the Spirit of God in you then you will also carry the conviction of what is sin.

I think that really is just a cop out. You are not granted the right to point out other peoples flaws. I quoted the relevant scripture on that point, which both Paul and Jesus agreed upon.