What does the Bible say about homosexuality?
June 1, 2002 § 54 Comments
Let me say this before I begin: it is hard to write about such a subject. It is a very sensitive topic, and many people can be offended, not just those who practice homosexuality. But I think it relevant to have a look at Bible verses that talk about the topic, if you believe in the Bible. I invite you, the reader, to make up your mind about what you will believe for yourself.
When we talk about homosexuality, I think it’s important to drop the label and name-calling, and simply call those who are homosexuals, people. We are all people, first and foremost.
The practice (or lifestyle, if you like) of homosexuality is nowadays more mainstream than ever. Whereas it was hidden in the past, it is now pushed out into the open.
Another trend can be seen these days: the practice of legitimizing homosexuality within organized religion. There are churches that will admit openly homosexual members and what’s more, tell them that God still loves them even if they remain homosexual. Does the Bible support that stance?
In the hope of shedding some light on this subject, what I thought I’d do is to go through the Bible, from the Old Testament to the New Testament, and present every verse that talks about the subject of homosexuality. Please understand that I am simply going to cite these verses, lay them before you with little explanation, and let you draw your own conclusion. Before I begin, I must make it clear that my purpose is not to condemn or judge the practice of homosexuality, and neither should you. Let each of us live as he or she sees fit.
Genesis
The introduction to homosexuality occurs in the first book of the Bible, in Genesis Chapter 18. The Lord is talking to Abraham just after He promised him a son. “And the Lord said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.” (Genesis 18:20,21)
Let’s look in Chapter 19 and see just what these people were doing: “But before they lay down [to eat], the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter. And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? Bring them out unto us, that we may know [have sex with] them.” (Genesis 19:4, 5) If you are confused about the meaning of the verb “know” in the Bible context, look at other translations or look it up in a Bible Concordance and it will be made clearer to you.
Lot, knowing full well that the men in his house were the angels of God, even went out and tried to offer his own daughters to the mob in order to appease them: “And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him, And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly, Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof.” (Genesis 19:6-8)
I question Lot’s judgment in wanting to allow his daughters to be gang-raped, but who knows how men regarded women during those times… It’s certainly very strange to me, but let’s move on. You can read for yourselves in order to find out the details of the story, but in the end, God’s judgment was clear: “Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven; And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground.” (Genesis 19:24, 25)
Leviticus
“Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.” (Leviticus 18:22) And lest you think it is simply condemned and not punished, read on: “Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you. And the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants.” (Leviticus 18:24, 25)
The same is stated further in the chapter: “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.” (Leviticus 20:13)
Romans
Paul writes here about the continued rejection of God’s will: “For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.” (Romans 1:26-28)
Corinthians
The apostle Paul is very direct in this book. He writes: “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?” (1 Corinthians 6:9) And then he clarifies just what an unrighteous person is: “Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind [homosexuals], nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10)
Notice how homosexuality is grouped with other mainstream sins such as idolatry, fornication and drunkenness. Beware, fellow Christians, lest you are found guilty of one of these other sins while you think yourself righteous because you aren’t a homosexual…
Timothy
Here we all are given hope. We are all sinners, and that is why we have been given the law of God. What we choose to do with it is what will save or damn us. Paul writes: “But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind [homosexuals], for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine.” (1 Timothy 1:8-10)
Jude
In his one chapter epistle, Jude writes to a church where certain sinful members had been admitted. The verses that mention homosexuality read as follows: “Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.” (Jude 7, 8)
Conclusion
The Bible is fairly clear on the subject of homosexuality. The law is laid down in the Old Testament, and is renewed in the New Testament.
Yet the apostle Paul writes further about this in Corinthians, in verse 11: “And such were some of you [homosexuals, etc.]: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6:11)
In other words, the Corinthians were able to stop such practices, or Paul wouldn’t have said that they were “washed, sanctified and justified”. A homosexual who would continue to practice the sin cannot be justified in the eyes of the Lord. Still, I would strongly caution against programs advertised by some questionable churches to “rid men of homosexual tendencies”. Those sorts of brainwashing sessions never work and can be deeply offensive and demeaning to sincere Christians whose only desire is to find salvation and acceptance.
:arrow: Updated 7/6/2008: I would also encourage you to read through two of my comments (here and here) if you happen to disagree. I clarify my stance even further there, and I hope it’ll help you understand that I’m not condemning or discriminating, just pointing something out. We have no right to judge — only God can do that.
:arrow: Updated 10/26/2008: I’ve received a couple of fairly mean comments on this article over time — which I have removed — but they were so filled with anger and venom and curses, that I wonder what drove their authors to write and submit them. The thing to remember here is that I’m expressing my personal opinion. It is not meant to be made into civic law, nor am I suggesting any such thing. I am not condemning the practice, I am simply quoting verses from the Bible. If you happen to feel condemned by this article, may I suggest that it’s perhaps a pre-existing internal conflict? Perhaps at some level you know that what you’re doing is wrong, and you have been wrestling with feelings of anger and frustration, and this article has simply brought them to the surface once more. The thing to do is not to take it out on me, but to take it out on God. Go ahead, kneel down in prayer and argue with Him. Or at least go and seek counseling. But cursing me out is no way to solve your own internal conflict.
i am very interested in the topic of the lesson. i , both of my sibblings are gay and it really hurts me and i am very confused by the whole thing why would they go that way because they will tell you that they know that it is against God band that they want to get out of it but that they are struggling but my definition of a struggle is when you are putting forth all of the strength and ability that you have to break free like struggling to get free from a person that is doing you harm there is one i was tricked into going to dinner with them and their lovers last night they told me that their lovers would not be going but they did infact go i will never go again i was so unconfortable not from embarassment but from the Holy Spirit litarally tring to pull me up out of the seat where i sat thank you for your biblical insight on homosexuality
Ok, fine. But according to the bible we should also not eat shellfish, should stone women who have had premarital sex, and beat our children who misbehave. Sound a little outdated? Exactly. Just like the bible’s ideas of homosexualiality. Times are changing. Get over it. Blind faith hurts more than homosexuality ever will.
I think Hell hurts more, but maybe that is just me.
Times are changing because the world is moving away from godly ways toward worldly ways. Regardless of what has changed the Bible never changes. Society needs to stand up to Satan and hold on to their beliefs. Its not a Christians job to judge. That’s God’s job. But as a Christian, I have a choice whether to condone it or turn away from it. As for me and my house we serve the Lord. And.choose not to accept worldly changes.
And them laws could never be kept when thus is the reason why Jesus came to die for our sins. You seem to like to quote the Bible but you sure do not know it!
Homosexuality was carried over as a sin that could not be forgiven though Jesus Christ. Read the books above and see that between Old and New the one thing that is constant, Homosexuality is a sin!
Times might be changing, but God’s word is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow…meaning…it doesn’t change. Therefore, it doesn’t matter ‘what or when’ changes take place in our society, or in the way we live our lives. If we are going to live in accordance with God’s will then we will live our lives in accordance with what the bible (His word) teaches, whether we like it or not.
I understand your discomfort, but as a christian you should seek to understand how your siblings feel. Talk to them. If your goal in Christ is to see them be saved and you truly hold belief in this article to that point, then it is your responsibility to work with your siblings and attempt helping them to understand their own feelings. Or better yet, understanding your own. Good Luck and God Bless.
Okay, I am not offended. I accept what you are saying.
I’m also a devout christian.
But there are some things I would like to ask, and point out.
Firstly, does the Bible ever actually say what is WRONG with homosexuality? Most of God’s commandments are justified, and we are given reasons for them. Others are common sense.
If the Bible told you that all males were evil, and should get a sex change – would you do it? I don’t think it’s reasonable to accept anything we are told without challenging it. I’m not disputing God’s word, I’m saying He gave us opinions, and brains to think with for a reason, maybe we should use them?
Secondly, although Jesus makes no actual mention of homosexual people, he rectifies the problems with other discriminated against groups in society. Jesus went against many things the Old Testament said, one of His key teachings being that everyone should be heard, included and loved. He befriended lepers, whom people regarded as disgusting. He showed us this was not so. He befriended women, whom people classed as inferior, and sinners that no one else would talk to.
If Jesus were to return in a modern day setting, surely one of the first issues He would want to set right (shown by the way he went about things in his own time) would not to be praise all those worthy Christians. He did not praise all those “respectable” pharisees, who worshiped god day and night. He befriended those who society condemned, and in today’s day and age, homosexuals would definitely be in this category.
:)
When Jesus died at Calvary for our sins this is also a time that depicts the changing of the Laws of the Old Testement and that of the New Testement. Therefore some of those laws that sound so rediculous are actually in the Old Testement became void and replaced by the laws of the New Testement. Homosexuality is forbidden in both the Old and New Testement therefore making it a sin. I have a relative that is a lesbian and she tries to force the issue on our family and she states that homosexuality is ok. Her reason is that when the bible was translated that is was translated wrong in that section and that homosexuality is not wrong. I think she must have found that argument on gayandlesbianbible.com but if the bible was translated wrong in all the places mentioned above how could they have any faith in anything the bible says in fear that all of it may have been translated wrong. The Dead Sea Scrolls tells us the translations have been very acurate and this is just another excuse that the homosexual community uses to justify their wrong position.
The fact of whether you like it or not Amanda, the bible is clear on the stance of homosexuality. It is without dispute that we listen to what GOD says, remember JESUS is who he is, then JESUS is GOD he made that claim. You have to realize that JESUS came to die for all of mankind and be resurrected, but he did not destroy the any commands set forth. He was against those that judged and never offered any means out of that life by being hypocritical. You’re going on the fact that you say GOD didn’t give specific reasons. That’s right he didn’t, by how you’re saying it is the excuse everybody else uses. “Well technically the bible didn’t specifically, say not too,” or “Show me the exact verse”. Those are all reasons to look around the obvious, GOD doesn’t want robots I agree but somethings he says goes without exception.
Men and women are GOD’s creation, men and women joined under marriage in the sexual and emotional and spiritual is his creation. Homosexuality is anti-creation, and JESUS did not befriend those people, he forgave and set those people free before they became a friends of GOD. GOD don’t use you in your sin, GOD uses you when you repent are baptized in JESUS name and receive his spirit (HOLY GHOST) inside of you.
I’m not against a person who is homosexual wanting the rights to an extent, but I am when they want the equal rights of a real couple, or civil rights. Homosexuals are not a race they are a choice.
I believe through scripture that questioning GOD is ok but that don’t mean he’s gonna change his commands. I don’t think Amanda you’re taking their side, and I’m not trying to be harsh. You just have to be careful where the line of thinking is taking you, it should IRK!! you when someone doesn’t do what GOD’s natural order of nature is. It IRKS!! me when I hear people talk about who they slept with of the opposite sex outside of marriage, murder, rape, homosexuality, molestation all that stuff IRKS!! my spirit. We are through the looking glass now and it’s time to tell the Homosexual repent from that lifestyle, separate yourself and get baptize in JESUS name and receive his HOLY GHOST.
If homosexuality is wrong or a sin…then why is it present in animals as well? the above scriptures say homosexuality is a result of rejecting god’s will, but animals can not reject his will at all. Yet you see it in nature time and time again.
A 1999 review by researcher Bruce Bagemihl shows that homosexual behavior has been observed in close to 1,500 species, ranging from primates to gut worms, and is well documented for 500 of them.[1][2] Animal sexual behavior takes many different forms, even within the same species. The motivations for and implications of these behaviors have yet to be fully understood, since most species have yet to be fully studied.[3] According to Bagemihl, “the animal kingdom [does] it with much greater sexual diversity — including homosexual, bisexual and nonreproductive sex — than the scientific community and society at large have previously been willing to accept.”
Let’s talk Constitution here for a moment since we want to imply that God has anything to do with the US Constitution. This US document was not founded on religious belief. It is completely secular. Please I invite you to research this online, Start with Thomas Jefferson. There are some interesting letters out there that he wrote. Please read this site if you will to start with. (http://www.nobeliefs.com/Tripoli.htm) I find it to be one of the best arguments of the US being founded on Christianity.
Don’t get me wrong. I do believe there are faith based arguments to be had with regard to homosexuality, but as far as gay rights being provided or not provided as a law of the land…well that is clearly a seperation of church and state issue and should not be determined based on opinion or the specific faith of any religious group who takes offense. We are talking about law of man, not law of God. They should always be seperate. However, it seems more and more these days that the religious groups power has brought more corruption to our government than has any social group ever. That is a fact!
Read Deuteronomy Chapter 22 where it speaks of men being allowed to stone their wives if they cannot be proven to be virgins when he takes her hand in marriage. Is this right? I cannot imagine there is not at least one person in your own life that you love who has not yet married and is not a virgin. Would you insist that she be stoned? I’m pretty sure you would not.
I believe that all people are created equal and deserve the same protections under the law of this land(which has been made by man-not God). You should consider that if two men or two women choose to spend their lives together emotionally, physically, and financially that they should not have to be worried about a blood relative stepping in on one of their death beds and taking everything they have acquired together, or legally being able to prevent them from seeing one another on their death bed. How would you like it if someone you love has spent their entire life with you and something happens they become ill, the family steps in and does not allow you to see him/her, everything you have acquired together goes to the family, and to top it all off you cannot even go to the funeral?
As a gay man, I do not want the churches to change their doctrine. That is despicable in my opinion for the government to be allowed to govern or insist on such a change. At the same time, I do expect the government to allow civil unions as an alternative to establishing the same rights under the US Constitution. By this, same sex couples can be united by such people as a Justice of the Peace. I for one do not require a religious ceremony and would simply be happy just knowing my family cannot step in and take control of anything that belongs to my partner. This is all I ask. I do not want religious doctrine changed, I do not want Christians acceptance into their church if they are compelled by their own doctrine not to accept me. I could care less about that.
Let’s face it, the bottom line here is that there are greedy people all over the world, especially here in the US, and you let someone die beit friend-fo-relative or the like…The first thing people do is act stupid and create a Jerry Springer story all because they want what mama had hid under the mattress and swear it was a million bucks. Think about it? What happens when a person dies with no will in place or with a will that gets contested in cases that involve life partners? It goes in probate. The state gets the money. The longer the fight, the less money the rightful heir gets. There are probably cases out there where a relative of a homosexual couple has agreed to pay off the other rightful heir, or vice versa to prevent the loss of value to an estate by hanging it in probate. Who lost here? Evereyone loses in a situation like this.
Steven, I don’t normally reply to posts such as yours, but since you seem to be trying to advise someone who doesn’t necessarily think the exact way you do, I feel the need. First off, you said “It is without dispute that ‘we’ listen to what GOD says.” Let me correct you there and say that you should say “I” listen to what GOD says. And to say “it is without dispute” is an untrue statement anyway. Why do you think there are so many different kinds of religion in the first place? To list a few, Baha’i, Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, Shinto, Sikhism, Taoism, Vodun (VooDoo), Asatru, Druidism, Wicca, Paganism, Caodaism, Damanhur Community, Druze, Eckankar, Gypsies, Hare Krishna, Ifa, Lukumi, Macumba, Romani, Santeria, Satanism, Scientology, Humanism, Deism, Rajneesh, Thelema…and this list goes on and on. Just because you believe what the Bible reads, which was actually written by a human being, doesn’t (not don’t) mean that “we” do. I’m not for or against homosexuals, just like I’m not for or against Christians, Catholics, Buddhist, Jews, Agnostics, Atheists, Pagans, Satanist, or anyone else who has their own belief. I believe what I feel is right for ME and I think that someone’s religious belief or non religious belief is very personal. And I do believe that religion is a choice just like someones sexuality is a choice. That might make it right or wrong for you, but not necessarily right or wrong for someone else. If you read the Bible and you choose to live by what you have interpreted to be right, then that is what you should do. But to advise someone else to do what you have decided is right for YOU, without them asking for your guidance seems to me like going against exactly what you want for yourself…the right to believe what YOU feel is true. If you feel secure in what you believe to be true then that’s great, but if you question it, does that mean you wouldn’t have the right to decide for yourself? You have already decided one way or another. You can’t choose not to make a choice, because that itself is a making a choice. If someone is looking for answers they should ask questions and those questions should be answered with a reasonable explanation, not just “because I said so.” Which by the way, the Bible does give specific answers so maybe you should read it. One last thing I’d like to add…when referring to God; His, He and Him or any other word referring to God would be capitalized.
This is a response to Amanda’s comments.
Amanda, the Bible does say what’s wrong with homosexuality. The passages I quoted from Leviticus and Romans make that clear. Read them again to find out. In a more general way, the passages from Corinthians, Timothy and Jude classify homosexuality together with other sins that God will not accept.
Biblically speaking, there is no doubt about it unless you choose to veil your eyes or read with a bias against these certain passages. I know it’s hard to take in today’s society, where people strive to get just about any behavior or belief accepted as normal, but that’s the way the Bible looks at it.
I think where people get confused, and where I used to get confused, is in not being able to realize that what applies in a religious context doesn’t apply in a civic context. As a Christian, you can believe homosexuality is wrong, like the Bible says, but as a citizen of a democratic country, you also have to make sure everyone has equal rights under the law. That means not discriminating against certain groups of people if they obey civic law and are good citizens. It comes back to the principle of separation of church and state.
As for Jesus accepting homosexuality, I look at it in the same way that He looked at the adulterous woman that the Pharisees wanted to stone. He accepted her, saved her from certain death, but told her to sin no more. Have a look at John 8:1-11.
As for homosexuals being one of society’s condemned groups, I disagree with you on that. I think they’re pretty much on equal footing nowadays, and in some aspects, have rights that go beyond those of others. They have a strong lobbying arm and are constantly trying to introduce laws that set them apart as a special group with more rights. From a civic standpoint, that bothers me. It goes without saying that it bothers me from a religious standpoint as well. If you think they’re a condemned group, then go and attend a gay pride parade or some sort of gay event. I think it’ll change your mind. Any people that are allowed to do what they’re doing in public is not a condemned group. Others would be arrested for indecent exposure or worse, and yet they keep on doing it right under the eyes of the police. Makes no logical sense to me.
This is a response to Steven’s comment.
Steven, I’m sorry to say it, but you have a personal, not a religious bias, against homosexuality. As Christians, we should not proscribe, we should ascribe. There’s a big difference. One advantage of ascribing is that our beliefs become more attractive and approachable to a larger group of people. We should point people to salvation, not drive them away. Right?
Steven,
I am a homosexual, but I do not take part in such events as gay pride parades. I find them offensive and not a representation of myself. I am a fairly conservative man who has been partnered for 14 years. We have raised two daughters successfully and we taught them to be respectful as well as to seek their own way in life for how they want to believe. I do not seek to apologize for the behaviors of others. I do agree with Amanda, that this seems more of a personal issue for you than a religious bias.
Can you clearly state and provide documentation or a link to what rights a homosexual couple has that a heterosexual couple does not also have? I am interested to see this.
One thing I would like to point out..I really appreciate the manner in which you have approached this subject. It is sensitive to many, but I love talking about it with those that can keep their heads together and not be nasty about it. You have done a fine job. I do disagree with much, but am happy to explain why. Thank you
Most gay men and women do NOT want special rights above other people. Most gay people want EQUAL rights. They want to be treated as EQUALS, given EQUAL rights to marry, to have EQUAL rights when it comes to social services such as family planning, adoption, EQUAL rights, and so forth. Just as people of other races fought for EQUAL rights, so do the gays of today. If gays were treated as equals in society, employers wouldn’t be allowed to fire an employee simply for being gay. They wouldn’t be disallowed from adopting children or having children through artificial insemination or surrogate mothers. They would be allowed to marry one another just as a man and woman would be. A crime against somebody for being gay would be considered a hate crime, just like a crime against a man for being black is considered a hate crime now, if gays had equal rights. Until gay men and women are treated as equals through law, they continue to be a condemned group.
i am a lesbian and I am hearing different views on “homosexuality”….my though about all this is that if you really are a chrisitan you would love a person no matter who or what they are. I didn’t choose to be this way…I JUST AM. I can’t help it…..i think it has every right to do with genetics. And we need to take in the gay people and put them into the sam category as heteorsexual people…..gay people need the other sexuality. be a chrsitian and dont oppose…..pretty soon society is going to be split up….homosexual people and heteorsexual people…we don’t want that…..be a chrisitan.
I speak this not to any one person but I say this as God is leading me to say it. I am a “former” lesbian. I lived that life for about 8 years. I was with a partner and we even bought a home together. On the other hand, at age 10, I gave my life to Jesus and served Him for about 20 years before I gave in to that lifestyle. While in that lifestyle, I believe I was deceived from the enemy and blinded into thinking it was okay with God but in reality I would justify homosexuality (knowing indeed what the Bible says about it) because I was practicing it. The enemy presented me with a “counterfeit” love. During that period of 8 years of my life, I still sought God. I went to gay churches but was never really satisfied as far as being spiritually fed from those churches. I met some of the nicest people in those churches who would do anything for you…they probably gave more money to the church than I’ve seen given in straight churches. I got delivered from that lifestyle last year…so what they say about “being stuck with it is not necessarily true”…YOU CAN BE SET FREE FROM IT.
Since then, I’ve faced alot of persecution from my friends who are still practicing it, because my changes were rather drastic and radical. I’m now engage to a Godly man, who loves Jesus. He knows about my former lifestyle. My best friend is getting “married” to another woman in the fall and she gives me a hard time because I told her I couldn’t be there. My reasons are simple…if I went, it would be as if I’m supporting it and I don’t want that blood on my hands when I stand before Jesus one day. I love her dearly and I’m praying for her deliverance also.
I don’t argue this subject because to me, God can defend Himself. I just know that we have an enemy out there who wants to kill, steal and destroy us and prevent us from serving God. Sin is sin…homosexuality, murder, stealing….the Bible (not me) plainly states that they will NOT be in heaven.
To those who may still be living this lifestyle, just as I was….I want to tell you that God does love you. He loved you so much that He died for you. I know the inner struggles you may be facing and “confusion”. Just know this…Jesus loves you, He can set you free. Don’t let the enemy (Satan) rob you from going to heaven. Sin cannot enter the kingdom of Heaven…the only man made thing in Heaven are the scars on Jesus hands.
To those who have never lived that lifestyle, I say to you to not judge those who are but rather pray for them. YOU can’t change them…but God can. That doesn’t mean to compromise with them, just take it up in prayer. It’s NOT our argument to battle. God loves the sinner just NOT the sin.
Lastly, for those who may want to “persecute” me by being bold enough to write this…I say to you…I LOVE YOU AND GOD DOES TOO. I don’t see it as you attacking me, but the God in me.
Sandy I have a question for you. Let’s say the “murderer” is your best friend and getting married. Would you attend his/her heterosexual marriage? I am deeply offended by your commentary that you would state on one hand that you love your “best friend” dearly, but at the same time cannot support her on what she must feel is a very important day. As a reborn Christian with an understanding of the difficulties and cofusion of the lifestyle, and spending 8 years in a lesbian relationship, you of all people know that your turnaround was a process. Have you considered that this “marriage” is a process for her? Maybe she will “see the light” so to speak, but it is a process that she herself will need to internalize and embark on. And you say you have no desire to support her? I am embarassed for you.
I just wanted to say that your argument is invalid. Sandy said that she won’t attend her friends homosexual wedding because she won’t support it, so asking her if she would attend a murderers heterosexual wedding is unrelated. A more appropriate question would be- would she willingly go with her murderer friend to murder someone, which I am pretty sure her answer would also be ‘no’ because she wouldn’t want to support the murder.
What the Bible Says – And Doesn’t Say – About Homosexuality
by Rev. Mel White, co-founder of Soulforce
http://www.soulforce.org/article/homosexuality-bible-gay-christian
Sorry somehow the period got in there and the link wasn’t working.
This is the Jesus I know
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40
If homosexuality was such a “grave danger” to the church, I think Jesus would’ve said atleast one thing concerning it. He didn’t, and the verses above are our ‘new law’ given to us by Him. I am a lesbian, and you know what? God still loves me.
just as He loves you, and everyone else.
Samantha, I agree with you. Yes, Jesus loves you. God loves everyone. One adage that speaks well to this is “God loves the sinner but hates the sin.” It’s true.
I’m not calling homosexuality a grave danger to the church. It is no greater danger than the other sins mentioned alongside it in the Bible. To God, all sin is bad. Where I think we differ is in whether or not we regard it as a sin or not. I’ve heard the view you mention put forth in other forums, and I don’t agree with it.
You say, and others do as well, that just because Jesus never mentions homosexuality, it’s not bad. You have to remember the historical context. During that time, it was so obvious and well-known to everyone that homosexuality wasn’t an accepted practice, that no one needed to be reminded. It was classified on the same level as adultery and other sins, same as in the New Testament. It simply was not condoned among Jews and Christians alike, although it was fairly common among the surrounding nations, particularly in Greece.
I also should point out that we do not need to agree on this topic. I am simply putting forth my view, as I point out at the start of the article. I’m not trying to condemn anyone, simply to state the way I understand the Bible treats this subject. If we do not agree, it doesn’t mean I do not respect you as a human being, or that I might discriminate against you or any others like you. I truly hope my article doesn’t give anyone that impression. All I want to do is to say what I think, because I believe that’s my Christian duty. And I hope I make it clear in the article that religion ought to be completely separate from the state on this matter, because it really should be treated very differently in the two arenas.
In the Civic forum, everyone should be treated EQUALLY. No one should be discriminated against, as long as they are decent human beings that do not commit crimes. In the Religious forum, everyone is entitled to interpret the Bible as their judgment and conscience allow — that is Religious Freedom — and such, should be able to voice their opinions, NOT trying to convince others of them or to condemn, but simply to facilitate communication on the subject.
I hope this helps to clarify my stance.
Hi
I am a born again Christian, I had a revelations which God has given me. yes there is a verse in the Gospel of Matthew where Jesus confirmed that God created a man and a woman.
Jesus use to speak in Parables and sometimes indirectly. here is the verse
Mat 19:4 Jesus answered, “Haven’t you read that the Creator made them male and female in the beginning
Mat 19:5 and that he said, ‘That’s why a man will leave his father and mother and will remain united with his wife, and the two will be one’?
Mat 19:6 So they are no longer two but one. Therefore, don’t let anyone separate what God has joined together.”
I would just like to point out that the bible is full of obscure and ridiculous rules. Everyone says well Gay’s should repent and feel bad and try to change because their sexuality is a sin to God but quite frankly that is ridiculous. The bible also says that it is a sin to wear clothing made of two different fabrics, or to plant two different crops in an orchard, or to trim the hair on your temples and beards. Should men feel bad about shaving their faces every morning? Should women feel bad for wearing polycotton clothing? If you go strictly by the bible everyone should feel guilty about pretty much everything. Why do you all get to choose which sins need repenting for and which ones don’t? I think the bible sets forth wonderful lessons and guidelines but if God is petty enough to refuse me entry into heaven based on whether I mix my crops, shave my face, or whether I fall in love with a consenting adult who happens to be the same sex as me then it seems like he isn’t really worth worshipping. There are far more important things in life like being a selfless, kind, and giving person.
There is rebelliousness, isn’t there? Facts are that certain things are not made to go into mouths and foul places. There is also the fact that many will try to justify themselves even if they know deep down that it is wrong. But the time will come when there will tbe tears and gnashing of teeth.
Who said things go into mouths and foul places? Sounds like your idea of homosexuality is way off track! I hope you are not included in the tears and nashing of teeth for your judging others. Raoul….thanks for your information! It is exactly the unbiassed biblical information I was looking for.
I believe in God’s word! There are many different religions because satan is constantly on the prowl for your souls. From the beginning God has always had ONE way! jesus said he was establishing his Church, not the building but how he wanted it ran so to speak. He speaks on communion giving spreading the gospel. Man came after Chrit’s death and established Mormon Catholic Baptist. To get to Heaven one should follow the Bible if it isnt in the Bible dont add it there if God says dont kill steal cheat, don’t do it. If you must be baptized for forgiveness of sin that what has to happen. You are baptized in the name of the fther son and Holy Spirit. read the new testatment which is where the new laws came in after Christ bled and died on the old rugged cross. Same teachings but no longer sacrificing bulls and goats for sins ect. Church of Christ no instrumental music as you cannt find that taking place during worship anywhere in the Bible. Homosexuality comes from instability in ones life who can say. I will not judge them but love them becaue tho we are all sinners Christ died for us. I will not support such behavior though because my heavenly father will condemn those in the last day.
I am an Evangelist. I don’t care what one might think about what I am about to express. The word of God is a road map on how to live our lives. God means what He says, and says what He means. Homosexuality is a sin. And no it is not greater than any other sin that is mentioned. I do realize that this sin seems to upset people the most. Maybe because it is done so out in the open, and that it is just accepted as one born with these desires. God is not the author of “confusion”. He created male and female. This is His design. This is what He created to become a family!!! And the bible does speak against homosexuality. He does not have to give you a reason why. He is GOD. It is the human mind, the carnal mind, that wants to reason and figure out why or why not. Please see the scriptures below:
Leviticus 18:22 states: Thou shall not lie down with mankind, as with womankind; it is abomination. The message Bible puts it in terms you can understand. It states it like this: Don’t have sex with a man as one does with a woman and vice versa. There are many more. In the Net Testament, Romans 1: 26-28 states this, since people love to say that the Old Testament no longer applies today, listen to Romans, the New Testament; For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections; for even their women did change the NATURAL use into that which is against nature; And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving of their error which was due.
SO yes, God is against this lifestyle. But in His word He stated that He loves us all. HE hates the sin, not the person. To say that God’s words and rules are rediculous, is dangerous territory. You don’t want to face the wrath of God. Jesus said if you love me, you will keep my commandments. Once you know that you are living a life contrary to the Word of God, you should love him enough, to seek a way for your deliverence. No sin will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. This goes for all the sins that God has called out. He is a loving God and no, He will not send you to hell, We SIMPLY PUT OURSELVES THERE WHEN WE DELIBERATELY CHOOSES TO LIVE AGAINIST HIS COMMANDMENTS!!!
There is no justification for sin. And because it feels good, does not make it right!!
People want an excuse to live ungodly lives!! And none of us have one. Life is about choices. And we can choose to live right. I love everyone. Whether they are christian or not because God commands us to love regardless. But know this, I can love you, and hate the sin. I don’t have to accept your lifestyle, just like you don’t have to accept mine. But know this, sin is punishable. God says so in his word. Romans 6:23 states, For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Because society now has accepted this lifestyle, does not mean we have to comform to it. And those of us that love the Lord and His commandments, we will forever stand against satan and his tactics. And know this!! You hae a way of escape if you want it. God can deliver and save you to the utmost. He is waiting on you. Will you chose eternal life with Jesus Christ, or will you chose damnation?? The choice is yours…..
In the Love of Christ,
Evangelist Sharon Braxton
WHY WHY WHY!! ok so you believe in god you believe in the bible (personally in dont but thats not the point) Who cares if someone is gay or lesbian? I certainly dont so what, we are all people we all deserve to be happy and if you believe in god? and if he is oh so realy then everyone deserves to be loved by him gay or not.
[...] example, as a Christian, I believe homosexuality is wrong, but no more wrong as any of the other sins outlined quite clearly in 1 Corinthians 6:9,10. As a [...]
Do read the last few paragraph you wrote.
Homosexuality is by choice and is also a sin. All those in live in sin cannot claim that they love God.
And for Rauol, you stated that you look at homosexuality the same way that Jesus looked at the adulterous woman that the Pharisees wanted to stone. He accepted her, saved her from certain death, but told her to sin no more. Have a look at John 8:1-11. Jesus told the woman to go and sin no more. The homosexuals are still sinning whilst they are still in the relationship. So how can you compare homosexuality to the adulterous woman.
People who claim that the Bible (whatever version they may cling to) is inerrant as God’s word are hopelessly brainwashed. They are so caught up in their own warped construction of reality that it’s quite hopeless to appeal to them with logic or even common sense. They stuff their ears with the divine cotton of Biblical dogma and ignore anything remotely resembling reason because they are so AFRAID of anything that can’t be explained with more than a single sound byte, they are so accustomed to letting religion do their thinking for them, they have become SO COMPLACENT in their delusion of superiority and self-righteousness, that they feel they don’t have to THINK anymore. They’re not stupid. They’re just LAZY.
If I thought it would do any good to rehash how certain Hebrew words have been mistranslated in today’s English Bibles, I’d do it here. But the most likely response by these fundamentalist nut jobs would be that God’s divinity will see to it that His Will be done as long as they follow the Good Book to the very Letter of each Word, regardless of how mistranslated or misunderstood It is. He, in His Infinite Wisdom, has a plan which, through the sheer might of His divinity, will automystimagically resolve any conflicting meanings across the plethora of translations of the Hebrew and Greek texts, the very origins of which are themselves of deep historical study and debate, and which are horribly anachronistic to our times. It could not possibly be that their interpretation of God’s Word, which is responsible for so much completely unjustifiable hate against Gays and Lesbians, does not derive from God, but in fact derives from THE WORST aspect of their own humanity: our CAPACITY TO HATE that which we don’t understand.
The fundamentalist persecution of the GLBT community is NO DIFFERENT from jihad. It is the same. They spread hate and incite violence upon innocents because of SUBJECTIVE BELIEFS which they have erected as ABSOLUTE LAW because their complacent minds have atrophied into mere sociopolitical vessels. At least terrorists have the decency to blow themselves up along with those they persecute. GOD SAVE US FROM YOUR DEVOUT FOLLOWERS!
Those who use the story of Sodom to persecute and bash homosexuals are the true Sodomites, because the sin of Sodomy was not that the men of Sodom wished to know the angels, but that they sought to persecute and humiliate them because they were not of their town.
The Bible embodies what certain people past and present believe the Word of God to be. But to take the book at face value with no introspection or interpretation or application to current social and cultural views is the TRUE ABOMINATION against God: i.e., the squandering of God’s gift of REASON.
There is no attention grabber as powerful as a perceived ENEMY. It is how the government controls the people, how the Church controls its flock. Fundamentalist Christians are just PAWNS. The RCC DOES NOTHING ABOUT THE MASS MURDERERS who play with our lives for control of 21st century gold: OIL. But fundamentalists play along when they obsess over what people do with their schmeckels?
I beseech you: THINK.
Edward, I get most of what you’re saying. And I will agree that in some Bible translations, words and verses have gotten muddled up, whether for religious or political reasons, or human error. But some Bible translations, like the KJV, and in some aspects the NJB, are still as close to the Greek and Hebrew originals as possible.
Where we differ is in agreeing that the Bible as a whole is the inspired Word of God. I believe it, and you don’t. That’s okay, but keep in mind that attitude will close you off from receiving most of the benefits of reading and studying the Bible.
It’s true, religion was and is being used as a tool by governments to control the people. Wherever a major religion, like the Catholic or Orthodox church, has gotten in bed with the government, it has resulted in persecution for certain groups of people, each and every single time. It’s going to happen again.
But I’m not part of those religious denominations, nor do I agree with their methods. I simply went through my Bible and quoted all of the verses that relate to homosexuality. It’s up to each reader to choose whether they want to agree or not with them, and to do what they will with their lives.
I don’t claim to be an authority on the Bible or on one’s lifestyle. I just want to sound an alarm bell if I see something’s not according to God’s Word, because it’s my duty as a Christian. I’m not going to force anybody to do anything. I just want people to be aware of what the Bible says.
I understand that some Christians can get fanatic about it, and so can Muslims and Jews and other religions. The world is full of crazy fanatics. There’s nothing I can do about it. I don’t agree with persecution of any kind, period. But I do believe that when the Bible says, numerous times, that we shouldn’t do something, we shouldn’t do it.
Hope this helps to clarify things a bit.
hello I have been trying to make sense of everyone here my question is for Sandy..Sandy how did you convert from being alesbian to straight? please let me no i have many friend’s who live the lifestyle and many are confused..thank you..
Hey Lynn, I was a lesbian since I was a little girl, but when I discovered the love of God, I also became aware that homosexuality was a choice. The only reason some of us feel stuck with it is because they haven’t decided to give it up or find it hard to. The flesh will always war against the Spirit, but we are what we do. If you’ve decided to live for God, then you have to surrender your old life for all that He is offering. It becomes your priority. I know that i’m not immortal, and when you die you leave it all behind, so let it go. If you love the world, you’ll find it hard to give up what it offers. If you love God you’ll bow down your will. We were made in the image and likeness of God. Sin is a mocker of God. Flowers bear flowers, cats make cats, deciples of Christ follow the word of God and keep His commandments because they love God more than things God hates. Satan knows that God has no plan B for our souls if we choose sin over God. Sin is a choice born out of the lusts of the flesh handed down to us from when sin entered the world. Lust is a strong desire much like addiction. The sinner who truly repents turns away from the sin… There is a sin known as the unpardonable sin meaning you won’t be forgiven. In Hebrews 10:26 we read, “For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.’ We all know how God views homosexuality in the Bible. If you do not you should love God enough to find out what He approves of and obey. ‘To obey is better than sacrifice.’ (1 Samuel 15:22) Read the story of King Saul in 1 Samuel 15 and see what happened to King Saul who didn’t obey God and preferred to do what he chose to do. God has feelings too. He sends people into our lives to warn us of sin just like on this webpage. You have to realise that God loves you but He won’t lose His values to do so. If God went back on His word He would be a liar and a slave to sin. We would automatically be all doomed if He just accepted our sins as an exuse for love knowing we would all perish. True love is honest, and God is clearly honest about what he likes and dislikes. If you continue in your sin you’ve made your choice. If this isn’t enough for your friends then they aren’t friends but you should still love them and pray for them. God will give them a fair chance.
Most men have a natural attraction for women, but if they paractice fornication or adultery, they are practicing sin according to the Bible. To return to a right fellowship with God, they must crucify the flesh and quit this behavior. The existance of many religions does not give us justification for sinful conduct, but Jesus’ death in our place gives us loving, peaceful forgiveness. “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Aren’t you tired? If a man can quit his adulterous ways and Jesus told the woman to go and sin no more, can’t a homosexual quit his ways and rest in the knowledge that anything he gives up for God, will certainly be worth his Heavenly reward? We’re not against you, we are for you and we are praying for you constantly. God bless you.
Philip
Reffering to what Sandy said in the comment published at: June 7th, 2008 at 8:22 am.
I am very touched, on how she turned her lifestyle around. And may I say thankyou for really sharing your life experience. I am only 14 years old, but I am not considered as homosexual, I just want to find out why people are lead by homosexuality, its not fascinating it just helps me to understand what satan has put into the world and as for me help people to escape these traps and help them to be preserve in the church life. I love the lord very much, and lots of sins can defile us every moment . But we need to run the great race , and finish the course , also as to fight the good fight and defeat satan and his army . Sorry for any wrong grammars i have put in . So really, satan tries to do everything to lead you of track in your christian lifestyle. As much as you love the lord, sin is always going to pop up everywhere. We can always escape that by just praying to the lord each and everyday . Asking for forgiveness everytime we pray. Usually this occurs if the lord hasnt answer your prayers, then maybe you havnt asked for forgiveness from the lord. Well this is basic, because if you are suffering from homosexuality ask yourself does it do you any good ? Is it really love or lust ? Does it make you fully happy and peace inwardly or does it make you happy and conscious.. As for now , I have a question towards the saints out there .
Question: If a woman loved a woman with an unconditional love, and no defilements between them because she loved her and was happy with her . She did not marry her because she did not want to offend Gods will of man and woman bonding which is according to the bible. Is that still unrighteous ?
Question: As you know ellen degeneres is one of the most funny stand up comedian . You have seen that she is a homosexual and is married. But she helps people and cares for everyone. Will she be accepted in heaven ?
Lots of gays, love the lord alot they care for everyone and are nice.. But they practice sin so how do people say wether it is right or not ?
please reply back . and again sorry for my incorrect grammars and spellings :)
Dear Aimee,
My name is Sharon and i’m 17 years old. The Lord has been putting this on my heart and I guess to respond to this question is a great honour to me.
Matthew 15:11-20
11Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.
12Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?
13But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.
14Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.
15Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable.
16And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding?
17Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?
18But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
19For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
20These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.
Now to relate this piece of scripture to the situation.
A lot of people think that people are good because it’s what’s in the heart that counts, and that is so true. It is what is in the heart that counts whether good or bad. But according to this parable here, the heart produces all kinds of deceptions. Jesus knew that you could sin with your whole heart as well. My Literature teacher teaches with her whole heart, and it has led and encouraged me to become a teacher, because of her heart for teaching. So you see there how her heart was used for good. And if you watched The Dark Knight, didn’t you almost fall in love with The Joker? He was doing so much evil, but with his whole heart. Clearly Batman wasn’t the star of the show, but it was more the Joker. And did you notice how the influence of the Joker was the birth of 2-face? He began to believe that the Joker was right. Also, the people in the boat began to believe they had to do what the Joker said because he made them believe it. You believe with your heart, but your heart can also be decieved. Doesn’t God make it obvious in nature what he wants? But the hearts of men have caused so much suffering because of sin.
I remember when I was doing something wrong and I believed I was right. We have the power to make people believe things. God made us like Him you know. Without a Spirit of discernment or sheer obedience one can easily be born into the attitudes of this world because of it’s compulsion. It wasn’t easy for me either when I was in the life of sin not fighting back. Sin has a way of making things to appear correct. We all know mummy and daddy makes the baby. But sooner or later kids are going to be decived by the unrighteousness that is surrounding them. Remember the days when everything had a role and it was clear? Now the scientists say…”Define this…define that…” I was reading up on scientists operating on live animals for research, and everything that didn’t fall under their definition of animal they operated on in their experiments. The funny thing is that since when do we not know what an animal looks like, and since when do we not know the difference between species? The truth is that once the hearts of men desire to do or have something they don’t take on the challenge of letting go. Who is to to tell you what to do when you already made it up in your heart that it’s right? No-one… That is the selfish and indifferent world we live in. There’s no need for a cure if there is no pain. The truth is that once we don’t see the evil in something, we don’t want the cure, as the disease slowly cripples and kills us.
As for the woman who loved the woman, with an unconditional love. That doesn’t have to mean she should marry her or have homosexual relations with her. Notice I didn’t say sexual relations. The scientists themselves say that “sex is a process of combining and mixing genetic traits, often resulting in the specialization of organisms into male and female types (or sexes).” And not same gender types. It is not right for her to play the role of a male because of how she feels for her. When that begins, the heart is what is beginning to give into sin. She made a step towards God resisting the temptation to sin against God in her body. Bravo.
I think it will help you better if you not only read but study this scripture Romans chapter 1: 18-21. Don’t just read it, but really sink your teeth into it and let me know if you need more help.
Romans 1:18-21 (New International Version)
God’s Wrath Against Mankind
18The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness,
19since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.
20For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
21For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.
Romans 1:18-21 (Amplified Bible)
18For God’s [holy] wrath and indignation are revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who in their wickedness repress and hinder the truth and make it inoperative.
19For that which is known about God is evident to them and made plain in their inner consciousness, because God [Himself] has shown it to them.
20For ever since the creation of the world His invisible nature and attributes, that is, His eternal power and divinity, have been made intelligible and clearly discernible in and through the things that have been made (His handiworks). So [men] are without excuse [altogether without any defense or justification],(A)
21Because when they knew and recognized Him as God, they did not honor and glorify Him as God or give Him thanks. But instead they became futile and godless in their thinking [with vain imaginings, foolish reasoning, and stupid speculations] and their senseless minds were darkened.
I would like to do Bible study with you to help you understand better and explain it further. Also I’ll pray for you to have knowledge understanding and a spirit of discernment to tell the difference between good and evil. I prayed for that myself and God’s Holy Spirit gave me that power. God is always prepared to teach you and supply your heart with His blessings.
I think that you Christians ought to read Elaine Pagels, and Harold Bloom. Get educated about the origins of this Bible you take so literally, and which you use to create divisiveness, and to generate malice and hatred. YOU are a blight on the planet. You have undertaken hate-crimes in the name of your religion. What religion is it that you practice? A religion of hatred and demolition, of malice and vengeance? Jesus embodied love and forgiveness, was the antithesis of what you guys preach from the Old Testament, which, if you studied the authors mentioned, you would understand better, instead of dumbly taking it literally, word for word. Learn about the origins of its creation, all the different theories that abound about who wrote it, study the meaning of those words in the context of the time-period in which they were written, learn about all the adding and deducting that has been done over the centuries to the Bible for the purposes of monetary gain, and promoting a political belief-system. The Bible is an extremely complex text that you have over-simplified in order to ease your fear of the unknown and perpetuate your disastrous ideas. You are an uneducated, myopic group of people who try to shove your primitive notions down other’s throats. The meaning of the Old Testament has been the subject of great inquiry by scholars. You should get informed and study such scholarsip.
Rachel, your own words show you are just as hateful and bigoted as the Christians you condemn, except you’re on the other side of the fence. Take some time to think about that and realize you need to tone down your polemic. The more balanced you become, the more peaceful your point of view will be. There’s enough room in this world for many different points of view. There’s no need to try and force anyone to see things your way. It’s enough to have your say in nice, measured words.
Rachel,
The Bible is a book inspired by God. The authors are people of different backgrounds and therefore there are different methids and ways they teach. Some things I can honestly agree with you with that are not to be taken so litterally, but other things are clerly pointed out. If someone says burry the hatchet you dont literally bury a hatchet, but if someone says let it go you know what they mean. The Bible is to be taken seriously even if not always literally. You need to ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and get some help if you don’t understand it. Everytime you read it, it appeals to you in a different way. You learn or understand something new. You also shouldn’t let what others are doing bother you too much. Show them by your life what is right. Please don’t thrash others like you’re doing above. Is it really worth your energy? Try to be more loving and understanding, you say like Jesus, then be like Jesus. Don’t get all hot and bothered. God bless you. ~peace~
I still think the bible here is being misinterpreted. Because if you go back before what lot said. God actually states for the destruction in the bible of the two cities. That last part about them knowing them. It might of been homosexual act but its rape that is what it implies here not about homosexual itself. You hear more about straight people raping someone then you do about homosexual raping someone. If you really think about the bible it is about god not about sex.
What the bible does and doesn’t say about homosexuality
I am an atheist.
And perhaps I have become a bit prejudiced towards Christians (i remind myself constantly not to be, but its a result of the ‘Christians’ I’ve met throughout my life, and the, hands down, negative and harmful effect they’ve had on my life) but I have to applaud Raoul for a well-balanced argument that contrasts the bigotry and ignorance I see in the replies.
As an Atheist, I believe I am a good person, try my best to do no harm, even though harm is done against me directly by people such as you because of the religion you preach which you have chosen (or it has chosen you).
As an Atheist, I don’t believe the laws of your religion, or the morals imposed by your religion, should be imposed on society at large. And I believe that it is wrong on your part to call for legislation against something like homosexuality on moral grounds.
Murder is a violation of a human right to live, rape is a violation of a human right to choose, homosexuality does not violate any human rights at all. If you believe it is sinful, based on your religious text or ideals, it does not mean that a chunk of society that make that choice should suffer as a result.
I tend to think that true Christians would know to seperate state law from their personal laws, and call for equal rights for all under the law. The moral laws you impose are in society, and suffer no punishment in this world, whereas state laws punish people corporeally in the world we live in today. Take as an example Uganda, which now wants to legislate legalized genocide of homosexuals under the law because of Christian extremism. If Christians understood the reprecussions of their words and ideals, they would think twice about voicing them. Meanwhile, many countries around the world still imprison homosexuals because of religious influence on human laws.
Leave the law of God to God’s world, and keep the human law to humans.
Or are you too afraid of doing that?
Fear is the only reason I can think of that would cause such a massive movement against gay rights from the religious right.
If you had utter faith in your God, as you always claim, then you wouldn’t fight the equality rights, but have more faith in your God for his word to come true, no?
After all, God is supposed to have given us the CHOICE, as I’ve often heard.
If we’re supposed to have the choice to be homosexual or not,
how come you make it illegal and take that choice away?
raul,
I am a christian who was actually confused on how homosexuals justify themselves through the bible. I was doing an internet research when I ran across your post. All I have to say is WOW…. I have my answer in reading all the answers to your post …. Satan obviously just keeps these people blinded, selfish and very defensive …. I don,t think I have ever read a more loving aproach to this SIN than you wrote … But, even through all that love and compassion they are so mean and hateful … I think it can be said you have had a taste of what jesus experienced and all his apostles while teaching … This has also opened my eyes to where our world is today…..”pearls before swine” keeps coming to mind as I read some of these replys … I spent time in the world as one of satans with a sinful relationship (with the opposite sex ,i remember, justifying everything with averse from the bible here and there …. The problem is that ther e is more than a verse here and there …. The whole thing has to flow….it doesn’t contradict itself so somewhere between all the love and forgiveness you have to consider the consequences for wrong choices yes….our god loves us and he is jealous when someone else gets attention …. Anytime someone sins…. Satan has their attention…… We are made in gods image……think back to the last time you were jealous……. We are made in gods image…… Think about it …. And again raul…… Pearls before swine…..love ya brother keep up the good work …. Our Father is proud of you
Not to insult anyone’s religion but what is your problem? You’re telling me that you seriously think that the bible meant to say that to have a sexual relationship with someone of the same gender is up there wit drunkeness and thieving. You can’t honestly believe that that’s true. Also, you’re are telling young, confused homosexuals that it is their own fault that they are this way. You say they are asking to be killed. What happened to thou shalt not kill?
Thank you for posting these insightful scriptures about homosexuality. Regardless of what people say to you, you did right! People today use the excuses for being gay to hurt those who are just trying to tell them the truth. IF a person believes in the Bible, Torah, Qur’an, etc, and have a natural fear of angering their Lord and Creator, they truly would NOT allow satan to lead them down a road to delight and hell.
As is said in Leviticus 20:13: The same is stated further in the chapter: “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.” This explains in plain words what God says about men having sex with men, women having sex with women. He did not bite His tongue and leave anyone out.
They young people coming along today are just fulfilling what went before them. God never created a” gay gene”, that’s like saying God was confused about how He wants to create a human next!
The satan already said what he would do to mankind, the love of homosexuality is just one item on his agenda. There is so much he has in store for mankind it is unbelievable. Please do not let up on your thoughts and proofs. Because one day we all will have to give an account as to why we did not try to stop this abomination against true nature. The ball is in our court to tell the people and it is in their court to either accept the truth from God Own words or satans desires and traps for mankind?
Thank u this is very helpful…i needed help so I can explain it to people about what the bible says god bless u brother
Hi. I have a question. I have read all the verses in the bible you quoted about homoseuality. My wife and I have been asked by a gay couple if we would be willing to go live with them in their duplex while they look for another place to live. The reason why they have asked us this iss because one of the gay partners had his grandmother living with them, who recently passed away. Since her passing he’s been too afraid to be alone in the house when his partner is not there, hence why he’s asked my wife and I to come live with them for a month or so. My wife and I don’t approve of their lifestyle or their gay marriage. Would it be wrong for us to agree to their request, and if so, what scripture directly addresses this issue?
Ok, If someone was not of the Catholic Faith would you people even care about their choices in sexuality? If they are not part of the church, they are not hurting you, God, or anyone, just themselves, for they will not go to heaven. So why do we care about these other people who do not hurt us? Yes, they are sinning, but if they are not part of the church I think we should leave them as is. Let them do as they like, when we can devote ourselves to God and all that is good.
ok for one fuck you everyone of you so called christian judge not least ye be judged right? i stopped reading this bullshit for one no one knows if “god” did indeed instruct the writing of the bible people nor do we know of his true existence. The bible was written by man and as a man writes anything, if i was to rewrite this b.s., change what is said change what is written to suite his or her or their or whatever need or desire. Just by writing this you are judging numerous people without even trying to. I shake my head at you so called “christians”
Thank you! All you christians do is blindly throw your beliefs in peoples faces. Go preach your religion to people who care for your ignorant, closeminded opinions. Stop shoving your religion down people’s throats. Goodbye.
I didn’t see any Christians shoving anything down anyone’s throat. Take Raul for example, everything he said was in a very calm and controlled manner. He didn’t shove any information down anyone’s throat, he simply wanted you to hear what he believes.