by DThere

Created on: December 30, 2009   Last Updated: December 31, 2009

Nowhere in the Old Testament or New Testament is the homosexual life style presented as an acceptable way of life. In the Old Testament, Lot is visited by two angels who are sought for relations by the people of Sodom (Genesis 19: 1-8). Lot (v. 7) asks that men of Sodom not to "act wickedly" (they wanted to have sexual relations with the two angels - apparently male?).

In Leviticus 18: 22 male homosexuality is discouraged: “You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination.” In Leviticus 20: 13, this concept is repeated: “If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act; they shall surely be put to death. Their blood guiltiness is upon them.” The penalty for this act is severe.

In the New Testament, St. Paul identifies homosexuality as unnatural:

“…and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error” (Romans 1:27).

 St. Paul also explains that homosexuality is identified as unrighteous and that those who live this life style will not be acceptable to God:

 “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6: 9 – 10).

 St. Paul continues in1 Timothy 1:9-10 by including homosexuality with “ungodly”:

 “…realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching …”

There are debates among biblical scholars regarding the meanings of specific words that imply exceptional interpretations of activities. In some cases, the resulting implications from specific interpretations are that homosexuality is not condemned by God. Even if there are variations of interpretations pertaining to specific homosexual acts under certain conditions, there is no scripture that indicates that support having sexual relationships outside of marriage between a man and a woman.

Should the Christian church teach that homosexuality is wrong? Yes, if a gathering of believers seeks to be consistent with traditional Christian teaching.

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