The Bible And Homosexuality: What Shall We Do?

A Member? Please Login  
type your username and password to login
Date: November 18, 2008, 02:26 PM
262266 members and 159640 Topics
Latest Member: mukbio
Nairaland [Nigerian Forum] Home Help Search Who is currently online? Login Register
Nairaland Forum  |  General Discussion  |  Religion (Moderators: mukina2, A_K_O)  |  The Bible And Homosexuality: What Shall We Do?
Pages: (1) Go Down Send this topic Notify of replies
Author Topic: The Bible And Homosexuality: What Shall We Do?  (Read 318 views)
mlks_baby (f)
The Bible And Homosexuality: What Shall We Do?
« on: March 17, 2006, 08:46 PM »


The Bible and Homosexuality: What Shall We Do?

      What really does the Bible say on the subject of homosexuality? Some people feel that the word never appeared in the Bible and should therefore not be condemned by Christians. Others have suggested verses that seem to be touching on the subject and therefore believe that God frowns on the activity. Yet others of a more liberal and cultural view base their convictions on what science and social norms seem to suggests. These are very touchy issues and the debates are equally passionate.

      However, my interest here is to invite contributions from a Christian and Biblical point of reference from those who are practising Chrsitians as well as others who have checked out what the Bible has to say on the topic. Is the Bible completely silent on it, or what really does it say, if anything at all? What should be the Christian attitude to gays and people of other sexual preferences/orientation that are distinct and different from what the Bible does say about sexual relations?


Views welcome from everyone! I trust we'll all remember to keep it civil.  Wink

choice.A
Re: The Bible And Homosexuality: What Shall We Do?
« #1 on: March 18, 2006, 06:47 AM »

Prolegomena:
First, let me remind my readers of two things I'd wish them to constantly keep in mind while going through this writeup: (a) I'm writing from a Christian perspective and not from a politically correct or socio-culturally adopted view; (b) I know the pain of some of the people in this situation who are seeking help - and I'll try to be respectful of their dignity in my language. If anyone feels offended somewhere along this post, I'd like to tender my unreserved apology upfront in the firm belief that people are first and foremost people than anything else; which in no way suggests that my convictions are waned thereby.
___________________________


Many societies view homosexuality as a socially and/or culturally unacceptable lifestyle. It is not just a religious concern. However, when people claim that 'God made them gay' ('God' in context of the Christian faith) and press this notion as Biblically correct, a lot of issues emerge. First, we ask for a scriptural basis verifying that claim (so far, none has been forthcoming, other than mere opinions and speculations). Second, the excuse is given that the Bible neither condemns nor even remotely mentions anything on the subject of homosexuality. There is a plethora of other issues to this debate, but here's what my views are on these two suppositons:

1) Do I believe God made/created anyone as gay? No. I have requested (in other threads) that those who assert this provide the necessary Biblical texts to back up the assertion. In the absence of any biblical quotes, I have proffered a few for my own convictions. First, it is illogical that God would have had to create anyone as gay when infact He calls such a position 'abominable' in His sight (Lev.20:13). How would God make a person gay and then have to later punish such a person for being something/someone that He was directly responsible for, if that is even possible? If you strike my face and I bleed, would it be fair for you to complain about my bleeding when I did not cause it in the first place? Now, one such text that convinces me that God did not create people as gay is Eccl.7:29 - there it says that "God hath made man upright" rather than making him 'abominable' in what He detests.

2) Second, some contend that the issue of homosexuality is neither expressly condemned nor even remotely mentioned in the Bible. There are two ways to look at this. There are a few words that are not explicitly used in the Bible but are undeniably established Biblical doctrines: substitution (in Christ's sacrifice for our sins); rapture (Christians being caught up to meet the Lord at His second coming); Trinity (the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit alone being the One God eternally co-existing). So, just because 'homosexuality' is not explicitly penned down in any Bible text does not justify it as a normative or prescriptive practice any more than 'abortion' would be justified since the Bible does not expressly mention it in name.

In both the OT and NT, we find clear statements that show God's disapproval of the practice.

a) Read the story of Sodom in Gen.19. Among the various understandings that could be obtained from the chapter is a clear pointer: the men of the city had less interest in having sex with women than they did with men - that is why they rejected Lot's offer of his daughters in verse 8. There are also other reasons why Sodom fell to the judgement of God (such as are described in Ezek16:49); but it is not coincidental that God used 'sodomy' as a proverbial warning to His people in Deut.23:17 - "There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel."

b) From the time of Abraham to the emergence of the covenant nation Israel, is it not significant that twice in Leviticus, God warned in unmistakable terms against the practice of homosexuality among His people? Just what does this involve? If we understand it simply as same-sex activity [or, for example, 'man + man = homosexuality'], then match that in any translation of the Bible to these two verses:

Lev.18:22 - "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination."

Lev.20:13 - "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."

These are explicit statements that convey God's mind on the subject regardless what term we commonly use today for the activity - homosexuality, gay, buggery, down-low, msm, etc

So many have protested the OT texts on this subject as obsolete and non-applicable today. Against the backdrop of such arguments, there's just one question to ask: since when has an abominable act in the past ceased being abominable in the present? It's all well and good that the literal application of Lev.20:13 to put gays/homosexuals to death is not something the Christian pursues today; but should that in itself overthrow the implications of homosexuality and now be regarded as having been elavated as a virtuous activity?

What about the New Testament? My writeup continues shortly.


choice.A
Re: The Bible And Homosexuality: What Shall We Do?
« #2 on: March 18, 2006, 07:02 AM »

What then about the NT - is it anywhere taught that homosexuality remains generally what it is in the OT?

The NT shows that God's mind has not changed on the issue. Perhaps, more than anywhere else in the NT, it is explicitly shown in Romans 1 that sexual relations between people of the same sexes are not countenanced by God.

Rom.1:26 - "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:
 
Rom.1:27 - 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 umseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet."

From the Biblical point of reference, we have here a question of what is 'natural', and the picture of what sexes are engaged in 'unnatural' activities. Women going against nature (lesbianism - verse 26); and men with men lusting after one another (same sex/homosexuality - verse 27). Notice also that the Bible in verse 26 describes these passions as 'vile affections' (KJV) - something which resulted from the deliberate exchange of God's truth for a lie (v.25). So, it ought to be clear that anyone reading the Bible sees that Rom.1:25-27 obviously presents the case of homosexuality with the understanding that it is not a virtuous practice from God's point of reference.


What about Jesus?

I believe that based on Matt.19:3-6 Jesus did not ignore the question of Biblical ethics with regards to relationships between people. The Jews had brought a question about divorce to Him, and He had to take them back to the creation for answers. "Have ye not read, that He which made them at the beginning made them male and female." (v.4). Profound statement. But notice how He wraps up the argument: He appeals to the authority of what God has joined together and forbids any man to put asunder. Now, in all honesty, we should ask: who has God joined together according to Jesus' teachings? If God has joined two men together and therefore established the very same thing He detests; or, if God has joined two women together in same-sex marriages, it should be clear in Jesus' teaching. However, what we find there is that He unequivocally states that because God made them male and female in the beginning, marriage is the union of a man and a woman - nothing more than that.

So, does Jesus explicitly forbid homosexuality or same-sex unions in Matt.19:3-6? Anyone could argue that He did not - but then again, for those who want to dribble round Jesus' explicit statement about marriage in that scripture, the challenge is for them to look for an equally clear statement that He was giving His consent for the same practice described by God as abominable. Is it even thinkable that Jesus would have consented to such a thing of which God emphatically showed His disapproval? (please excuse my repetition for the sake of emphasis).

Among Christians, the Bible's position on marriage is the 'one-man-one-woman' union - just as could be referenced on Jesus' teaching as shown just above. In I Cor.7, Rom.7 and the recommendations for ministers in I Tim.3:2,12 and Titus 1:6, there is a general consensus of the one husband to one wife position. How is it possible that no reference of same-sex partnership was hinted at as part of the qualification for ministers or even a recommendation for Christian living and norms?

Those who try to push a homosexual agenda from a Biblical point of view should understand that , wherever referenced in both the OT and NT, it was not accepted as a normal Christian practice that God acquiesced to or winked at.

mlks_baby (f)
Re: The Bible And Homosexuality: What Shall We Do?
« #3 on: March 22, 2006, 03:14 AM »

choice.A,

Thank you for your inputs. That was an eye opener the way you've presented the issue from the Biblical perspective. I've learnt so much and hope that soon I should be able to throw in my few lines of thought as well. Many thanks again.  Smiley
Kpantoj
Re: The Bible And Homosexuality: What Shall We Do?
« #4 on: March 22, 2006, 09:27 AM »

Thank you so much for the write up on this subject matter. I pray (I mean Africans) remain true to scriptures without changing it to suit what we want like the west, and as we are now aware, this will bring about their doom if they do not repent. Romans 1:24 - 32.

I do also know that the right of those who practice such union have to be respected, but that does not mean it is right. God condemns such union. Let all those who wish humanity well continue to rise up against this devilish union. Thank you again.
kpantoj.
Jackie24
Re: The Bible And Homosexuality: What Shall We Do?
« #5 on: March 29, 2006, 05:36 AM »

Those who say God made them gay and use it as an excuse, are not worthy of using God as a scapegoat because they ignore him calling them to a life of abstinance.
And no I do not discriminate against gays or hold any ill feelings towards them, I know many and have some in the family, but when they use God against himself I am appalled.
 What If You Renege On A Promise You Made To God?  Christians: What Do You Do When You Don't Know What Else To Do?  How To Start My Own Church  Page 2
Pages: (1) Go Up Send Topic to Friend by E-mail Reply 
Google
 
Web www.nairaland.com
Sections: TV/Movies (2) Music/Radio (2) Celebrities Job Talk Jobs/Vacancies (2) Career Talk Romance Books Politics Sports Fashion Travel
Health Schooling Religion General(2) Business Webmaster Programming Computers Phones Cars & Trucks

Links: Page1 Page2 Page3 Page4 Page5 Page6 Page7 Page8 Page9 Page10

Nairaland is owned by Oluwaseun Osewa
Nairaland Forum | Powered by SMF 1.0.12.
© 2001-2005, Lewis Media. All Rights Reserved.