What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality?

 

Homosexuality is one of the most discussed and debated topics within Christianity today. As societal views continue to evolve, many Christians seek to understand what the Bible says about homosexuality, often searching for clarity and guidance on how to reconcile their faith with modern views. This blog post explores key biblical passages that address homosexuality.

Key Biblical Passages

The Bible references homosexuality in several passages, primarily in the Old Testament and the New Testament. Below are some of the most frequently cited scriptures:

• Genesis 19:1-29 (The Story of Sodom and Gomorrah):
  This passage describes the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, where the inhabitants' actions, including attempted homosexual rape, are presented as deeply sinful. The story is often interpreted as condemning homosexual behavior, though some scholars argue that the primary sin was inhospitality and violence rather than consensual same-sex relationships.

• Leviticus 18:22 & 20:13:
  In the Old Testament, Leviticus explicitly states, "You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination" (Leviticus 18:22). Leviticus 20:13 reiterates this, prescribing severe penalties for such actions. These verses are part of the Holiness Code, a set of laws given to the Israelites to maintain their distinctiveness and purity.

• Romans 1:26-27:
  In the New Testament, Paul writes about same-sex relations, stating, "Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. In the same way, the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error." This passage is often cited to emphasize that homosexual acts are contrary to God's design.

• 1 Corinthians 6:9-10:
  Paul lists those who will not inherit the kingdom of God, including those who engage in "men who have sex with men" (translated from the Greek word "arsenokoitai"), a term that has been interpreted in various ways. Some translations interpret this as a blanket condemnation of all homosexual behavior, while others suggest it refers to specific exploitative practices.