The Bible on Homosexuality

The Catholic Church has spoken. Homosexuality as a sexual orientation in itself is not a sin. What is sinful is the act of genital intercourse between couples of the same sex. If Christian faith however, is truly scriptural, where is this written in the Bible? Those who oppose homosexual acts cite four major Biblical references, Genesis, Leviticus, Romans and Corinthians, to prove that God does not approve of homosexual acts.

Most advocates of homosexual acts however are quick to point that Jesus Christ himself has said nothing about homosexuality and that other Biblical references are clouded by cultural considerations. The argument however is equally quick, the New Testament which was written by Christ's closest followers condemn homosexual eroticism.

In Genesis, the story of Sodom and Gomorrah is set down. To some non theologians this appears to be the most famous passage used to condemn homosexual acts. This reference however may not be so conclusive since the story is more about God's wrath over cities, which, in their arrogance and pride, no longer recognized God, rather than homosexual acts. It is therefore in the other three books that we must look into. What do they say?

Leviticus 20:13 says, "If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own hands."

Romans 1:26-27 further says, "Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural 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 indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion."

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 finally states, "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God."

The scripture may seem unambiguous but gay supporters maintain that there are problems in interpretation since the scriptures were originally in Hebrew and Greek and have been translated only in English. They also contend that cultural conditions should also be considered.

Pro homosexual scholars say for example that Leviticus is referring only to homosexuality in pagan rituals as contemptible. They also say that the passages in the Book of Romans refers not to natural born homosexuals but heterosexuals performing homosexual acts. In 1 Corinthians, they believe that the reference is to male prostitutes and not to homosexuals.

There are of course counter arguments to these arguments, and for many, the scriptures, whether they are interpreted one way or another, holds the truth. For those who do not believe, it is supposed that the truth will be revealed eventually.