One of the fiercest battles in the ‘culture wars’ is the topic of homosexuality. Often we hear that, in the discussions of homosexuality, Christians and social conservatives are all on one side while gays, liberals, and secularists are all on the other.

It isn’t so simple. There are many Christians who are accepting of gays, lesbians, and others. You don't hear about them as much in the media, but they are there.

Some commentators have suggested that there are several Christian denominations (my own (the United Church of Christ) among them who have given into the pressure of a permissive culture. They say that we are so willing to accommodate all life styles and points of view that we have turned away from scripture, tradition, and the “clear teachings of Jesus Christ.”

Actually, that’s not the case at all. I can’t speak for everyone at this end of Christianity, but I am certainly not turning my back on any of these things. I would argue that offering acceptance, kindness, and genuine respect to people who are often treated as outcasts by so much of society is clearly a continuation of the ministry of Jesus. He regularly talked with people his cultures shunned, ate dinner with those his culture considered “sinners” and touched those labeled ‘untouchables.’ He rejected the prejudices and bigotries of his time and place, and he challenges all Christians to do the same.

...But doesn’t the Bible say that homosexuality is a sin?

It is a complex topic, and I'll be going through the Bible scripture by scripture to cover it in more detail but the short answer is "no."

The whole idea of sexual orientation is a modern one. People didn't begin to study human sexuality until the 19th century. The idea that a person could, by nature, be attracted to other of the same sex wasn't considered (let alone condemned) in biblical times.

The passages that condemn have to do with specific behaviors (e.g. rape, prostitution, abuse of children) which are also condemned in heterosexuals. The loving and committed relationship of a same-sex couple, or the simple realization that a person is gay are never condemned.

There is far to much to say in one post so I'll just make three points for now:

1) Jesus never says anything about homosexuality.

I find it odd when opponents of gay rights refer to the “clear teachings of Jesus Christ” about homosexuality. There is no teaching of Jesus; the passages in the debate come from Paul, or from the Old Testament.

2) This is not a major topic in the Bible.

There are only about half-a-dozen passages that usually come up in this discussion. When you compare this to something over 2000 passages on justice for the poor you can conclude that it is not the most important issue in scripture.

I will be going over each of these passages in greater detail in the next few posts. For now I’ll just say they are as follows:

 Genesis 19
 Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13
 1 Kings 14:24, 15:12 and 22:46
 Romans 1:26-27
 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
 1 Timothy 1:9-10


3) Things aren’t always what they seem to be on the surface.

As attractive as it is to say that we should just accept the Bible at face value, it isn’t always that simple. We sometimes forget that we are reading a book that was complied in ancient times. Many of the basic assumptions people had about God, the workings of the world, and the course of daily life have changed dramatically. We no longer own slaves (most of us don’t even own livestock), polygamy is not common, we (mostly) don’t believe that the sun and stars orbit the earth. Everyone who studies scripture, even the most rigid literalists, have to make adjustments to apply the truth of scripture to modern life.

This point is well made by the infamous “Open Letter to Dr. Laura.” This document has been circulating anonymously on the internet since sometime in 2000. It’s a favorite of mine…

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Dear Dr. Laura,

Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and I try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind him that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate.

I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some of the specific laws and how to best follow them.

a) When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord (Lev 1:9). The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

b) I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?

c) I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness (Lev 15:19-24). The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.

d) Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?

e) I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?

f) A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an Abomination (Lev 11:10), it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this?

g) Lev 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?

h) Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev 19:27. How should they die?

i) I know from Lev 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

j) My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? (Lev 24:10-16) Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)

I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help.

Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.

Your devoted disciple and adoring fan.