Homosexuality
From Theopedia
Homosexuality is the indulgence of sexual desire, or romantic love, for persons of the same gender. It is strongly condemned in the Bible in both the Old and the New Testaments, (e.g. Lev. 18:22 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-10).
Homosexuality is not a devotion to, admiration for, friendship with, or preference for the company of persons of the same gender, regardless of how strong or devoted it may be. Neither, on the other hand, is homosexuality definable as a discomfort with, or distaste for, the company of persons of the opposite gender. Homosexuality specifically concerns yielding one's imagination, speech, or will to erotic and romantic passions toward people of the same sex.
In a Time Magazine article, An Evangelical's Concession on Gays, by Michael Lindenberger (Time Magazine), Albert Mohler is reported to have argued that genetic inclination toward any behavior does not imply that such a behavior is "normal" in an ethical sense. In contrast, some argue that, should a genetic cause be found this would decisively show homosexuality to be an aspect of the person's God-given identity and therefore not a sin; but this is not Mohler's view. What is novel in Mohler's comments is his controversial, implied acceptance as a scientifically settled fact that same-sex attraction is genetically determined, in his remark: "We sin against homosexuals by insisting that sexual temptation and attraction are predominately chosen". But by separating the issue of genetics from the Bible's own concern, Mohler is following the established Biblical understanding of how genetic considerations are included in the issue of how men ought to conduct themselves in the war between the lusts of the body and the Spirit of God. Romans 7 vividly describes inclinations toward what God condemns, which work like an innate and irresistible law within the body, so that no one is able to do what is right or to resist doing wrong simply by approving what is right and condemning what is wrong.
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- Leviticus 18:22
- Leviticus 20:13
- Romans 1:24-32
- 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
External links
- Homosexuality on Conservapedia
Critical
- Loving Homosexuals as Jesus Would, by Chad Thompson
- Banning Gay Marriage Is Not The Answer, by Chad Thompson
- What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality? (Christ Unlimited Ministries)
- Homosexuality and the Bible - A Debate (About.com)
- What God Hath Not Joined, by Edith M. Humphrey
- Homosexuality: Rebellion Against God, by Richard B. Hays
- "But God Made Me This Way!", by John Frame - An introduction to the ethical problems of genetically-mandated homosexuality
- The Source and NT Meaning of arsenokoitai with Implications for Christian Ethics and Ministry (PDF), by James B. DeYoung
- Homosexuality and the Church (PDF), by Alex D. Montoya
Favorable
- Homosexuality and the Bible, by Walter Wink
- Liberal Interpretations of Romans 1:26-27 by Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance
- Homosexuality -- What Does the Bible Really Say? by "A Common Bond"
- How to be True to the Bible and say "Yes" to Same-Sex Unions -- Bennett Sims
