Christianity and Homosexuality: Biblical Analysis and Perspectives

Christianity and Homosexuality https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT-2vHPqb5b7fDfHakxqiqpHRJYlb9_hAWitLY8n-wxMdAtJR32 https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTknIIag8lmFfigDdwpB9uZgTx8sQrZ-ASlJTa1yIl0fiWv8y0X http://wallcapture.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Free-Question-Mark-Wallpaper-HD.jpg

The Kinsey Scale of Sexual Orientation http://24.media.tumblr.com/c2ce93c668c94142070ad02b9cc09b8e/tumblr_mrhg1hQ2zI1rlau5wo2_500.png

Relevant biblical passages: 4 Questions to consider as we read the passages 1. What forms of homosexuality does scripture condemn? Is there any biblical basis for loving, faithful, homosexual partnerships? Are attempts to understand culture and context ways of avoiding the plain truth? Should context and culture preclude certain texts from having the weight we might give them? 2. 3. 4. Genesis 19:1-11, (cf Judges 19:16-28, Ezeikiel 16:49, Matt 10:15 and Jude 7) Leviticus 18:22, (further OT texts include Deut 23:17-18; 1 Kings 14:24, 15:12, 22:46 and 2 Kings 23:7) In the NT, Romans 1:18-32; 1 Cor 6:9-11 and 1 Tim 1:8-11

Questions to explore Is there any basis for the Christian acceptance of loving and faithful same-sex partnerships? 2) How can your church become more inclusive to the LGBT community?

Christians take 1 of 4 positions: 1 2 3 4 Rejecting/ Condemning Homosexuality is sinful and gay orientation is rejected. It undermines and erodes society and we need to take a stand against it. Rejecting/ Compassionate Homosexual acts are sinful, but orientation is a flaw not a sin. We are all called to Godly living and this impacts us differently; for some it is alcohol, for others honesty and for others it is sexual orientation. Qualified Acceptance Ideally, there would only be faithful, heterosexual marriage. Yet as we acknowledge with remarriage or war, faithful homosexual relations may be OK, or the least bad option. Full Acceptance Sexual relationships should be evaluated on the basis of their unitive not procreational purpose. Homosexual marriage expresses love and mutuality, which are good Christian virtues and as a matter of justice, should be accepted. New Baptists, New Agenda (Nigel Wright)

Summary of my conclusions: The Bible seems to suggest (especially Genesis 1 and 2) that God s plan for sexual expression is exclusively located within the covenant of heterosexual marriage? The Romans and 1 Corinthians texts say quite forcibly that homo- erotic sexual relations are not compatible with Christian behaviour. There is no overt or covert scripture to support homo-erotic behaviour. Whilst homo-erotic behaviour (but not gay orientation) is sinful, in the same way as fornication and adultery are, it is not the unforgivable sin and certainly does not warrant the church s preoccupation with it. The Bible is far more hard-hitting on idolatry, mistreating the poor or lacking in faithfulness, for example. Homophobia is a form of prejudice and is sinful and un-Christian. There should be no glass ceilings or limits to the full acceptance of a person with a gay orientation within the Christian community. The only lifestyle permissible for a gay person that is consistent with scripture is celibacy.

Summary of my conclusions Part 2: Homophobia is unacceptable on the basis that it discriminates against someone because of their sexuality but it is not homophobic to disagree with or challenge a persons lifestyle choice. Where two gay people are engaging in a sexual relationship the leaders of a church have a responsibility to challenge that behaviour on the basis that it is not consistent with scripture. I am broadly supportive of gay people adopting. I am supportive of civil partnership but against gay marriage.