Homosexuality in the Bible, what does it say about it?

homosexuality in the bible

In the ancient world, attitudes towards homosexuality varied considerably between different civilizations. In some societies, homosexual behavior was not only tolerated, but in certain cases was associated with social status or power, and was not seen as morally wrong. Such practices could be linked to religious rituals, expressions of dominance, or hierarchical relationships.

However, the Judeo-Christian vision was clearly differentiated from the beginning. Throughout the Bible, homosexuality is presented as contrary to God's law, a prohibition that was not subject to cultural fluctuations or the customs of other nations. This principle, which appears explicitly in key texts such as Leviticus, was part of a broader set of mandates intended to establish a unique moral and spiritual identity for the people of Israel.

The rejection of homosexuality, along with other laws of purity and holiness, was intended to keep God’s people separate from the practices of surrounding cultures. While many ancient societies might consider these behaviors acceptable, the people of Israel were largely defined by their obedience to divine commands, which distinguished them not only in religious terms, but also in social and ethical terms. Thus, the rejection of homosexuality was not a mere cultural detail, but a central pillar in the search for holiness and fidelity to God’s law, which marked a clear boundary between God’s people and pagan nations.

This approach not only emphasized the difference between Israel and other peoples, but also reflected a commitment to the moral order that, according to the Bible, was established by God from the creation of human beings.

Passages that talk about homosexuality in the bible

There are several passages in the Bible that are often quoted in discussions of homosexuality. The best known of these is Leviticus 18:22, which says: “You shall not lie with a man as with a woman; It's an abomination." Similarly, in the New Testament, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 it includes “sissies” and men who sleep with men on a list of people who will not inherit the kingdom of God.

There is also the story of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, which according to the Bible were destroyed for their immoral practices, among which homosexuality stands out. The story is told in the book of Genesis, chapter 19.

The biblical account tells that two angels posing as humans were sent to Sodom, and that Lot, a righteous man who lived there, offered them refuge in his house. That night, the men of the city surrounded Lot's house and demanded that he hand over the two visitors to them, in order to sexually abuse them. The men tried to force their way into the house. The angels then blinded the attackers and led Lot and his family out of the city before it was destroyed.

This biblical story has been interpreted by many as a condemnation of homosexuality, due to the involvement of the men of Sodom in the attempted rape of the angels. Also, it is important to note that the story of Sodom and Gomorrah is not the only example in the Bible of a city being destroyed for its immorality. In the book of Ezekiel, for example, the story of the city of Tyre, which was also destroyed for its sins, is told.

Historically, homosexuality in the Bible is seen as a sin of immorality in our society of Judeo-Christian tradition. Precisely because of these texts where homosexuality is indicated as abominable before God, being part of a list of acts that exclude those who practice it from inheriting the kingdom of God and that according to the Bible was one of the immoral acts that led to destruction of 2 cities as divine punishment.

Views on homosexuality

Interpretations of these passages vary widely even among non-believers. Some argue that these passages clearly condemn same-sex sexual intercourse, while others suggest that these passages may perhaps refer to certain cultural practices that have been mistranslated over time.

Among Christians, most believe that sexuality and spirituality are linked, and that sexual behavior should be a heterosexual practice, as God ordained it. This historical belief based on the biblical text has led Christianity to view homosexuality as inherently sinful.

There are many people, including some Christians today, who argue that the Bible's teachings on love and compassion should extend to all people, regardless of their sexual orientation, and that those who condemn homosexuality contradict the teaching of love of neighbor.

There are even some Christian denominations and groups within these such as the Episcopal Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)), United Church of Christ (UCC), Presbyterian Church (USA), Metropolitan Community Church (MCC), Quakers UK, among others who advocate for full inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in the church and argue that God’s love is not limited by human understanding of sexuality.

Historical and cultural context of homosexuality in the bible

When studying the Bible's teachings on homosexuality, it is important to understand the historical and cultural context in which the Bible was written. During the time the Bible was written, cultural attitudes toward homosexuality were very different than they are today. For example, in ancient Greece, same-sex relationships were widely accepted and even celebrated in some cases. Similarly, in ancient Rome, there were few legal restrictions on homosexual behavior, and it was often seen as a normal part of life.

However, despite the fact that these practices were common in kingdoms and towns close to the Hebrew people in biblical times, the Jewish culture and later the Christian ones rejected this practice, as it was seen as contrary to God's law.

In some pagan cultures, sexual behavior was often closely related to religious beliefs and practices, many of which held massive orgies in honor of their gods, in which homosexuality was part of the rituals. In Jewish culture, sexual behavior was seen as a means of intimacy only between a man and a woman, in which both complement each other and fulfill God's command to "be fruitful and multiply." Similarly, in early Christian culture, sexual behavior was closely related to the idea of procreation and family.

In this context, same-sex behavior was often seen as a deviation from God's plan for humanity and was often associated with the pagan practices of neighboring cultures. For example, in the early Christian church, same-sex behavior was often associated with the practices of the Roman Empire, which were seen as corrupt and immoral. As such, sexuality was seen as a way to distinguish Christian culture from the surrounding culture.

Over time, these attitudes toward same-sex behavior became ingrained in both Jewish and Christian culture. Over time, interpretations of the Scriptures began to reflect these positions. For example, in the Middle Ages, the influential theologian Thomas Aquinas argued that same-sex behavior was "against nature" and violated God's plan for procreation.

Similarly, during the Protestant Reformation, many of the movement's leading figures were strongly opposed to same-sex behavior. John Calvin, for example, argued that same-sex behavior was an “heinous crime” deserving of punishment.

Even today, while some advocate a more inclusive approach, these cultural attitudes continue to influence interpretations of Scripture and many Christians continue to view same-sex behavior as inherently sinful.

Judeo-Christian perspective on homosexuality

The Bible clearly contains verses that suggest homosexuality is a sin. It is also important to consider the broader context in which these verses are presented.

As believers, we know that God loves all sinners, regardless of their actions. However, this does not mean that God loves their sin. In fact, the Bible makes it clear that all sin is an affront to God's holiness, and that every person needs to repent.

One of the most quoted verses on homosexuality is Romans 1:26-27: “For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. Because their women exchanged natural relations for those contrary to nature; and men also abandoned natural relations with women and were consumed by passion for each other, men committed shameless acts with men and received in themselves due punishment for their mistake.

These verses suggest that homosexuality is a sin, and it is also relevant to remember that this verse is just one of many in the Bible that speak about sexual immorality in general. The Bible also speaks against adultery, fornication, and other forms of sin, of immorality.

It is important to remember that no sin is greater than any other in God's eyes. While the Bible proposes that homosexuality is a sin, generally speaking it is no more or less sinful than any other sin committed by humans every day. As believers, we are called to love and show compassion to all sinners, regardless of their actions, but we must not concede to calling what they do good either. We are called to love and be compassionate, but we are also called to acknowledge sinfulness.

Theological perspective on homosexuality

The teachings on homosexuality in the Bible have significant theological implications for Christians. These implications relate to topics such as sin, morality, and salvation.

The Bible's teachings on homosexuality are often framed within the context of sin. The Bible is clear that all human beings are sinners and that this sinfulness affects every aspect of our lives. Homosexuality, in the Bible, is seen as an aspect of this sinfulness, and as such, is a practice that believers should avoid.

It is important to note that the Bible's teachings on homosexuality are not just about sin. Rather, they also have to do with morality. The Bible teaches that certain actions are inherently immoral and homosexuality is often considered within this category of actions.

Some believe that the Bible's teachings on homosexuality have implications for the issue of salvation. Christians believe that salvation is only possible through faith in Jesus Christ, and that this faith requires a rejection of sin and a commitment to live a life that is pleasing to God. That said, many Christians think that homosexual behavior jeopardizes the salvation of the believer who engages in this act.

We must note that the Bible's teachings on homosexuality do not imply that homosexuality is worse than any other sin. Rather, it must be understood that all sin is seen as equally damaging to our relationship with God.

This means that Christians who engage in other sins, such as adultery or theft, are just as in need of repentance and forgiveness as those who engage in homosexual behavior.

Is homosexuality a sin or not?

If we look at it strictly in the light of the biblical texts and from a Judeo-Christian perspective, yes. If we look at it from a cultural-secular perspective, it will depend on the culture in question.

It is important to remember that Christianity, beyond a religion, is a lifestyle that, although it accepts the sinner with all his sins, requires that he repent and progressively amend his path, since the acceptance of the sinner is not synonymous with acceptance towards his concurrent and unrepentant sin.

There are a great number of sins that we as humans commit daily and if we conclude that all types of sins are equally abominable to God, then we realize that we all need the same redemption and forgiveness, not just those who practice homosexuality.