Homosexuality and the Bible

What does the Bible say about homosexuality?  Are there verses against homosexuality in Scripture?

Many claim that homosexuality is contrary to the Bible and therefore wrong.  But how many raise their children according to the Bible?  Disobedient offspring are to be stoned to death.

The Bible also approves of slavery.  In the New Testament, slaves are exhorted to "obey your masters," and the treatment of "servants" is prescribed in the Old Testament (Tanakh) without calling for their emancipation.  

Moreover, women are assigned secondary status by Scripture. They are forbidden to teach in the Pauline epistles, and in addition, are directed to keep their heads covered and keep absolutely silent in church "as the law also says."  If women have any questions, Paul says, they are to ask their husbands at home.

Many Jews and Christians no longer agree with these Biblical teachings, yet somehow the verses about homosexuality get to remain etched in stone.  That seems rather inconsistent.

By Truthseeker

Photo credit: "Bibelen" by Pal Berge.  The photo is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Notes

• contrary to the Bible: Verses regarding homosexuality - Leviticus 18:33 and 20:13, Romans 1:26-27,  1 Corinthians 6:9, 1 Timothy 1:9-10.  

• stoned to death: Passages concerning child-rearing - Exodus 21:17, Leviticus 20:9, Deuteronomy 21:18-21.  

• slavery: Verses discussing slavery - Leviticus 25:39-46, Deuteronomy 15:12-17, Ephesians 6:5-9, Colossians 3:22-23, I Timothy 6:1-2, Titus 2:9-10, I Peter 2:18-19.

secondary status:  Verses regarding the status of women - I Corinthians 11:5, 14:34-35, I Timothy 2:11-14.

Resources

• Homosexuality and the Bible: What does the Bible say about homosexuality?  This and other questions discussed.

• Religious Tolerance.org: discussion of what opposing views say on homosexuality and the Bible.

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