homosexuality: a special sin?

introduction

Why are certain actions, attitudes, and ways people live viewed with a special kind of disdain?  Why are they given a level of badness above others?  Pedophilia, murder, rape, are just a few examples.

Another, and the example used here is homosexuality.  Why?  Because in recent years, not far behind when speaking of marriage, is the topic of whether or not homosexuals (people who sexually desire the same gender as themselves) should be entitled to marry, with the same legal privileges as heterosexual people (people who sexually desire the opposite gender to themselves).

NOTE: This exploration is not intended to prove whether or not homosexuality is acceptable or a sin.  Rather, it is an attempt to ask whether we are justified to judge and shun people based upon personal, social, or religious views.

marriage is for a male and female only

• “gay marriage” is bad  because…
• the act of homosexuality is bad, therefore …
• people who are homosexual are not normal and
• sometimes considered unsaved in a Christian sense

anyone should be allowed to marry (mm, ff, mf)

• I feel normal and/or I know people who are homosexual who are not bad.  In fact some state Jesus as their saviour. Therefore…
• I am normal, therefore…
• homosexuality is just part of who I am, therefore…
• when I want to get married I should be able to

quick analysis

The difficulty when entering this argument is both sides appear “right” in their own eyes. But have another look. A circular argument is occurring through the blurring of the lines between the person and their sexuality. We are equating the inner worth of a person with who they have sex with. Heterosexual marriage = good normal person. Homosexual = bad abnormal person. Therefore,

• if you disagree with gay marriage you probably have other judgments about the men and women involved
• if you are a man or woman who is homosexual you probably consider yourself an ordinary person because you know how you feel and think

what does the bible say?

There are four main passages in the bible that speak directly of homosexuality.  The first two mentions appear in this context as the Hebrew word shakab, meaning "to lie together sexually".  Both  appear in the same Old Testament book called Leviticus:

• “Do not practice homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman. It is a detestable sin." (Lev 18:22)
• “If a man practices homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman, both men have committed a detestable act. They must both be put to death, for they are guilty of a capital offense." (Lev 20:13)

The other two direct references to homosexuality is the Greek word arsenokoites, each within a different book of the New Testament:

Paul starts by explaining of our need to resolve disputes instead of taking legal action because that would prove our unwillingness to love one another. It is even better to simply accept the injustice put upon us and leave it at that (1 Co 6:1-8).

Why?  Because anyone, yes even you, who does wrong will not inherit God’s Kingdom!

The examples of wrongdoing Paul gives includes indulging in sexual sin, worshiping idols, committing adultery, prostitution, homosexuality, stealing, or being greedy, an alcoholic, abusive, or cheating (1 Co 6:9-10), murdering, slave trading, lying, breaking a promise, or simply having evil thoughts, deceit, lust, envy, slander, pride, being foolish (1 Tim 1:8-11; Mk 7:21-23), being hostile, quarreling, jealous, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, or wild parties (Gal 5:19-21).

Indeed, Jesus explained that all these things come from your inner parts and that it is this  inner stuff that defiles you well before you act upon it (Mk 7:21-23).

Read Matthew 5.  What is Jesus explaining?  Is it enough to point at people whose actions seem obvious because we can see them, or do we need to consider something else?  How can you apply what you learn here into the above list of 'wrongdoings'?

For example, finish the following sentence: “You have heard it said, no one who sleeps with another person of the same sex will enter God’s Kingdom, but I (Jesus) say to you …”

Paul then continues by speaking of our need to stop committing these acts once we realize who Jesus is and how he has caused us to be right with God (1 Co 6:12-20).  But does Paul declare one or more of the listed wrongdoings better or worse than any other? 

Why?

Which of these listed actions do you recognize in your life?  What about when you apply what you found by understanding Matthew 5 (the “you have heard it said” ones)?

Paul also explains that … God’s law, when used correctly is good because it helps people live correctly.  The law was "not intended for people who do what is right, but for people who are lawless, rebellious, ungodly, or sinful, anyone who does anything that contradicts the teaching of Jesus Christ” (1 Tim 5:8-11).

conclusion

So, if you found yourself guilty of any of the wrongdoings, then you are living in opposition to Jesus, and need God's law.  Does it matter whether you choose to include or exclude homosexuality in this list?  No.  There will be one or more other things you will be found guilty of.

Thank Jesus for his mercy.  For, even though Paul used to blaspheme his name, persecute, and kill his people, Jesus showed him who he is and why he came to earth.  By being forgiven, Paul became an example proving Jesus came to save sinners, all sinners, no matter how horrendous your actions (1 Tim 5:12-17).