Does Saint Paul condemn homosexuality?
Biblical reflections of Kittredge Cherry* published on hisQ Spirit blog (United States) in August 2018, freely translated by Giacomo Tessaro, fifth part
Some steps attributed to the apostle have been used for centuries to condemn homosexuality, often condemned from antigay violence and laws against sodomy, which did not rarely provide for the death penalty.
The steps in question are Romans 1: 26–27, 1 Corinthians 6: 9–10 and 1 Timothy 1: 9–10. They are part of a very limited group of biblical steps that conservatives see as a very powerful weapon to justify discrimination (when not violence) against LGBTQ people.
Many biblists have dispelled the idea that the Bible condemns today's concept of loving and responsible homosexual relationship, using very probable topics: the steps that according to many prohibit homosexuality are translated badly and/or cited outside their context; Prejudices against homosexuality caused a bad understanding of the original texts; Some of the steps attributed to Paul are probably to his helpers; The scriptures must be interpreted in the light of history and reason.
These sections of the website of the Gionata project can help you shed light on what Paolo (and the Bible) have to say about homosexuality:
Homosexuality in the Old Testament
Homosexuality in the New Testament
* Kittredge Cherry is the founder of theblog q spirit. She is a lesbian Christian writer who writes regularly about LGBTQ spirituality. She has degrees in theology, journalism and art history. She is pastor of the Metropolitan Community Churches and has served as a national ecumenical officer; she is currently involved in the National Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches, and fights for LGBT rights.
Original text: Paul the Apostle: Did his homosexuality shape Christianity?
