The Bible and homosexuality: what it says and how to interpret its words
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Article* by Erica Williams Simon published on the website upworthy.com (United States) on 27 June 2014, free translation by Umberto Mattia
In the video above titled “God and the Gay Christian” (God and gay Christians”) Matthew Vines analyzes six passages of the Bible relating to homosexuality with careful contextualization of each verse (because, as we know, passages of scripture taken out of context can give rise to misunderstandings or dramatic outcomes in the worst cases). We have summarized every point regarding homosexuality and the Bible below:
The story of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19)
The story in Genesis 19 is probably the most famous passage used to condemn homosexuality. Here's how Vines breaks it down:
“God sends two angels disguised as men to the city of Sodom, where the inhabitants threaten to abuse them. The angels then blind him and God destroys the city. For centuries this story has been interpreted as divine judgment for same-sex couples, but the only form of intercourse described is that of gang rape.”
So gang rape is not good (and by the way has nothing to do with homosexuality). But the story repeated in Ezekiel 16:49 underlines what, according to Vines, is the true heart of the story:
“Behold, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, greed, indolent idleness, but they did not extend their hand to the poor and destitute:”
In other words, anyone who uses this story as evidence that homosexuality is a sin has probably completely missed the point.
When God calls homosexuality an abomination
Already. We have all read that Leviticus is where the Bible directly says that homosexual behavior is an abomination. And yes, it does. But he also says that homosexuals must be put to death (!!!). It gives the same punishment to those who eat pork or shellfish, those who lend money for interest, and a plethora of other restrictions that were part of Old Testament law. But for Christians the Old Testament should not (at least in theory) cause any problem because in Romans 10:4 it explicitly says that Christ is the end of the law. This is why many Christians today eat meat, use credit cards and support equality for women. For, as Hebrews 8:13 says, that which grows old and grows old is about to pass away.
When people turn away from God (Romans 1:26-27)
“For this reason God abandoned them to infamous passions; their women have changed natural relationships into unnatural relationships. Likewise, men too, leaving their natural relationship with women, became inflamed with passion for one another, committing ignominious acts, men with men, thus receiving in themselves the punishment befitting their aberration.”
This is where Vines really delves into the cultural context. In ancient times, homosexual behaviors were primarily seen only in the dimension between adult and adolescent, master and slave, through prostitution and by men who were married to women. In all these cases we can see why homosexuality was seen as a sin derived from excess, lust and ultimately against divine law. But there is no mention of relationships based on love, commitment and faithfulness; and in any case nothing that concerns the type of official relationship that is being discussed today. (And by the way, Paul also said that men with long hair are “unnatural” and that women shouldn't speak in church; clearly he had a lot of prejudices.)
The use of the Greek words “Malakoi” and “Arsenokoitai” (1 Corinthians 6.9-10 and 1 Timothy 1.10)
These words are included in the list of people who according to the New Testament will not inherit the kingdom of God. There is still much debate about the original meaning (translating an ancient language is difficult). Many believe they mean homosexuality and sodomy, but others suggest that the more accurate modern translation would be “perverted old men.” Here's what Vines had to say:
“Many modern translators have portrayed these terms as pertaining to homosexuals, but the concept of sexual orientation did not yet exist in the ancient world. Yes, Paul did not have a positive view of homosexual relationships (or even of women speaking in church…), but the social context in which those words were created is alien to the idea of a lasting and monogamous homosexual relationship. The Bible never talks about sexual orientation or same-sex marriage, so there is no reason for faithful Christians not to support their gay brothers and sisters.
Fascinating right? If you want to know more about homosexuality in the Bible or Matthew Vines' personal story here is his book “God and Gay Christian. "
* The article is essentially a summary of the video on YouTube. The quotes from the video are in italics, while the titles of the 6 points are in bold, each referring to a different verse.)
Original text: Homosexuality in the Bible: Here's what six passages say and how to interpret them
