Is Homosexuality acceptable by Christianity?

Continuing with my spontaneous posting of unconnected ideas I wanted to do a blog post on homosexuality. In class today we discussed the notion of homosexuality within the Greek culture, through the concept of the “lover-beloved” theory. As a Christian I do possess a bias towards homosexuality due to a combination of religious and moral ideals. However today I read an article by Richard Hays and he shed some light on the subject of homosexuality in Christianity which sparked my interest.

Homosexuality is a subject that many Christians struggle with. Richard B. Hays wrote this article after his friend who was a homosexual Christian died of aids. His friend had struggled with his identity as a homosexual person and his belief in Christianity. Hays wrote his article to state the bibles position on homosexuality and to express what the true churches response to homosexuality should be.

Hays provides a biblical stance on homosexuality through references from the bible. He begins by stating that the bible actually rarely discusses homosexuality. He starts with Genesis19:1-29, the story of Sodom and Gomorrah. Although homosexuality is mentioned in this story it is merely that, mentioned. The next reference is Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13. These references leave no question that homosexuality is wrong. This reference cannot be held as absolute for Christian ethics and is disputed because it was in the old testament and many religious laws from then were merely cleansing law or purity laws that were abolished with the establishment of the new covenant with Christ. Reasons for its dispute are that there was no distinction between purity laws and moral laws so it is unknown which category homosexuality would fall under.

Homosexuality in the New Testament is discussed as well. 1 Corinthians 6:9 and 1 Timothy 1:10 are verses where the early church describes homosexuality based on Old Testament. The last and most important text for the issue is found in Romans 1:18-32. This verse is the only verse that truly condemns homosexuality as wrong and therefore sin.

The true argument that surrounds the issue of homosexuality is whether or not it is a choice or a human condition. We must know if people are born homosexual or if it is a learned and personal choice. The theological argument is that all people are born with sin which is a rebellion against God. This rebellion is then manifested in a rebellion against the natural order of things through the desire to be with others of the same sex. Judging by this the outward act becomes a mirror for the inward spiritual struggle between doing God’s will or doing what mans nature allows; and rebel. Many people argue that the New Testament only condemns promiscuous and exploitive homosexual behavior. This belief is most likely not true and to categorize the behavior as different for certain occasions or instances is just an attempt at finding a loop hole.

There are several keys to understand in this argument. The first key to remember is that all sin is the same; there is no greater or lesser sin. We have judged homosexuality as a sin but all people sin; most on a daily basis. The fall of man condemns all to sin and the natural rebellion of man against God, homosexuality is like a physical manifestation of that sin. Secondly everyone sins no one can judge and should leave that to God. Lastly the church should accept homosexual members because even though many openly sin they are the same as anyone else if you remember that all sin is the same. Everyone is a captive of sin born into it so no matter if it is a free choice or a forced behavior it is subject to God’s wrath.

Hays friend came to the conclusion that the only solution to keep from sin was abstinence. In fact for all people abstinence should be practiced to remain faithful to God, not just for homosexuals. The only true solution for homosexuals however is celibacy.

In the end the church should embrace Homosexual people as brothers and sisters in Christ. The church should not focus on the sin but on the people. We all sin and no sin is different so acceptance is the solution to the argument.

This article has truly changed my perspective on things. I had never thought of homosexuality as merely sin. I always got involved in arguing over whether it was a choice or not and didn’t get past the fact that in the end all sin is equal. Hearing the bibles official stance on the matter is very helpful as well. It provides a foundation to view the whole situation from. Reading this article has given me a new view point on the matter and I am thankful that I have read it.