Ok, Shaun suggested we bring the coversation over here, so I’m going to give it a go.
This is one of those topics that is not resolved in my mind/heart, and so I appreciate other’s insight and especially those who are quite a bit more knowledgeable than me. First I’m going to post my comment over from shlog and then add a bit so you can understand where I’m coming from.
Actually, on the topic of the Old Testament and homosexuality, it’s not all that clear to me. Several scholars would say it was only temple prostitution that was forbidden.
In fact, when this very blog (and a good friend coming out) caused me to research the issue, the only passage in Scripture that seemed one hundred percent clear on the issue was Romans 1. Incidentally, it’s also the only place lesbian sex is mentioned.
So I actually think it would have been enormously helpful if there was a report of Jesus saying something about homosexuality. This is actually a very troubling issue to me and it’s not as clear as whipping out my Bible and reading Leviticus. In fact, I would love to come to a why answer about it being a sin, just as we are discussing the whys of church. I think prejudice plays a huge role in the church response and reaction and I often shudder when I think about the way Christians talk about people who are absolutely convinced, to their great sorrow, that they irreversibly are attracted to members of their own gender. Sorry for derailing, but it’s sort of one those things that gets my attention, because it troubles me so and I’m always hoping someone can give me an answer to put my mind at rest.
I just want to add that until like a year and a half ago, homosexuality being a sin was one of those things I just believed without really thinking about why. But then a good friend came out and also said she was still a Christian and I wondered how she thought that could even be possible. So someone over on shlog referred me to another message board where there was a HUGE discussion and pages and pages and pages of reading on the topic. It stirred up tons of questions within me, that to this day still come up. I struggle with this, because it’s pretty well accepted now that homosexuality is an orientation. So if someone cannot change what they are why would God even allow such a thing to happen. If the act of sex with one’s own gender is sin, and you are only attracted to your own gender, you are pretty much doomed to a life of loneliness--at least of never “falling in love”, especially in our family worshiping society. Additionally, unlike other things, I cannot really understand why it is a sin in a loving adult consentual relationship. (like i can see why lying, adultery, murder, stealing, etc. are.)
I realize that this is many ways a question about my faith and my understanding of God and perhaps that why it is so important to me.
I invite anyone to share with me their thoughts and understanding, but please I ask that you refrain from merely quoting Scripture at me. I am well aware of the verses that talk about homosexuality and also aware that there are numerous translations and understandings of them. If there is a way you have come to have peace in your heart about this, I really look forward to what you have to say. If you can give me additional historical understanding, I’m excited about that, too. I long for thoughtful reasonable discussion about this and please, please please let’s leave our prejudices at the door. Thanks so much everyone!
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I’d really appreciate your prayers and I’ll try to keep you updated with what God is doing. Thank you very much!