What was Jesus’ and the apostles’ attitude toward homosexuality?
What was Jesus’ and the apostles’ attitude toward homosexuality?
The Revisionist Answer
Jesus did not condemn homosexuality, and neither should we.
The Biblical Answer
Jesus did not mention the word homosexuality, but He referred to Sodom and its destruction more frequently than did anyone else (Matt. 10:15; 11:23; Luke 17:26–37). In each context, Jesus assumes the divine judgment on Sodom, which He links to the Flood as an example of divine intervention. It becomes a portent of His own second coming. “Remember Lot’s wife,” he warns (Luke 17:32). He views the sin of Sodom as a serious matter.
Jesus also upheld the monogamous, permanent, heterosexual marriage as a universal norm. He linked the outward deed to the inner thought or motive (for example, Matthew 5). He cited the heart, the inner being, as the origin of evil deeds (for example, Matthew 15). He warns against annulling even the least commandment, which He came to fulfill, not destroy. Jesus perhaps hints even at pederasty when He warns about causing little children to sin (Mark 9:42). It is more plausible than not to believe that Jesus would condemn homosexual behavior and thinking.
Four other references to Sodom occur in the New Testament (Rom. 9:29; 2 Peter 2:6–11; Jude 7; Rev. 11:8). Peter and Jude identify homosexuality as the sin of Sodom. The apostolic view surely echoes Jesus’ understanding.
Finally, homosexuality occurs implicitly in at least twenty-seven lists of vices or sins at various places in the New Testament.
These lists contain general, broad terms from earlier Jewish literature that refer to or encompass homosexual behavior, or they contain words often associated with homosexuality. Specific terms, such as abomination and dog, also build strong connections to Old Testament references to homosexuality. It is a fair observation that the New Testament continues the attitude toward homosexuality expressed in the Old Testament
De Young, J. B. (2000). Homosexuality: Contemporary Claims Examined in Light of the Bible and Other Ancient Literature and Law (pp. 288–289). Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications.
