Homosexuality As an Abomination: Moral or Ceremonial Uncleanness?
You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination. ( Leviticus 18:22 ) If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act; they shall surely be put to death. Their bloodguiltiness is upon them. ( Leviticus 20:13) (emphasis added) Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 refer to homosexuality as an abomination, a detestable act. Both passages use the Hebrew word toevah, and the context demands that the word be understood as referring to that which is morally unacceptable to God. However, revisionists who contend that the Bible does not prohibit all forms of homosexuality , declare that the word toevah actually refers to some manner of ritual or religious uncleanness and not moral defilement ; they argue that the word speaks solely of ceremonial defilement. By choosing such a definition, without regard to the context, however, the revisionists unwittingly reveal some level of recognition