What does the Bible say about homosexuality?
Image via WikipediaThe Bible is very clear about its condemnation of homosexual conduct. Both the Old and New Testaments speak with one voice on this subject. In spite of the publicity given to pro-gay theologians in recent years, serious and consistent exegetical study still allows no other interpretation.
Those who take seriously the authority of God’s Word should be aware that perhaps no subject poses a greater threat to the place of Scripture in our world today. If the world (and too often, even the church) can be convinced that we can ignore what the Bible teaches about homosexuality, then every other teaching of Scripture can be rationalized. Rejecting its teachings means confidence in the Bible as the inspired Word of God will be seriously eroded.
Unfortunately, Christians have not taken the time to prepare to defend the truth we believe. We may be familiar with the relevant passages, but simply quoting those passages will do nothing for those who have taken the time to understand the pro-gay arguments.
Those arguments usually will be based on one or more of the following approaches to the Bible:
- References to homosexuality are simply relics of the culture at a certain time and place. Generally this argument does not deny what the Bible says; it just relegates it to a particular era of ignorance and prejudice.
- The words used for homosexuality have been misunderstood and/or misinterpreted. These words don’t refer to homosexuality as we know it today.
- Those who wrote the relevant passages of Scripture had no knowledge or understanding of committed gay relationships. Consequently, these passages only refer to specific homosexual acts and not homosexuality as a whole.
- Jesus never said one word about homosexuality.
These arguments conveniently overlook several key factors. The passages that speak against homosexuality were written over a span of almost two thousand years. From the theocentric Old Testament tribes of the Judean wilderness to the cosmopolitan, multicultural and idol-saturated cities of New Testament Greece and Rome, God clearly intended to call all cultures throughout all times to conform to His Word.
Likewise, arguments regarding word definitions simply will not hold up under serious scholarly examination either. Ironically, gay activists often argue that those who believe what the Bible says are guilty of shoddy scholarship. However, the record of both Testaments as well as the Septuagint speaks with one voice on this issue. Consistent application of accepted exegetical principles leaves no gray area here. Neither do these principles allow the distinction of one type of homosexual act from another.
One of the most frequently repeated quotes heard on talk shows, letters to the editor, and in general conversation is that Jesus never mentioned homosexuality. John, however, states that Jesus said many things that were not recorded (John 21:25). Beyond this, Jesus made it clear that He considered the writings of the Old Testament to be authoritative and trustworthy.
The fact that nothing He said about homosexuality is recorded would most reasonably indicate that He saw no reason to add to or change what already was recorded. Jesus also never mentioned pedophilia, wife beating, or drug abuse. Even in a post-modern world it would be difficult to make the argument that He was unconcerned about these issues. Furthermore, this pro-gay “argument from silence” only makes sense if you ignore Jesus’ teachings about marriage in Matthew 19 and Mark 10 or disregard Trinitarian faith. Jesus was also “speaking” through the Holy Spirit inspired writings of Moses and Paul.
The Bible is very clear that any and all sexual relationships outside of marriage are forbidden. It is equally clear that marriage is to be between a man and a woman.
There is yet one final consideration that I’ve not seen addressed. In all the passages relating to homosexuality, the home, and sexuality in general, not a single passage can be found that in any way legitimizes or speaks positively of homosexuality.
While the Bible is quite clear about the sin of homosexual behavior, it is also clear about the promise of power to overcome this sin as well as others (1 Corinthians 6:11). The message of the Bible is a message of hope based on the love of God. He does love each of us just as we are, but He loves us too much to leave us as we are.
For a more thorough examination of the relevant passages (Genesis 19; Leviticus 18:22; 20:13; Romans 1:22-29; 1 Corinthians 6:9;; 1 Timothy 1:10; Jude 1:7) see:
- A booklet by Dr. Albert Mohler – “Homosexuality and the Bible: Telling the Truth, Twisting the Truth and Trusting the Truth” (Published by Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, it is also available on Dr. Mohler’s website.)
- “Desires in Conflict” by Joe Dallas (Available through Exodus Books.)
- “Homosexuality and the Bible: Two Views” by professors Dan O. Via and Robert A. J. Gagnon (Other resources from Dr. Gagnon are available from Exodus Books.)
- “Fact Sheet” on the LifeWay Web site
Adapted from an article originally published in Homosexuality: Your Questions Answered, compiled by the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission.
Author Bob Stith is the pastor of Carroll Baptist Church in Southlake, Texas. He has a bachelor’s degree from Samford University and an M.Div. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Bob has been involved in Exodus International for over 10 years. He has spoken at many churches and Exodus related events. He has also written several articles on the subject of homosexuality and the church. Bob is chairman of the board for Living Hope Ministries, an Exodus-affiliated ministry in Dallas-Fort Worth. Bob and his wife, Del, live in Southlake, Texas.
