The Bible, Homosexuality and love



Christianity views human sexuality as being the result of God’s creative act. Therefore, sexual activity should be in accordance with God’s intention as revealed in the Bible. The biblical portrayal of human sexuality is based on the understanding that we are created male or female in the image of God and that the union of husband and wife in marriage is the appropriate relationship for sexual activity. Sexual behaviour is an expression of love between a man and a woman who have committed themselves to each other in marriage. The consistent biblical ideal for sexual experience is chastity for those outside of a monogamous heterosexual marriage and fidelity for those within such a marriage. Human sexual relationships are to be monogamous and heterosexual. The Christian view of human sexuality is not the only or even the prevailing view within Australian society. 

An alternative view is that sexual identity and behaviour is the prerogative of the individual and that any consensual sexual activity is acceptable. This view can be connected to advocacy of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex self-identifications that are often collectively referred to using the acronym LGBTI. It undergirds contemporary perspectives on the legitimacy of homosexual behaviour, same-sex marriage, and extra-marital sex. The Christian understanding of human sexuality provides an important basis for perspectives and practices that uphold heterosexual marriage and sexual behaviour as an expression of loving commitment between a man and a woman. While recognising that Christians do not have the right to impose their views on society, we believe that the Christian view should be actively and compassionately communicated whenever the biblical portrayal of human sexuality is challenged. Issues relating to human sexuality are in constant focus in public discussion. 

The Christian understanding of human sexuality is challenged by the contemporary secular view that sexual behaviour is simply one of many activities in which humans engage. Detached from Christian morality, sexual activity is viewed as a vehicle for the expression of the freely choosing individual. Any sexual behaviour is seen as acceptable as long as it does not infringe upon the rights of others. There has been a significant shift in public opinion regarding a necessary link between marriage and sexual activity. While marriage continues to be viewed as desirable, it is portrayed as an option rather than as the appropriate relationship within which to conduct a loving partnership and raise children. There is a growing cultural acceptance of homosexual identity and behaviour, both male and female, as well as diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Homosexual relationships are accepted and same-sex marriage is widely championed. Whereas historically homosexuality has been viewed as a psychological or physiological problem, in contemporary society many see it as a matter of personal preference which reflects human biological diversity.

Popular posts from this blog

Ontario Catholic school board to vote on flying gay ‘pride flag’ at all board-run schools

Christian baker must make ‘wedding’ bakes for gay couples, court rules

Australia: Gay Hate tribunals are coming