Is the Apostle Paul's judgement on homosexuality just about abusive homosexuality?
Some scholars have
asserted that Paul's writings about homosexuality are
actually about abusive homosexual relationships (i.e., rape,
prostitution, etc.). Isn't it the case that what Paul says does not apply
to consensual same-sex relationships?
Due to the work of Robert Gagnon and
many other biblical scholars, we know that this was not the case.'
Secular historians of the Roman Empire also record clear examples of
consensual, adult same-sex relationships in the Greco-Roman world. Paul knew
exactly what he was condemning. Christians need to remember, given the
doctrine of the divine inspiration of Scripture, that when Paul condemns
something, the Holy Spirit condemns it as well. When we cite Paul, we cite
the Holy Spirit. Romans 1 and 1 Corinthians 5 present a
very sophisticated argument for the sinfulness of same-sex acts
and same-sex relationships. In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul demonstrates an
undeniable belief in the sinfulness
of both the passive and the active
participants involved in the act of male same-sex intercourse. This is
stunning given that the secular view in the ancient world only viewed the
passive participant as the shameful one. In the ancient world, the passive
partner in male homosexual intercourse was shameful in taking the
role of a woman, but the active partner continued to act in an
essentially masculine way. Paul, on the other hand, by grounding his argument
in Leviticus 18, demonstrated that both partners were engaged in a
sinful act and under the threat of divine condemnation.
