Gallery: Mayor Hopewell weds first gay couple at Bronson Park. There are six direct references to homosexuality in the Bible -- three in the Old Testament and three in the New Testament. Some Biblical scholars say the passages needs to be taken at face value. Other theologians say it's much more complicated. Here are the references and what scholars say, based on Kalamazoo Gazette interviews with theologians from Notre Dame, Western Michigan and Central Michigan universities, Kalamazoo and Calvin colleges. Genesis The story of Sodom and Gomorrah. This has been held up as a cautionary tale about the sinfulness of homosexuality. However, many scholars point to Ekezial as indicating that the cities were destroyed by God for not helping the poor and needy. Some also say the sinful sex occurring in Sodom and Gomorrah was rape, which means it doesn't apply to teachings on consensual same-sex relationships.
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There are a number of passages in the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament that have been interpreted as involving same-sex sexual acts and desires. The Hebrew Bible and its traditional interpretations in Judaism and Christianity have historically affirmed and endorsed a patriarchal and heteronormative approach towards human sexuality , [3] favouring exclusively penetrative vaginal intercourse between men and women over all other forms of human sexual activity , [3] including autoeroticism , masturbation , oral sex , non-penetrative and non-heterosexual sexual intercourse all of which have been labeled as " sodomy " at various times , [4] believing and teaching that such behaviors are forbidden because they're considered sinful , [3] and further compared to or derived from the behavior of the alleged residents of Sodom and Gomorrah. Chapters 18 and 20 of Leviticus form part of the Holiness code and list prohibited forms of intercourse , including the following verses:. These two verses have historically been interpreted by Jews and Christians as clear overall prohibitions against homosexual acts in general.
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Try out PMC Labs and tell us what you think. Learn More. In fact, it is very uncommon: the national survey on sexual behaviour in found that 0. Sheard also implies that suggestions that homosexuality is disapproved of in the Bible come from religious bigots. But any review of Bible references to homosexuality clearly shows that they are disapproving of homosexual activity not orientation. Homosexual sexual activity is a major risk factor for HIV infection, and homosexuals have been one of the main groups suffering from and dying of AIDS. As Beard rightly says, a lifelong faithful relationship is the only way of guaranteeing safe sex; unfortunately, many homosexuals like many heterosexuals do not have such relationships. Finally, the use of the word homophobia is incorrect.
Try out PMC Labs and tell us what you think. Learn More. Editor —Wayte quotes selectively from the national survey on sexuality about the prevalence of homosexuality. They must be put to death.
