Homosexuality in the Bible? – An alternative perspective

Posted on August 2, 2010 by

Preface: I am sharing this information to those who are interested in the topic of homosexuality in the Bible. This provides an alternate perspective to the mainstream viewpoint that homosexuality is undoubtedly a sin and that the Biblical text on the subject is plain and simple… Please read on if you are interested in the literal interpretations of Hebrew and Greek which offer a new perception of this controversial topic.  This is not a new “liberal” theology, but information that is provided to you just by intensively studying the Bible while taking into consideration the cultural and linguistic context of the time in which it was written. Note that this information encompasses years of research with references at the bottom of the page with special thanks to Daniel A. Helminak and Dr. Joseph A. Pearson.

CHRISTIANS: Stop and pray before you proceed!

If you are a Christian reading this material, ask God to give you the truth of His word and do not simply rely on popular human interpretation. Pause now to pray for discernment to have the wisdom to know the difference between what you have always been taught by others and what is the true intention of God’s loving Word on your heart. I now pray for you, the reader, that you find new awareness and are able to accomplish the Will of God through love to all!

“God has shown me that I should never call a person impure or unclean…What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy.” -Acts 10: 28, 15

* This post is updated regularly, so please return for new insights! (Last update: 04/26/2012)

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This was originally a response to a letter that I received in 2008 that was packed with Bible verses that appear to condemn homosexuality. Here was my response to each verse along with many updates of further study:

The word “homosexuality” was not around in Biblical times. The word “homosexual” was first printed in a book in 1869, and then placed in the Bible in 1946. The original Greek in the Bible that has now been adopted as meaning homosexual is translated from “arsen, koites” which literally means “man, bed.” This is very vague and could mean a number of things (male prostitution, rape etc.) Note that the Apostle Paul made up the term arsenokoites and provided no definition. It is only listed twice in the entire Bible, and used only 76 times in non-Biblical Greek writings within 2,000 years of Greek history, many times in a way that would be impossible to mean homosexual (“Some do it with their own mothers and foster sisters or goddaughters. In fact, many men even commit arsenokoites with their wives!” -John the Faster, Patriarch of Constantinople, 575 AD). For a list of references to arsenokoites in Greek literature, visit http://www.gaychristian101.com/Define-Arsenokoites.html. Previous to our more modern translation of “homosexual offenders,” arsenokoites was translated in many different ways in the Bible. Read bellow for clarification.♥

SIN OF SODOM

Genesis 19:1-11 “Two angels came to Sodom in the evening; and Lot was sitting in the gateway of Sodom…”We will spend the night in the square,” they said. But he (Lot) urged them strongly; so they turned aside to him and entered his house….Before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both young and old, all the people to the last man, surrounded the house; and they called to Lot “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us, so that we may know them.” … “I beg of you my brothers, do not act so wickedly….Do nothing to these men, as they have come under the shelter of my roof.” But they replied, “Stand back! This fellow came here as an alien (Lot was not a born native of Sodom), and he would play the judge! Now we will deal worse with you then with them.”

Christians assume that because these men wanted to have sex with the others who accompanied Lot in his home, that this means that homosexuality is a sin. First of all, these were ANGELS that were in Lot’s house, not men (wouldn’t you assume that men having intercourse with heavenly beings would be sinful?) Secondly, they wanted to RAPE them against their will. It was common in Biblical times for men to rape other foreigner men who came into their city as a sign of power (similar to prison rape.) I don’t know about you, but I have yet to hear a story of  a group of gay men in San Fransisco surrounding a visitors’ house to gang rape them. Clearly this is not talking specifically about all gay and lesbian people, but the attempted gang rape of strangers.

From a historical perspective, Sodom  had made rules out of greed not to take in strangers because they felt that they would compromise their wealth. They saw strangers who came into the land to lodge as freeloaders. The punishment for such a crime of allowing strangers into your home and taking your resources was that of violence as a sign of power, and in this case gang rape. When Lot tried defending the angels, the Sodomites replied “Now we will deal with you (Lot) worse than them (the angels)!” Clearly, “dealing worse” with Lot meant a stricter punishment of violence (not friendly gay sex), which may not only have been gang rape, but death. Lot was struck with a dilemma, let the angels be raped or be possibly raped and killed himself. He offered his virgin daughters as an alternative, but thankfully the angels struck the Sodomites blind and this did not occur. In a similar story in Judges 19, strangers come under the shelter of a residents roof in the inhospitable land of Gibeah. These men also wanted to rape the visitors, but his concubine was offered instead and was taken as an alternative punishment. (Note that if the men of the city were gay and just wanted to have a good time because they found the visitors attractive, they would not have taken a woman instead.) The vile acts that they performed on her was worse than most horror movies. After gang raping her all night, she was found dead the next morning and then cut up into 12 pieces. What this story reveals is the intentions of these cities residents to show power and punishment through sexual violence. This does not describe anything close to modern-day loving committed same-sex relationships.

Note that the sins of Sodom have been made clear in Ezekiel 16:49 and do not mention any acts of homosexuality: “Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.” The sin of Sodom was not homosexuality, but inhospitality (and worship of other gods). The hospitality of residents in cities was incredibly important to spreading God’s word because many were like our common day missionaries and needed a place to lodge. Jesus instructed his disciples, “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt. Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” (Luke 9:2-6). It has been made clear in the Bible that residents are to accept in strangers with hospitality for this very reason. There were certain cities like Sodom which were known for their inhospitality in which spreaders of God’s word and the Gospel were fearful of visiting due to the known violence that could come upon them as mentioned above. Hospitality to others is interlinked with what Jesus claimed as one of the most important commandments to love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12: 28-32), do to others as you would have them do to you and love your enemies (Luke 6:31-35). Additionally, the Biblical law of hospitality was very strict in Biblical times. Examples include Hebrews 13:2 that states “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” Alike is Leviticus 19:34 which states “You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself.” One more verse out of many which may be the most compelling is Hebrews 11:31: “By faith Rahab the prostitute was not put to death with those who had gone against God’s orders, because she had taken into her house in peace those sent to see the land.” This verse in particular shows that a prostitute was spared by God simply due to her hospitality of strangers. It was clear that the Sodomites did not treat outsiders with hospitality of any kind and acted in dominant perverse ways to their visitors.

Also, Jude 1:7 speaks of those in Sodom going after “strange flesh” (Greek words: sarkos heteras) which is equated to “going after one not of the same nature or class.” It is obvious that two people of identical gender would be of the same nature or class even more than a male and female. Humans are in a different nature and class to angels just as we are in a different class to animals. Therefore, “strange flesh” is referring to angel and human relations and/or inner-species sex, not gay/lesbian sex.♥

For two more key facts that prove that Sodom was not destroyed due to homosexuality, visit, http://moanti.wordpress.com/2011/05/09/sodom/

LEVITICUS ABOMINATIONS

Leviticus 18:22, “You shall not lie with (shakab-ושכב) mankind as (you lie) with (mishkab-משכב) womankind; it is an abomination.”

Leviticus 20:13, “If there is a man who lies with (shakab-ושכב) a male as those who lie with (mishkab-משכב) a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act; they shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them.”

Alternate View One: Language Context

The reason confusion has come into these verses as only meaning “men having sex with other men” is due to the fact that there are three main Hebrew words that are all translated in English “to lie with” that can mean different things. First, the Hebrew word “shakab” (ושכב) which is translated in English “to lie with” has many definitions, (to rest, to sleep, to relax, to lie down in death, to bury, to make one lie down, geographical location) not all with a sexual nature. Second, other verses in Leviticus with sexual meaning translated “to lie with” use another word, “shekobeth” (שכבתך), which literally and only means “sexual intercourse” or “copulation.” Shekobeth is used for such things as adultery (Leviticus 18:20) and bestiality (Leviticus 18:23). It is interesting that the word shekobeth was not used in Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 if it indeed meant that man should not have sex with another man. Third, the word mishkab (משכב) used in these verses to refer as a comparison to “lying with a woman” has many definitions (lying on a couch or bed, bedroom, sleeping, lying down for sex) and is stated 46 times in 44 verses. While it is rarely used in a sexual sense in the Bible,  it is always referring to a woman submitting to sex for a man or a beast. So in the sexual context, it is only used in a feminine way.

So what else could shakab mean since it seems to have so many definitions? It is easy to learn the sexual context of the word since it can be found 213 times in 194 verses in the Bible. Referring back to the definitions, many verses (101) used shakab to simply “lie down to sleep.” A good portion (51) of the verses used shakab as “to lie down in death.” There are 52 incidences in which shakab is used in a verse which means “to make one lie down,” which is descriptive of “sex by force or deceptive coercion” which by modern definition would be RAPE. Other verses are characterized by deceptive coercion to sexually lure committed or married people away from their mate. Here are some examples:

“Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie (shakab) with him, that we may preserve the seed of our father.” -Genesis 19:32 (The daughters of Lot get him drunk and rape their father to have children.)

When Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the land, saw her, he took her and lay with her by force (shakab). -Genesis 34:2 (Shechem rapes Dinah.)

“That she called unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying, See, he hath brought in a Hebrew unto us to mock us; he came in unto me to lie (shakab) with me, and I cried with a loud voice.” Genesis 39:14 (A woman falsely accuses Joseph of raping her.)

“However, he would not heed her voice; and being stronger than she, he forced her and lay (shakab) with her.” 2 Samuel 13:4 (Amnon rapes his sister Tamar.)

“For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled , and the women ravished (shakab)…” Zechariah 14:2 (Speaking of the rapes of women in opposing cities.)

“…for in her youth they lay with her (shakab), and they bruised the breasts of her virginity, and poured their whoredom upon her.”-Ezekiel 23:8

“If a damsel that is a virgin be betrothed (engaged/unmarried) unto an husband, and a man find her in the city, and lie (shakab) with her; Then ye shall bring them both out unto the gate of that city, and ye shall stone them with stones that they die; the damsel, because she cried not, being in the city; and the man, because he hath humbled his neighbour’s wife: so thou shalt put away evil from among you.” Deuteronomy 22:23-24 (Sexual coercion of an engaged woman.)

Therefore, going back to Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 in the context of what we see in sexual incidences of the word shakab-ושכב, it is likely that these verses could literally mean that a man should not rape or force sex upon another man. Likewise, a man should not submit to unwanted sex just as a woman often submits to sex (mishkab-משכב). The use of both Hebrew words in the same verse are two-fold. It appears to be condemning the homosexual rapist and men that submit to unwanted sex which could be giving into deceptive coercion. Therefore, these verses do not definitively mean that men should not be in a committed sexual relationship with a man like they are with a woman, as the multiple meanings of language produces a genuine possibility of a different translation. If you have doubts, please do your own study into the Hebrew meaning of words and look up every verse in context in the interlinear Bible at http://www.biblestudytools.com/interlinear-bible/ (Referenced from Ebn Maryam and “Leviticus Abominations Explained” with further personal study for accuracy.)

One must take into consideration that there is only one instance out of these 52 verses that, at first glance, appears to speak of sex without some type of force, deception, or unwanted coercion. However, we can see that the context of shakab (to lie with) in the verse may not be descriptive of sex because what makes the verse sexual is the use of shekobeth (only meaning sexual intercourse): “The woman also with whom man shall lie with (shakab) seed of copulation (shekobeth), they shall both bathe themselves in water, and be unclean until the even.” Leviticus 15:18 Notice that shakab is used in this verse as literally meaning “lying down” and not straightforward sex since shekobeth takes this term in the use of saying “copulation.” If shakab were to mean sex in this verse, it seems repetitive to repeat the same word less than 2 words later. Taking from the context of earlier verses in this chapter that speak of the need to wash due to being unclean, it appears that this verse is stating that the woman and the man that lays down with semen from copulation are required to clean themselves. Previous verses speak only to the man washing and the need to wash all garments and skin after an emission of sperm (Leviticus 15: 16-17). The 18th verse simply commands also the woman to wash to be clean. Therefore at the very least, 51 incidences of shakab that are used in a sexual nature appear to be rape, deceptive, or coerced sexual situations, not normal loving sexual intercourse between two committed adults.♥

Alternate View Two: Verse and Historical Context

Note that alternate view two is interpreted differently from view one, which gives further evidence that these verses are not clear-cut to the reader and could mean multiple things, and not just simply condemning homosexuality. Although this is different, it is not mutually exclusive and could still coincide next to the previous translation. In this view described by many theologians for centuries, one must look at more than just the verse of Leviticus 18:22 by itself and consider what was happening at the time that Leviticus was written. Although it is long, please read the entire chapter of Leviticus 18 and notice that it is written in sections which are specific to certain acts. I will color code this for clarification:

Leviticus 18 (KJV)

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, I am the LORD your God. After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall ye not do: neither shall ye walk in their ordinances. Ye shall do my judgments, and keep mine ordinances, to walk therein: I am the LORD your God. Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the LORD.None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover their nakedness: I am the LORD. The nakedness of thy father, or the nakedness of thy mother, shalt thou not uncover: she is thy mother; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness. The nakedness of thy father’s wife shalt thou not uncover: it is thy father’s nakedness. The nakedness of thy sister, the daughter of thy father, or daughter of thy mother, whether she be born at home, or born abroad, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover. The nakedness of thy son’s daughter, or of thy daughter’s daughter, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover: for theirs is thine own nakedness. The nakedness of thy father’s wife’s daughter, begotten of thy father, she is thy sister, thou shalt not uncover her nakedness. Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father’s sister: she is thy father’s near kinswoman. Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother’s sister: for she is thy mother’s near kinswoman. Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father’s brother, thou shalt not approach to his wife: she is thine aunt. Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy daughter in law: she is thy son’s wife; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness. Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brother’s wife: it is thy brother’s nakedness. Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter, neither shalt thou take her son’s daughter, or her daughter’s daughter, to uncover her nakedness; for they are her near kinswomen: it is wickedness. Neither shalt thou take a wife to her sister, to vex her, to uncover her nakedness, beside the other in her life time. Also thou shalt not approach unto a woman to uncover her nakedness, as long as she is put apart for her uncleanness. Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbour’s wife, to defile thyself with her.Thou shalt not give any of thy seed to be consecrated to the idol Molech, nor defile the name of thy God. Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion. Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you: And the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants.Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you: For all these abominations have the men of the land done, which were before you, and the land is defiled; That the land spue not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spued out the nations that were before you. For whosoever shall commit any of these abominations, even the souls that commit them shall be cut off from among their people. Therefore shall ye keep mine ordinance, that ye commit not any one of these abominable customs which were committed before you, and that ye defile not yourselves therein: I am the LORD your God.

So first we have a greeting, then specific acts to being with people near of kin from verses 6-20, then we have acts that are specific to the Idol worship of Molech in verses 21-24. The last verses 25-30 describes the inhabitants of the Land of Canaan which committed these customs before the Israelites came into the land.

Molech was the fertility god that many people at the time of Leviticus were following in Canaan and abroad instead of God. When you read the entire chapter of Leviticus 18, you will see previous to the 19th verse, it speaks of all sexual prohibitions specific to those too close to your kin. Then we switch gears in verse 19 and mention “giving seed to Molech.” Afterwords are a list of things that were commonly associated with idolatry in shrine rituals to praise Molech, which included men giving their sperm as a sacrifice to Molech by that of bestiality and an emission through the male shrine prostitutes. This was an extremely common and well-known practice among worshipers of Molech and other false gods in idol worship. Remember that male prostitutes who have sex with men are not representative of all gays and lesbians, just as heterosexual woman prostitutes do not include all heterosexuals.  Also note an alternative translation states, “You shall not give any of your children (instead of ‘seed’) to sacrifice to Molech.” This is even more curious because all of chapter 18 speaks of sexual acts up until this verse which (in this translation) is not sexual, then following are sexual things associated with idol worship of Molech. This appears to show that Leviticus 18:22 is not speaking to the general audience, but to those involved in these practices which were not only sexually immoral, but idolatrous before the Lord.

Likewise, the 20th chapter of Leviticus (which includes 20:13) begins with a strong warning about Molech and lists all of the punishments of those who participate in the forbidden sexual practices in Moses’ law, including those associated with idolatry. The King James Version states, “And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Again, thou shalt say to the children of Israel, Whosoever he be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn in Israel, that giveth any of his seed unto Molech; he shall surely be put to death: the people of the land shall stone him with stones. And I will set my face against that man, and will cut him off from among his people; because he hath given of his seed unto Molech, to defile my sanctuary, and to profane my holy name. And if the people of the land do any ways hide their eyes from the man, when he giveth of his seed unto Molech, and kill him not: Then I will set my face against that man, and against his family, and will cut him off, and all that go a whoring after him, to commit whoredom with Molech, from among their people.” The New International Version states, “The Lord said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites: ‘Any Israelite or any foreigner residing in Israel who sacrifices any of his children to Molech is to be put to death. The members of the community are to stone him. I myself will set my face against him and will cut him off from his people; for by sacrificing his children to Molech, he has defiled my sanctuary and profaned my holy name. If the members of the community close their eyes when that man sacrifices one of his children to Molech and if they fail to put him to death, I myself will set my face against him and his family and will cut them off from their people together with all who follow him in prostituting themselves to Molech.” Leviticus 20:1-5.  (NIV)

(Referenced from “Christianity and Homosexuality {Reconciled},”  Joseph Adam Pearson, Ph.D., President of Christ Evangelical Bible Institute.)

We can learn a lot from the last line of this verse: “with all who follow him in prostituting themselves to Molech” (Leviticus 20:5). This reveals how the people used sex and prostitution within their idol worship. Other verses give similar proof. Leviticus 17:7 states, “They must no longer offer any of their sacrifices to the goat idols to whom they prostitute themselves.” Also in Judge 2:17, “Yet they would not listen to their judges but prostituted themselves to other gods and worshiped them.”

Note that worship of Molech was so detested that the land upon which the main shrine sat was desecrated and later used as the city trash dump. There, trash would burn night and day. The former shrine is better known as “Gehenna” but is also referred to as “Molech Valley.” This place has been compared to Hell , even by Jesus in the Gospels.

It must be mentioned that the Bible was not originally divided into chapters and verses. Chapters were made and changed through the years since 1240 to 1551. The Bible was then divided into verses in 1555 by a typographer, Robert Estienne, who wrote the Latin Vulgate. It was reported that he completed this task while traveling from Paris to Lyons France on horseback. This comes into scrutiny that a single man inserted verses into the Bible without the divine inspiration found of its original authors, hence the context of many writings have been lost. When we separate the Books of the Bible into small subcategories, it leaves room for taking things out of context. If Leviticus chapter 18 had been made into a new chapter at verse 19 (speaking of Molech), or if verses 19-24 had been made into one verse rather than six, then many readers would be able to see that the following verse were speaking specifically of sexual acts within idol worship.  The Bible must be read as a whole to be properly understood, not by simply picking and choosing specific verses out of context and assume meaning. This would be similar to taking half of a quote out of any modern book and assuming the meaning of the entire story.♥

Alternate View Three: Possible Alteration in Design

If you’re still uncertain of what you have just read, consider this. At the time of Leviticus, the world of the Jews was sparsely populated and so if it is speaking against male to male sexual acts, it was a way to discourage the Jews of the day from failing to procreate. Even masturbation at this time was considered worthy of death because “spilling your seed” was seen as a waste of a potential life (Genesis 38: 6-9). Obviously in present day we do not have a population problem. If anything, we are becoming overpopulated. Remember that in Genesis, God allowed incest. After a while, He altered the design because more people were on the earth. This could be the same with homosexual sex and the lack of procreation. In today’s time, many gay couples have adopted unwanted children and so they do still serve a purpose in child rearing.

There are many instances where the coming of Jesus altered the laws of the Old Covenant. Before Jesus, no one with a physical blemish (including a broken hand/foot, dwarf, hunchback, blind, eunuchs, etc. -Leviticus 21: 17-23) could give offerings or approach the alter of God. These individuals were cast out among people, but after Christ, they are sanctified. Remember that even Jesus broke certain laws of Moses because Jesus is the higher authority. It displays a preview of the freedom from the law to come after His death on the cross. It can be observed that Jesus broke the Sabbath laws by healing in Mark 3-6, Matthew 12:9-14; Luke 6:6-11. He also changed the law in this example: In the old law of Moses it states, “Anyone who injures their neighbor is to be injured in the same manner; fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. The one who has inflicted the injury must suffer the same injury.” (Leviticus 24:19-20.) But Jesus, the higher authority, says just the opposite: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” (Matthew 5:38-39.)  Also pertinent is when Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:43-45). Additionally, He showed mercy from some  punishments that were instructed by the law of Moses: The Pharisees tested Him and said “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. Now in the law Moses commanded us to stone such women” (John 8:4-5) and Jesus replied, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” (John 8:7). You can read further in Matthew 5:21-45 on your own to see where Jesus gives many examples of “Moses said one thing, but I say another.” Please do not misunderstand my words, as this is not to say that Jesus has sinned by breaking, altering, or changing the laws, but that His perfect authority is higher than the laws set forth by Moses. Jesus came to give us freedom through grace from the curse of the law which made us all condemned before the shedding of His blood as the ultimate and only needed sacrifice for sins. For a deeper understanding, please also read the commentary at the bottom of this page entitled “we are not under the old covenant.”♥

THOSE WHO WILL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD

1 Corinthians 6:9-10, “Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate (malakos), nor homosexuals (arsenokoites), nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”

This is another instance where the church in 1946 decided to put the word “homosexuals” into the verse (first into the Revised Standard Version), when it is actually several words that they brought together as one. The original Greek was “oute (nor) malakos oute (nor) arsenokoites.” The literal meanings which were condensed into the word homosexuality were “soft” (malakos) and the separate words “man, bed” (arsenokoites). Ironically, the New Revised Standard Version (makers of the Revised Standard Version) who started this trend of using “homosexuals,” recanted in their newer version in 1996, changing it back to “male prostitutes.”

The true meaning of malakos

For 1,900 years, malakos and arsenokoites were not translated as “homosexuals.” The scripture cannot mean now what it did not mean then. So what exactly do these words mean? That is up to interpretation, which are many. Malakos is used in the New Testament in Matthew 11:8 and Luke 7:25 by Jesus to describe “soft” clothing. It is used only one other time in 1 Corinthians 1:9, and the very first English translation (Wycliffe – 1380) uses the phrase “lechers against kind” which describes a person who has an excessive indulgence in sexual activity. This does not describe all homosexuals, neither heterosexuals. The trail of translations gets more confusing with the next translation (Tyndale 1525) that changes malakos into “weaklings” which describes a person of weak or of “soft” stature, either mentally or physically. If it is speaking as mentally weak or soft, it may be talking about those who are passive in action to God’s plan or lazy people. If physically weak or soft, it could describe not a literally “out of shape” person, but one that has prepubescent characteristics. Because God does not seem to judge people on their physical attributes but their heart, it would seem that this physical description would be accompanied by an immoral action.

Throughout history, malakos has changed its meaning from “soft” to “lechers” to “weaklings” to “effeminate” (King James-1611), to  “any who are guilty of an unnatural crime” (Weymouth – 1903), to “catamites”-boys who have sex with men, i.e child molestation (Moffat – 1913), to “Sodomites” (New American – 1941), to “homosexual offenders” (Revised Standard Version – 1946), to “those who participate in homosexuality” (Amplified – 1958), to “boy prostitutes” (New American Bible – 1970), to “male prostitutes” (NIV – 1973), to “abusers” (Green’s Interlinear – 1986), to “men kept for unnatural purposes” (JW-NWT – 1984), to “male prostitutes” (New Revised Standard Version – 1996) to “one who is less than a man” (Bible In Basic English – 1994), to “those who use and abuse each other” (The Message – 2002), etc. Now many translations have chosen to state “homosexual offenders” or “gays and lesbians” in its place. (Referenced from http://www.gaychristian101.com)

As you can see, there are so many translations for malakos that it makes it nearly impossible to know what it means, especially since it is only seen 3 times in the entire Bible. Two out of three times, we know that it simply means “soft.” In those two verses spoken from Jesus, they have not changed through time, therefore the original definition is someone who is “soft” in 1 Corinthians 1:9. If in a mental sense, passive in action to God’s plan or lazy person may be a better fit. If in a physical sense, then “effeminate” may not be too off course. Remember that not all gay males are effeminate (nor lesbians), but all prepubescent boys are “soft” and could be seen as effeminate. Because an immoral action must be accompanied with this descriptor, it could likely be discussing boy prostitution (child molestation) and possibly homosexual male prostitution since this was common in Biblical times, especially in the shrines. Going back to the first English translation, “lechers” do describe those who commit promiscuous sex, but they do not describe all people. To infer that the meaning of malakos is only “homosexuals” seems to be downright irresponsible since this word has been changed to so many different words over time. So what is the true meaning of malakos? When relying on context, other than “soft,” we really do not know.♥

The true meaning of arsenokoites

Like malakos, arsenokoites is shrouded in mystery. The term was coined by the Apostle Paul and is only mentioned 2 times in the Bible. The original words are compounded meaning “man (arsen), bed (koitai).” Many theologians argue that arsenokoites clearly means homosexual because “the words are taken directly from Leviticus 18:22 and Leviticus 20:13!” What they wont tell you or have failed to realize is that the word-pair “arsen” and “koitai” is found 37 other times in the Greek Old Testament without any possibility of meaning gay sex. Due to this, their argument is invalid.

Looking at the cultural background of the time, male shrine prostitutes who had sex with other males were very common and could be the meaning of this word. The first English translation of arsenokoites in the Wycliffe Version (1380) states “they that do lechery with men.” Like malakos that described “lechers against kind,” those that do “lechery with men” could describe people who are excessively sexual and promiscuous, which does not describe all homosexual or heterosexual men. In the 15th and 16th centuries, arsenokoites was widely accepted as a prohibition against masturbation because arsen is singular for “man,” not plural for “men” which would have been arsesin or arsenes (arsesinokoites/arsenesokoites). So if there is sexual meaning, then it implies one man in a bed. The King James Version (1611) changed arsenokoites to “abusers of themselves with mankind” which changed to “sexual perverts” and “sodomites” in the Revised Standard Version (1946), and then into “homosexual offenders” in the New International Version (1973). The Contemporary English Version and Common English Bible translation has decided to add even more to this by saying “those who behave like a homosexual” and “both participants in same-sex intercourse.”

When looking at other non-Biblical Greek documents that have since used the word, it has been mentioned 76 times without definition. When looking at the context, some seem to have no possible meaning of homosexuality. As mentioned earlier, the Greek manuscripts of Patriarch of Constantinople, John the Faster, writes “Some do it with their own mothers and foster sisters or goddaughters. In fact, many men even commit arsenokoites with their wives!” (575 AD) This just makes the meaning that much more confusing, although it is clear that if a husband can commit arsenokoites with a wife, mother, foster sister, and goddaughters, it clearly is not speaking of having same-sex intercourse.♥ (Referenced from Arsenokoites- What is the Historical Meaning of this Rare Greek Word? (2006) http://www.gaychristian101.com/Arsenokoites.html )

Corinthians in context

When reading the entire chapter of 1 Corinthians 6, a few interesting things stand out which makes the meaning of this verse more obvious. First, verses 1-8 instructs that a Christian believer or saint (Greek word, hagios) that has a legal dispute among another Christian believer (hagios) should present the lawsuit to a court of other Christian believers (hagios). It instructs that Christian believers (hagios) should not present the lawsuit to a court of unrighteous (adikos) nonbelievers. In verses 9-10 it says “Or do you not know that the unrighteous (adikos) shall not inherit the kingdom of God?” After the vice list of those who fall under the category of adikos, it says “But this is what you were,” (before belief in Christ as adikos, you were condemned for these acts). Now as a believer or saint (hagios), “you were washed, you were sanctified (made righteous; freed from the punishment of sin; purified; renewed), you were justified in the name of Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit (life-giving Spirit) of our God.” Therefore, before belief in Christ, you were adikos (unrightious.) From the moment you became saved by Christ, you were made righteous and are a hagios (Christian believer/saint). The wording suggests that the dominant power of Christ’s sanctification cancels out our unrighteousness as flawed human beings. You cannot be both righteous and unrighteous at the same time when you are covered completely by the blood of Jesus. It would be impossible to be both a believer and a nonbeliever simultaneously! Therefore, once a Christian, you have been transformed from adikos to hagios as a gift of grace from God! (Read 1 Corinthians 1:30 and Romans 3:22-24 which describes how we are cleansed from our human flaws in the eyes of God and made righteous as believers in Christ.)♥

THOSE FOR WHICH THE LAW OF MOSES WAS CREATED

1 Timothy 1:9-11, “law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers and immoral men and homosexuals (arsenokoites) and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching”

Please read the above commentary on 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 about arsenokoites which is also relevant to this verse. Aside from translation issues, this “vise list” identifies sinners for which the Law of Moses was created in order that there would be a need for a Savior through Christ Jesus. Reading the verses previous to 9-10 in context, we see that the Apostle Paul was actually writing to Timothy about the people of the land using the Law incorrectly and not focusing on the most important aspect, which is love. Paul writes, “When I left for Macedonia, I urged you to stay there in Ephesus and stop those whose teaching is contrary to the truth. Don’t let them waste their time in endless discussion of myths and spiritual pedigrees. These things only lead to meaningless speculations,which don’t help people live a life of faith in God.The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. But some people have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussions. They want to be known as teachers of the law of Moses, but they don’t know what they are talking about, even though they speak so confidently. We know that the law is good when used correctly. For the law was not intended for righteous people. It is for people who are lawless and rebellious…” (1 Timothy 1:3-9)

Notice that Paul speaks of those that have turned away from spreading the overall message of Christianity, which is to practice and promote love and faith. Furthermore, he mentions that ultra-focusing on the law and acting as an expert without proper knowledge does not help spread faith and truth of God’s love. He notes that “the law is good when used correctly” which infers that these individuals were misusing the law due to their lack of knowledge. It is ironic because many in our modern times have turned away from focusing on the love of God and have focused their attention on picking out these passages that appear to condemn gay and lesbian people without a thoughtful study. My intention of bringing additional  knowledge to these Bible verses is to help Christians (who focus on condemning rather than loving) escape this destructive mindset, henceforth bringing everyone together in God’s love which is the ultimate purpose.

Lastly, remember that those who are both gay/lesbian and Christian do not fall under the category of “lawless and rebellious” because they are made righteous through Christs’ blood! Acts 10:15 teaches us, ” What God has made clean you must not call unholy.” As mentioned above, as Christian believers (hagios) we are no longer unrighteous (adikos)! It is written, “But God has given you a place in Christ Jesus, through whom God has given us wisdom and righteousness and salvation, and made us holy.” (1 Corinthians 1:30). “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:22-24).♥

ROMANS

Romans 1:26-28, “For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their lust toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper.”

The author Paul makes the meaning of this verse clear when reading it in context. First we must look at the verses before Romans 1:26 which clearly show that these particular people who were engaging in “unnatural behavior” had turned away from God and worshiped idols just as those in the Old Testament in Leviticus had followed Molech as described in “Alternate View Two” above. Romans 1:22-25 states, “Professing to be wise, they (idol worshipers) were made fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of fowls, and of quadrupeds, and of reptiles. Wherefore also God did give them (idol worshipers) up, in the desires of their hearts, to uncleanness, to dishonor their (idol worshipers’) bodies among themselves; who did change the truth of God into a falsehood, and did honor and serve the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed to the ages. Amen.”

*Note that this is speaking of a specific group of idol worshipers that were performing homosexual sex acts in rituals, NOT all homosexuals as a whole.

Secondly, note that these individuals “exchanged their natural function” or “abandoned their natural function.” The words “exchange” (Greek- Metallasso- “to change”) and “abandon” (Greek- aphiemi- “to give up”)  may demonstrate that they previously had their own personal natural attraction towards the opposite sex, but went against their own natural feelings to engage in things against their innate feelings. This would indicate a choice to engage in new pursuits of lustful sexual exploration (for the sake of idol worship), and not those who have always experienced romantic love and attraction towards the same-sex.

Furthermore, old translations make it clear that this verse does not speak of lesbianism in any way. Some newer translations say “women with women” which is just textually inaccurate. All it states pertaining to woman is: “for even their woman did change their natural function for that which is unnatural.” Not only was it common for male shrine prostitutes to be the receiver of male seed for the idols, but it was also common for the women to be a vessel for these idol worshiping men. They exchanged their natural function (male/female intercourse) for that which is unnatural (male/female anal intercourse.) Likewise, the men did the same (anal intercourse) with each other, all for the sake of idol worship. Also note that they were inflamed with lust for one another, which does not describe committed love. Therefore, Romans does not condemn gay and lesbian people individually or gay and lesbian people in loving committed lifelong partnerships.

Lastly, within Romans 1:22 they speak of “degrading passions.” The word “passion” in this specific verse comes from the Greek word pathos which means “a calamity, mishap, affliction, a feeling which the mind suffers.” This word is more similar to the context of “the passion” in which Christ suffered on the cross, not passion as we see it today (i. e- not a feeling of desire or love or sexual attraction). Therefore, it is not saying that sex between two adults of the same gender is degrading, but that they experienced degrading afflictions. In addition, it must be noted that the Greek word Eros (romantic love) is NOT used within this verse or any other passages that appear to condemn homosexuality. Due to this notation, romantic love between the same gender is nowhere found in the Bible as sinful. With this knowledge, it seems that the book of Romans speaks against members of the same sex engaging in temple idol worship which often involved sexual rituals.

If you read the entire book of Romans, it is not a book of condemnation, but a book of grace and love. It says that these sins were “what you were,” because we are no longer “under the law.” This does not mean that no one sins after accepting Christ, but that Jesus died for our sins so that we may be saved since the commandments of the Old Testament were unable to be perfectly followed by man (everyone falls short). It also says if you live under the law you will die under the law (only living by commandments and not saved by Jesus) and that if you judge another you are judging yourself and will be condemned. Obeying God’s commandments is an expression of love and obedience to Him, not the means to get to Heaven. If it were, no one would be able to succeed because we all make mistakes. Jesus paid the price for our sins. He is like a good lawyer that goes in front of the judge (God) and gets us out of our criminal case (our sinful nature). We don’t deserve it; he just gives it to us for free if we believe because of His love for us.♥

JESUS’ VIEW ON MARRIAGE AND ETERNAL IMPORTANCE

Matthew 19:4-6, “And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and the twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”

First of all, look at the question that was asked previously in Matthew 19:3- Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?” This is a question about permitted grounds for divorce, not a commandment that all heterosexuals must marry and have children. To say this is to say that all men who do not reproduce are sinful. What about the infertal man? Is he sinning against God? “Let not man put asunder” means that men should not set their wife aside. This appears to be an instruction by Christ to value commitment in marriage, not a prohibition against same-sex love and relationships. In fact, there is no written documentation within the entire Bible where Jesus mentioned homosexuality as a sinful act.

If you read on in this same chapter, Jesus actually states that there are some people for which marriage between male and female are not relevant. Jesus replied, “Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others—and there are those who choose to be eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.” (Matthew 19:11-12). A eunuch is most commonly known as a male whose testicles (and sometimes penis) have been crushed/cut off, i.e castrated. Castration was not practiced by Jews, so these men were of Gentile origin and many times performed this to emulate their female idols for worship. Many eunuchs in Biblical times worked as brothel guards because there was no risk of them having sex with the females. The Law of Moses forbade eunuchs from giving offerings or approaching the alter of God in Leviticus 20:21, most likely due to their known association to idols and immoral occupation. Some theologians believe that eunuchs were referring also to homosexuals because they were men without sexual desires towards females, otherwise Jesus’ wording of “some were born that way” would only be talking about a minuscule amount of men who were born deformed without testicles. Others believe Jesus is talking to celibate men. In this case, some men were born to be celibate rather than choose it or have it forced upon them. Either way, it is no longer the command that man should marry and reproduce as it was in the Law of Moses. Isiah 56:3-5 states, “Let no foreigner who is bound to the Lord or say, ‘The Lord will surely exclude me from his people.’ And let no eunuch complain, ‘I am only a dry tree.’ For this is what the Lord says: ‘To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, who choose what pleases me and hold fast to my covenant— to them I will give within my temple and its walls a memorial and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that will endure forever.” Therefore, God recognizes those who feel cast out and has a place at the table for all Christians whose heart is faced towards God!

As human beings, all of the physical will pass away. We are left with our spiritual selves. Contemplate on these verses that give a new view of marriage that is written right out of the Bible!

Matthew 22:30, (Jesus said,) “At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.”

Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Hebrews 13:4, Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

1 Timothy 4:1-5, Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith. They will be fooled by evil spirits and by teachings that come from demons. They will also be fooled by the false claims of liars whose consciences have lost all feeling. These liars will  forbid people to marry…For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.

Therefore, there are no marriages between individuals in heaven and we are like the angels. Likewise, we are no longer seen separated as male and female, but one in Christ! It also states that marriage is honorable in ALL (Greek word, pas meaning “everyone, whosoever, any, every, the whole”) and it is the promiscuous and unfaithful that will be judged. Furthermore, it was prophesied that in the future some people would be forbidden to marry each other. Could this be speaking of now and the opposition against marriages between the same gender? On top of it, Revelation 19:1 describes that WE as a body of believers (INCLUDING MEN) are the bride in the final wedding, and Jesus is the groom. With this thought, sexual and gender orientation will pass away. Due to this, sexual orientation is NOT important to get to heaven. For even human men will be as a bride in heaven! God knows our hearts. It seems that you will not be judged for how strictly you followed your gender norms of being heterosexual, but how Christ-like you have been. It is not WHO you love, but HOW you love. If you are a Christian, whether straight or gay, you are saved through the blood of Jesus and will partake in all of His heavenly blessings!♥

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN “HOMOSEXUALS” AND “HOMOSEXUAL ACTS”

After reading these passages with a critical eye and considering context, cultural practice and language interpretation, it appears that if these passages are in fact discussing same-sex behavior, they are not condemning all homosexual acts as a whole. In Genesis it is even clear in the English text that it is condemning sex between multiple men (and/or angels) which was against the will of the receiving party.  Therefore, this is a verse against homosexual rape and homosexual orgies. From reading the interpretations above, it is also made known that the Leviticus verses are condemning homosexual acts of rape and/or deceptive coerced sex and/or homosexual acts connected to rituals within idol worship to Molech. The “vice list” verses seem to point to a variety of acts which may include homosexual acts within child molestation (malakos) and male prostitution (arsenokoites), among others. Lastly, the Romans verse discussed that there were homosexual sex acts being performed during idol worship, so this is a verse condemning sexual acts within religious and cult ritual.

With this knowledge it must be noted that there are many verses in the Bible that condemn heterosexual acts such as adultery, incest (in later passages), and prostitution. If we were to say that these verses condemned all heterosexuals, then it would be seen as ridiculous. When one takes the time to research the ancient text, one may come to the same conclusion that the condemnation of these homosexual acts are not condemning all homosexuals entirely. So although there may be some forbidden practices within homosexual and heterosexual sex, these verses do not seem to convict all gay and lesbian people.♥

POSSIBLE HOMOSEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS IN THE BIBLE

Although very controversial, there are some stories in the Bible that appear to promote a deep loving relationship and commitment between the same gender (not just friends). Look up the story of David and Jonathan in the book of I and II Samuel.

David and Jonathan

“The soul of Jonathan was bound to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul… Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, even his sword, his bow, and his girdle.” (I Samuel 18:1-4.)

The Hebrew word for covenant is berit which means “to bond” and in Greek as syntheke, “binding together.” It can not be denied that marriage was considered a covenant in Biblical times and this is the closest verse that may resemble marriage between two men. Secondly, Jonathan immediately disrobed in front of David after the covenant was made and provides a symbol of submission between a relationship of two men which would be seldom seen in a male friendship during this time.

“David arose out of a place toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded. And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the name of the Lord, saying, The Lord be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever.” (I Samuel 20:41-42)

One does not have to look hard to see that David and Jonathan had a close relationship. They showed physical affection, shared emotions, and seemed to have a bond beyond friendship. This commentary only touches the surface of the signs that these two men may have been involved.

“Very pleasant have you (Jonathan) been to me; your love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.” (II Samuel 1:26.)


Ruth and Naomi

Another case is the story of Ruth and Naomi who came together. Ruth 1:14 states that Ruth “clave” (דָּבַק) to Naomi, which uses the same Hebrew word as Genesis 2:24 when describing heterosexual marriage and becoming one flesh. Although these words are used in a several other context, it does not leave out the possibility of a same-sex union. The following verse of Ruth’s commitment to Naomi is often read at heterosexual weddings because it is so touching:

“Where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die-there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” (Ruth 1:16-17)

I am personally unsure if this constitutes a romantic relationship, but it is up to the interpretation of the reader. I know the above text is not proof that God allows same-sex relationships, but I must say that it is a pretty good indicator that the Christian community may be overlooking some key aspects. Also I know that these verses are not clear of a sexual relationship (other than disrobing and kissing), but their love and commitment seems to be accepted by God since David has been described as “a man after God’s own heart.”(Acts 13:22). This was not because David was sinless, but because He fervently sought to follow God’s Will. Although David made mistakes in his human nature, His focus was on obeying the Will of God.

Note that sexual commitments in the Bible are sometimes assumed by inference, due to a couple who share children. Without the “proof” of a child born, some relationships could be sexual without description, as it is not important to the reader to know all the private physical practices of the person described, but their role in glorifying God for His purposes.♥

Which is worse? Gay / Pride?

This is written to those who still believe being gay is a sin:

To say that homosexuality is not covered by God’s Grace is to have weak faith in the power of the blood of Jesus Christ. Does not His blood wash away all sin to those who believe? Did not God promise a Messiah to save us from all sin because we were hopeless to follow all of the laws without Him? To say that homosexuality is not covered by God’s Grace is to say that sin overpowers God. Christians, this is not the case! You can be both gay and Christian and be covered. It does not say “do not be gay” in the 10 commandments. But it does say “do not covet what belongs to your neighbor.” Who has been guilty of this sin even after becoming a Christian? “I wish I had his car.” “I wish I had her job.” “I wish I had his easy-going life.” Why do we put homosexuality as worse than all sins? Perhaps it is because not everyone on this earth is “guilty” of being homosexual, so it is easy to point the finger and say “look how bad you are! I did not choose to do that!” You are boasting in pride, “look how good I am” as if you chose to be a heterosexual. Pride is sinful (Proverbs 21:4). If you have sinned once in any way, you are guilty of death without the Grace of God. You do not become sinless in your human flesh after becoming a Christian, but you do become sinless in the eyes of God because you are pardoned through Christ.

*Please scroll down and read “We are Not Under the Old Covenant” for Biblical proof that we are no longer under the Law.

This is for you

My hope in sharing this info is to help Christians see a different perspective and help Christian and non-Christian gay and lesbians see that they are not condemned by God. If you are interested in forming a relationship with God in a safe and non-discriminating environment, please go to http://www.gaychurch.org for a world-wide directory of gay affirming churches.

Christians, please remember that people need to be saved ASIDE from their sexual orientation, NOT BECAUSE of their sexual orientation!!! By telling someone they are going to hell if they don’t change something that is ingrained in their being is not the way to lead them to God!♥

Additional notes of importance

Abomination: The original Hebrew word abomination (to’ebah) was connected to ritual uncleanliness which applied to Jews that entered the temple to give animal sacrifice. The Greek meaning of “abomination” is “socially unacceptable,” not the worst sin in the eyes of God as we see it today. Something socially unacceptable is not a moral issue. Within the Biblical culture of the time, Levitical law was seen as a ceremonial and ritual practice of cleanliness for Jews aside from others who were practicing other cult religions or perverting religious practice. (Remember that many were involved in shrine prostitution and sex rituals in which God was disapproving.) The ritual purity laws of Leviticus are different from the moral laws of the commandments. Ritual laws appear to be abolished when Jesus died on the cross. If one were to follow all the laws listed in Leviticus in modern times, then you would know that wearing clothing made from two different fabrics such as 10% Polyester and 90% cotton is completely forbidden by Leviticus law (Leviticus 19:19). Also, it is listed as an abomination to eat shrimp and lobster (Leviticus 11:11-12). If a married couple has sexual relations on her period, they should be deported out of their community (Leviticus 20:18). These are just some of the laws of Moses that contemporary Christians have selectively decided not to follow. But remember this, “Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.” (Galatians 3: 23-25)

Fornicators: Some Christians believe that the word fornication or fornicators includes homosexuals. The Hebrew word is zanah and its definition is “to be or act as a harlot (prostitute), to force one into prostitution, to commit adultery (a married person having sex with another person while in marriage), to cause one to commit adultery, to be a cult prostitute, and to be unfaithful to God. The Greek word for fornication is pornos which becomes more specific and adds “a man who prostitutes his body for hire (male prostitute).” None of these words in the definition could be equated with two people of the same gender being in a loving committed relationship.

Sexual Immorality: (Greek- Porneia) I was recently told by a gay Christian who was confronted by a friend who said “homosexuality is mentioned more than 7 times in the Bible because it falls under sexual immorality.” I decided to investigate if this could be proved, and this is what I discovered: Sexual Immorality comes from the Greek word porniea. When studying the Bible, one can see a connection between porniea and a set of sexual acts that are prohibited. These acts include: Adultery (defined by the Hebrews as a women married to a man who has sex with another man, ironically not the other way around.), intercourse during women’s menstruation, pederasty (child molestation, child prostitution, child rape, etc.), and sexual idolatry (pagan cult prostitution by men and women many times associated with fertility goddesses in Corinth.) These are the only references to sexual immorality, so going beyond this by stating other things is not Biblical. If the Bible doesn’t state that homosexuality is porneia, than one cannot assert that it is porneia (sexual immorality). For more information, check the reference below on “What is sexual immorality?”

Strange flesh: (Repeated earlier) Jude 1:7 speaks of those in Sodom going after “strange flesh” (Greek words: sarkos heteras) which is equated to “going after one not of the same nature or class.” It is obvious that two people of the same sex would be of the same nature or class even more than a male and female. Humans are in a different nature and class to angels just as we are in a different class to animals. Therefore, “strange flesh” is referring to angel and human relations and/or bestiality, not homosexual sex.

Unnatural: (Greek- Para physin.) The meaning of “unnatural” in the Biblical culture was not of a moral nature, but meaning “out of the ordinary and unusual.” It is true that homosexuality is not as ordinary as heterosexuality. In Romans 11:24, GOD acted “unnatural” (out of the ordinary.) The same words “para physin” were used in the Biblical text to describe what God had done. If “unnatural” were a moral issue, than this would be to say that God was immoral, which is obviously the furthest thing from truth!

Without natural affection: In Romans 1:31 the list of sins included “those without natural affection” (Greek word- astrorgous.) Ironically, this does not speak of those with homosexual attraction, but is the word for “family love/family ties.” Without or against “natural affection” (astrorgous) is speaking of those who despise or reject their family members. The reason this is ironic is because it could apply to families who reject their gay or lesbian family member(s)!

WE ARE NOT UNDER THE OLD COVENANT!

Gay and Lesbian Christians are 100% saved

"We have freedom now, because Christ made us free. So stand strong. Do not change and go back into the slavery of the law." -Galatians 5:1

If you still believe that the Bible says that homosexuality is a sin after reading all of this information, I still have good news for you that gays and lesbians can be Christians without rejecting their sexual orientation! It has been told to us by the Bible that we are no longer under the Old Covenant in which the laws of Moses are pertinent to Salvation. “He wiped out the written Law with its rules. The Law was against us. It opposed us. He took it away and nailed it to the cross. “ – Colossians 2:13. Why then was the law created you may ask? “For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.” -Hebrews 8:7. Therefore, the Old Covenant (Law of Moses) was enforced to create a need for redemption through Jesus. Not only that, but following the Levitical laws is not going to save you.  “For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, ‘Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.’ Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’ But the law is not of faith, rather ‘The one who does them shall live by them.’ Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law” Galatians 3:10-13. Jesus stated, “In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.’” -Luke 22:20. “By calling this covenant new, he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear.” -Hebrews 8:13. Therefore, the requirement to follow the laws of Moses and atone for every sin through a priest and individual blood sacrifice have been made obsolete through the final atonement that we have received for all sins through the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The old laws were made for the need for a savior, not for salvation. “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” -Romans 8:1

Because the Old Covenant was imperfect and too difficult for man to follow, Jesus has made it easy for us to simply have faith in Him through His sacrifice in which He fulfilled the law of the prophets. We are to live by the commands of the New Covenant which are to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” and “Love your neighbor as yourself. These two commandments sum up and upon them depend all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40.

It can be seen that in this context, Jesus spoke of the Old Covenant to show that they are impossible to follow, so that a New Covenant is needed through Him. Examples in the Gospels are many, some including Matthew 5:27-31, Matthew 5:27, Matthew 5:31-32, Luke 18:18-27. In the last example, the rich ruler was told by Jesus that it is easier for a camel to pass through an eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter Heaven. When the ruler asked how anyone could even go to Heaven, Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” This is fulfilled by the New Covenant of Jesus which gives forgiveness of all sins washed away by His blood to anyone who accepts Him! Jesus proclaimed, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.” -Matthew 7:13. So what exactly is the narrow gate? Is it based upon how well you abstained from homosexual activity? Jesus gives the answer, “I am the gate. If anyone enters through me, he will be saved.” -John 10:9. This can’t possibly be it, right? Once again, go to the Bible for the answer.  “Then they asked him, ‘What must we do to do the works God requires?’ Jesus answered, ‘The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent… Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die.’” – John 6: 28-29, 47-49.

You may be saying, “so I am now allowed to murder, steal, and commit adultery?” If you think this, then you are missing the point. Yes, God would forgive you of all these acts in repentance, but no, this is not what God intends for your life because it does not demonstrate love. We are to follow the Will of God and practice love to all. It may be said that if it is not of love, then it is not of God. “You died with Christ. Now the forces of the universe don’t have any power over you. Why do you live as if you had to obey such rules as, ‘Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!’ These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires.” -Colossians 2: 20-21, 23. Do you truly see evil in two adults in monogamous lifelong love?

So what is the opposite of fulfilling the New Covenant of loving God and loving others?  First would be not to love God nor acknowledge His son and second would be to have a heart filled with hate for another person or group of people. 1 John 3:15 states, “Everyone who hates his brother or sister is a murderer.” So in the eyes of God, hate is comparable to murder! This is not said to make you feel like a horrible person, neither am I assuming that all who believe homosexuality is a sin are hateful people. This verse is shown to you  that we are all hopeless without the Grace of Christ, as we have all sinned in some form or another. Furthermore, in Acts 10:15 Peter has a vision in which God says to him, “What God has made clean you must not call unholy.” He then goes on to say to the outsiders,“God has shown me that I should never call a person impure or unclean.” -Acts 10:28. Likewise in Romans, Paul asserts that we should no longer judge our fellow Christian brothers and sisters in our disputable differences. He explains that some eat meat and those with weak faith abstain and eat only vegetables. Some observe one day as more important, and others see every day alike. These differences are not to be judged, but honored because if each one does it for the Lord in thanks (do it or abstain), than God accepts them.  “The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him.” Romans 14:3. He concludes by saying “I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean.”-Romans 14: 14. So it could be assumed that a heterosexual considers homosexuality unclean to them self because it is against their personal natural desire. But to the homosexual whose desires are naturally towards the same gender, homosexuality is NOT unclean when we are under the Grace of Jesus. Both the heterosexual and homosexual that gives thanks to God are accepted by God. What lesson may be learned from these verses is that Christians should not judge another on the basis of what they view as unclean or unholy, as it is God who cleanses all sin to anyone that believes! Please remember that we are instructed not to show hate or a condemning spirit towards anyone, but rather to love unconditionally as God loves us!

So to the gay Christian who struggles with their same-sex attraction and fears Hell, I am led to tell you this Bible story which may mirror your life experience. Have you heard about “the thorn in Paul’s flesh?” This was some type of unknown/undisclosed sin that Paul struggled with, yet even in His struggle with continued sin, God was merciful with Him and is just as merciful with you today. Read these words very carefully: “Therefore, in order to keep me humble, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” -2 Corinthians 12:7-10. Do you realize what this means? God’s GRACE saves you no matter what you continue to struggle with. Even if being gay is a sinful act, God uses your struggle for His glory and STILL saves you from the judgment of Hell. Look how Paul struggled and asked God to remove this “thorn” but He kept it for His glory! Instead of Paul complaining, he rejoiced in his thorn because it is proof that God saved Paul through Jesus, just as He has saved you! Also from Paul, “I do not do the good things I want to do, but I do the bad things I do not want to do. So if I do things I do not want to do, then I am not the one doing them. It is sin living in me that does those things. So I have learned this rule: When I want to do good, evil is there with me. In my mind, I am happy with God’s law. But I see another law working in my body, which makes war against the law that my mind accepts. That other law working in my body is the law of sin, and it makes me its prisoner. What a miserable man I am! Who will save me from this body that brings me death? I thank God for saving me through Jesus Christ our Lord!”-Romans 7:21-25. Clearly Paul had great struggles, just as you do. Just as I do. Just as everyone does. The difference between Paul, you, and I compared to others, is that not everyone has chosen the grace of Jesus Christ. These unbelievers are the ones that are worthy of death by rejecting Jesus. God provided one simple way out for us all, but only those who accept this message of truth will be worthy to God. Because you truly believe, you are made worthy to God through Jesus despite your sinful nature. Praise God for that and thank Jesus for taking on all of our deserved punishment!!!! Remember again, we are NOT saved through works. Do you realize what this truly means? Nothing we do in this life will bring us to Heaven. Not one good act. Not one bad act. Not a trillion good acts. Not a trillion bad acts. ONLY through our acceptance of Jesus’ death on the cross are we 100% saved and going to Heaven. In this, delight! Remember this, “We have freedom now, because Christ made us free. So stand strong. Do not change and go back into the slavery of the law.” -Galatians 5:1 As you delight in this, show Christs’ love to others! For this is the true fulfillment of God’s law! 

One of the most important verses in the Bible which describes what is asked of us (in works) as human beings is this, “Let love be your only debt! If you love others, you have done all that the law demands. In the law there are many commandments such as ‘be faithful in marriage,’ ‘do not murder,’ ‘do not steal,’ ‘do not want what belongs to others.’ But all these are summed up in the commandment that says ‘love others as much as you love yourself.’ no one who loves others will harm them. So love is all that the law demands.“ – Romans 13:8-12. Hence, love is the ultimate fulfillment of all the laws/commandments in the New Covenant. Ask yourself this question, do you see a lack of love between two members of the same gender in a permanent committed union?♥

“God has shown me that I should never call a person impure or unclean…What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy.” -Acts 10: 28, 15


INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES IN GOD’S PLAN:

Same-sex relationship or celibacy for life?

Through the year I have come to a conclusion as a Christian lesbian… I have found that some of us are convicted that God accepts us (how I feel) and others are convicted to be celibate or change. At first I felt defensive to prove to everyone that being gay is acceptable to God. Now I see that those who are convicted otherwise are not always off track. Who am I to argue with God’s plan for someone’s life? I feel that God deals with each of us individually. I feel that the majority of people are just struggling with the world’s view of homosexuality as a sin and CAN come to self-acceptance. BUT there are others who are genuinely convicted to abstain from a same-sex relationship, but the reason may be different than what they think. I think that some may be a bit confused as to why they are convicted to abstain or change. It is all too easy to blame it on the gay thing… God may call someone to celibacy because if they had been involved in a relationship with the same gender (or opposite gender if they had been straight), than they may have been ultra-focused on the relationship and not focused enough on God. It could have led them away from where they needed to be with God in His plan for their life. I recently heard of a gay prostitute drug addict who became a Christian and was called to celibacy. Could it be possible that God called him to be alone because a relationship with the same gender could have been a trigger for him and led him back into the prostitution/drug lifestyle? Instead he just thought it was “being gay” that was wrong. Also, I have come to the conclusion that there could be those called to celibacy that would have been promiscuous otherwise. I believe that it would have been their promiscuity that was unacceptable to God, but once again, they may assume its just being gay that is wrong. There are many other reasons that could be confused for the “being gay” part as the reason that one must turn from experiencing a relationship with the same gender.

But all together I must say that I now have a better grasp on these issues. If one is happy being celibate and does it in thanks and to the glory of God, than God accepts that person. If one is happy in a relationship with the same gender and does so in a God-centered relationship and give thanks and glory to God, than God accepts that person… But if one is in internal conflict, I believe they have more soul searching to do to see what God has in store for their life. I still believe that there is nothing wrong with being gay regardless. I pray that we are all aligned with what God has in His plan for our life and that no one needlessly suffers. I believe that for those who are no longer experiencing internal conflict, they may be exactly where God wants them, but (to me) this is not confirmation that being gay is a sin. God’s reasons are not always so simple in our human understanding.

I leave you with this verse that says it all. Read carefully:

 ”Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written, ‘As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.’ So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean.“-Romans 14: 1-14♥

Authors’ note to the reader

The bottom line is that this neither proves nor disproves that homosexuality is a sin or not a sin. It leaves the reader realizing that it is much more ambiguous than the words appear in the English text. If there is room for doubt, then there must be room to question. There must be infallible proof to say one way or another, and there is not due to language barriers. So how you proceed with this information is up to you, but I hope that you leave with a sense of uncertainty to question what this topic is really about and that there are two sides to the story depending on how you read it. It can take years to undue your previous biased perception, but I ask that you take the first step in not disregarding the words written above. Think upon them, pray upon them, and ask God for His truth. In addition, I believe it is important to look at the overall message of the Bible in context. What is the most important message? I believe that it is that God gave us the free will opportunity to love Him and accept the grace of His son that He sent to die and pay the penalty for all of our sins. Even God Himself knew that we were not near perfect enough to follow His laws as the sole way to achieve eternity with Him. Good works are pleasing, but they are not the means of receiving salvation. He has given us these laws knowing that we can not fully follow them, which gives the need for a savior to redeem us which I believe to be Jesus Christ. I leave you with this verse from Romans, the very book that appears to condemn me the most.

“Let love be your only debt! If you love others, you have done all that the law demands. In the law there are many commandments such as ‘be faithful in marriage,’ ‘do not murder,’ ‘do not steal,’ ‘do not want what belongs to others.’ But all these are summed up in the commandment that says ‘love others as much as you love yourself.’ no one who loves others will harm them. So love is all that the law demands.” - Romans 13:8-12

Disclaimer: The above information provided is just a different way of reading the Bible in its interpretation. It is not to say that the Bible is wrong, but that we may be reading it incorrectly. I urge you to research the Bible for yourself and pray to God to show you the truth of His word. Do not simply rely on the human interpretation of what you have been told by others, but listen to what the Lord speaks to your heart with discernment. I pray that I am not misleading anyone, but have peace and assurance that God is loving and forgiving and wants us all to come to Him and not be turned away by those who persecute and claim His name.♥

*NOTE THE VIDEOS BELOW

References

  • The Holy Bible (Wycliffe New Testament, Old King James Version, Young’s Literal Translation, American Standard Version, New International Version [1984, 2005, 2011], The Message, New Living Translation)
  • Hebrew and Greek Interlinear Bible and Concordance (Old King James, New American Standard)
  • Septuagint (Greek/English) Old Testament
  • Full Text Hebrew/Greek Bible Gematria Database
  • What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality, Daniel A. Helminak (2000)                    
  • Arsenokoites- What is the Historical Meaning of this Rare Greek Word? (2006) http://www.gaychristian101.com/Arsenokoites.html
  • Leviticus Abominations Explained (Video), Scott Nemeth (2009)
  • Bible Does Not Condemn Homosexuality (Study), Ebn Mayram (modified March 2011)  
  • Christianity and Homosexuality (Reconciled), Dr. Joseph A. Pearson, President of Christ Evangelical Bible Institute
  • For the Bible Tells Me So (Documentary), Daniel Karslake (2007)
  • One Nation Under God (Documentary), Teodoro Maniaci & Francine M. Rzeznik, (1993)
  • Study of Romans (study), Rembert Truluck http://www.otkenyer.hu/truluck/
  • Follow Jesus, Not Moses, Tim (modified 01/2011) http://www.jesusfamilies.org/hot_topics/thelaw.htm
  • What is “Sexual Immorality?”, Liberated Christians, Pheonix AZ

For God so loved the world that He gave his only
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him
shall not perish, but have everlasting life.
-John 3:16 (KJV)

VIDEOS

(*Turn on speakers for sound)

Four Truths about Sodom:

Leviticus Uncovered:

Leviticus Part 2: The Idol that Condemned Gay Culture

Romans Revealed:

Jesus on Same-Sex Marriage:

Homosexuality in the Bible: Mistranslating a “Lifestyle”

(In depth look at arsenokoites and malakos)

MORE VIDEOS TO COME!

Read my newest post about Preventing homosexuality in the womb: The path to lesbian extinction found at http://moanti.wordpress.com/2011/08/01/preventing-homosexuality-in-the-womb-the-path-to-lesbian-extinction/

♥ Back to Table of Contents ♥

About moanti (moe·on·tee)

http://turn.to/gaychristians My main mission of this blog is to demystify the confusion of “homosexuality” in the Bible and let the rarely heard alternative perspective be known. I also aspire to spread the loving word of Christ to the gay and lesbian community who feel left out due to our society. I have extraordinary compassion for gays and lesbians who have struggled with religious persecution, but hope that they can come to know God as loving rather than run from Him forever due to a group of naïve heterosexual Christians who discriminated against them. I want to bridge the gap of these two groups with knowledge! If only I had a bigger podium to accomplish this… Please spread the word. Thank you and happy reading!
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13 Responses to Homosexuality in the Bible? – An alternative perspective

  1. Shelli Orillion says:
    August 31, 2010 at 8:52 am

    This is a wonderful post and may be one that you should followed up to see what goes on

    A neighbor sent this link the other day and I am desperately looking your next article. Keep on on the wonderful work.

    Reply
  2. Clarence Medlin says:
    September 1, 2010 at 4:33 pm

    Found out your site via msn the other day and absolutely liked it so much. Carry on the truly amazing work.

    Reply
  4. personal loan says:
    September 12, 2010 at 9:10 pm

    Wow, this was a really quality post. In theory I’ d like to write like this too – taking time and actual effort to make a great article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and in no way appear to get something done.

    Reply
  7. Chantelle Koger says:
    December 13, 2011 at 4:49 pm

    I absolutely adore your blog! I found this post to be very enlightening.

    Reply

  8. Pingback: Pastor unknowingly proves that homosexuality is NOT a sin | Writings of a Christian lesbian

  9. Joe says:
    March 27, 2012 at 2:39 am

    Thanks so much for your blog and videos! They have really strengthened my faith and acceptance of myself for being gay and Christian. God bless you!

    Reply
    • moanti (moe·on·tee) says:
      April 20, 2012 at 11:46 pm

      I am so glad that these resources were helpful to you Joe! This is my prayer, that I am able to help other gay Christians like you come to the knowledge of God’s love and acceptance. May God bless you also!

      Reply

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