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HIGH GEAR

FEBRUARY 1976

Biblical Arguments Concerning Homosexuality

by Gary Lee Phillips, Michigan State University

There are several arguments often used from scriptures to condemn homosexuality in the Western Christian, tradition. None of these arguments are firmly based, and all are subject to dispute. The purpose of this article is to provide an outline of the weaknesses of the most common citations. There is of course

no substitute for a thorough grounding in the Bible, at least for those who wish to become deeply involved in this issue. However, by at least looking up the passages cited here, and perhaps carrying a short list of refutations for given passages, we can attempt to deal with fundamentalists and others whom we must confront at demonstrations, panel discussions, etc.

The most often cited argument is the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, two cities reputedly destroyed because their inhabitants were homosexuals. This story appears in Genesis 19. verses 1-10.

Testament, and clearly denotes sexual activity in only about 12 passages. Another verb, the Hebrew shakhabh, also translated to know" is frequently used to denote clubs, both homosexual and heterosexual!(1) In fact, the verb yadha in this context might better be translated as "to recognize" or "to get acquainted with."

In Ezekiel 16:49-50, we find an explanation of Sodom's destruction which does not imply sexual reasons in any way. The same inference may be drawn from Isaiah 13.19. and Jeremiah 49:18. In fact, nowhere does the Old Testament clearly state that the sin of Sodom was homosexuality. (2)

In Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 we find express condemnation of male homosexual behavior, with the death penalty ordered. However, this book and the book of Deuteronomy must be considered in their entirety. They also must be noted to have required abstinence from shellfish (Lev. 11:12), and from rare meat (Lev. 17:10). Slavery is endorsed in Lev. 25:44-45, and merciless slaughter of civilians in Deut. 20:16-17. Deuteronomy also orders the death penalty for rebellious sons of "to in 21:18-21 Surely we cannot expect modern humanity to follow all these instructions. How then are

The usual interpretation of this story hangs upon the King James Version's use know" as a translation of the Hebrew arb yadha. This verb Occurs 943 times in the Old

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LETTERS

Dear Editor.

It has been brought to my attention that a document is now circulating among the Commissioners of the E.E.O.C. This document is a proposed ruling that "sexual preference" is not a protected classification for purposes of E.E.O.C. jurisdiction.

The Commissioners will vote on this in the near future. Please write to each Commissioner registering your disapproval of the proposed action. Then please contact friendly Congress Representatives, State Representatives, and local officials and ask them to write to each Commissioner asking that this ruling not be made. If enough complaints flood the E.E.O.C. this could have an impact on their decision.

tions to obey or disobey? I would suggest that each person must follow his/her own conscience in these matters. (Indeed, most of these practices are illegal in modern societies.) Believe it or not, there are no references to homosexuality in the Old Testament. (3) Deuteronomy 23:17, sometimes quoted, contains a mistranslation. In the King James, the word "sodomite" was used to translate the Hebrew qadesh. This word in fact refers to a fertility cult prostitute, as does its female equivalent qedeshah. (4) Such prostitutes engaged in heterosexual fertility rites. In fact, the generalized use of the English term "sodomite" to refer

to

a homosexual person is improper, since, as we have seen, the Sodomites were not necessarily homosexual.

The New Testament presents us with somewhat different problems. Jesus himself never said anything which is recorded concerning homosexuality. He did, however repeatedly endorse love as the basis of all things and all of God's laws. See St. John 13:34-35, and St. Matthew 22:37-40.

The major passages in the New Testament which deals with homosexuality come from the writings of St. Paul. These include I Cor. 6:9-10, I Tim. 1:9-10,

Attached is a list of Commissioners. Please remember to write to each one individually.

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2401 E Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20506 Lowell Perry, Chairperson Colston A. Lewis, Commissioner Ethel Walsh, Commissioner Raymond L. Telles, Commissioner

Dear Editor:

Recently there has come into popular usage the expression, "gay subculture." This term emerges frequently in the media and also in verbal and written discourse. Why is this mode of expression being used? To any person on the street, the phrase

and Rom. 1:22-28.

The last of these three passages is most important. First of all, it refers to Sodom and Gomorrah. Paul interprets the Sodom story as one of homosexuality, but he states it in such a way that the homosexuality is part of the punishment rather than the origina! transgression. The sin of Sodom is here described as pride and idolatry. Even Paul carefully refers to lust, rather than love. None of his writings can be taken to condemn a love relationship between two people, regardless of their gender.

Many of Paul's teachings have to be taken with a grain of salt. Surely no enlightened person will subscribe to Paul's views on the subject of women! (I Cor. 7:1, 11:13-15, 14: 34-35, and i Tim. 2:11-12)

Even Paul has his disclaimer. He recognizes that what is unclean to one person is not necessarily so to God or to another. Read and remember Romans 14:14, which may be especially useful against prooftexters.

Last, but certainly not least, in the first epistle of St. John we read, "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God and knoweth God." (1 John 4:7)

MAT

connotes a lesser or not wholly developed segment of society. At least this is the impression | receive. Wouldn't it be more understandable to say simply, "gay culture?" Does anyone agree? Irene Burke

Profits from HIGH GEAR go toward a gay community center