What the Bible says and means about homosexuality

Overview:
Diverse Christian interpretations of
biblical passages on homosexuality

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Christian diversity:

Many regard Christianity as being more than a single religion; they view it as a group of religions that:

	Follow the Bible, and
	Share some historical theological beliefs and traditions,
	But differ on many topics including deity, humanity and the rest of the universe.

Christianity can be roughly divided among three main groups of denominations on the basis of their view of the Bible, their views towards women, homosexuals & bisexuals, other sexual minorities, other controversial social topics:

	A conservative wing made up of hundreds of denominations of fundamentalists and other evangelicals;
	A progressive wing;
	A mainline group of denominations whose beliefs that are intermediate between these other two wings.

This division is further complicated because so many denominations contain a blend of members from all three groups.

Evangelical and progressive Christians interpret the Bible in very different ways. This leads to two distinct and contradictory sets of beliefs within Christianity on just about every conceivable topic, from abortion to sex. Belief in equal rights for homosexuals and bisexuals is no exception.

Since the two groups approach the Bible with different assumptions about its nature, and look for different content, one can expect that their conclusions will be very different:

Rigidity of beliefs:

We have exchanged Emails with hundreds of visitors to this web site about the Bible and homosexuality. Most fall into one of two groups:

Religious progressives promote equal rights for persons of all sexual orientations, including homosexual ordination, same-sex marriage, civil union ceremonies in the church, equal protection under hate-crime legislation, protection against discrimination in employment, etc. These are regarded as fundamental human rights issues.

Religious conservatives feel that the Bible teaches that homosexual behavior is always a serious sin. Some regard it as the most serious of sins; others view it as being on a par with other sins. Allowing sexually active gays and lesbians to be ordained, or to have their committed relationships recognized by the church would involve a drastic and unacceptable lowering of church standards. The church would be condoning sin. Most also oppose including sexual orientation in hate-crime, and anti-discrimination legislation. Most oppose same-sex marriage; they prefer that loving committed same-sex couples be regarded as simple roommates without legal protections, and their children as illegitimate.

We have been unable to change the beliefs or actions of any of these hundreds of people on even one point related to homosexuality. Their views appear to be fixed.

It is doubtful that much progress towards compromise on homosexual rights can be made by means of dialogue among people who have adopted firm beliefs. We don't expect that the attached essays will change the beliefs of many visitors to this web site who have already made up their mind. However, the essays may help people understand opinions that are not their own. They also might help people who have not yet made up their mind.

Copyright © 2009 by Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance
Original posting: 2009-JAN-30
Latest update: 2009-JAN-30
Author: B.A. Robinson

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