As stated in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (NIV), “… Neither the sexually immortal nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” Homosexual offenders are therefore wicked and will not inherit the kingdom of God.
The bible was originally written in the ancient languages of Palestine, with the Old Testament in Hebrew and Aramaic, and the New Testament in Greek. This raises questions about how accurately today’s bible reflects God’s true word due to the possibility of mistranslation and misinterpretation, particularly when the bible is also read out of context. For example, while the Greek word “arsenokoitai” has been translated into “homosexual offenders” in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, the same word has been translated into “perverts” in 1 Timothy 1:9, a word which holds a very different meaning.
There is clearly some ambiguity regarding how to translate this original Greek word “arsenokoitai” amongst scholars, so a literal translation can lead to very unjust condemnations. While most scholars agree that it generally refers to events of a sexual nature between two men, such sexual events typically took the form of sexual abuse/molestation and prostitution during the society and era the bible was written, rather than a mutual desire to be in a sexual relationship between two people of the same sex, as we understand homosexuality today. This is evident in Genesis 19 during which the men of Sodom sought to engage in forced sexual intercourse with two male foreigners. Understandably, this was considered a sexual sin (which is perhaps an understatement!).
God continued to speak negatively about sexual intercourse between two men, using the word “arsenokoitai” (which tends to be translated into "homosexual offenders" or "sodomites") in reference to similar abusive acts to that which occured in Sodom. For example, when the verse "do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman: that is detestable" (Leviticus 18:22) is translated into Greek, this same word is evident [note: to remain consistent with John 14:6, some literalists dismiss the Old Testament altogether, asserting that God can only be reached through Jesus who took away many laws of this time. This therefore invalidates any verse from Leviticus used to argue against homosexuality anyway].
It is important to note, however, that the word “arsenokoitai” does not distinguish between a mutual desire for sexual intercourse between two men, and sexual abuse, one being motivated by a spirit of love and the other not. Thus, trying to interpret these verses without any consideration for the origin of the words or context during which they were written can easily entangle today’s definition of homosexuality with sexual abuse/molestation and lead to the unjust condemnation of today’s homosexual population.
But surely homosexuality goes against God’s intention for us. After all, God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve!
Indeed the biblical story of Adam and Eve is sometimes interpreted as evidence that God opposes same-sex marriages. However, when we examine that some of the birds and mammals brought to Adam as potential companions had presumably been female, it is evident that God’s intention was not to specifically equip Adam with a partner of the opposite sex, but rather a human partner; another being who could help him take care of the environment and whom he could relate to. The latter is particularly evident when the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” (Genesis 2:18)
The focus of this story is not on Adam and Eve’s heterosexual relationship, but on the deep love and companionship that a couple can provide each other with, the true purpose of marriage.
Another aspect of this story is the origin of judgment and its resulting self-consciousness amongst humanity. While Adam and Eve were originally indifferent to one other’s physical attributes – most noticeably their nakedness- this changed once they had eaten from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Then, “the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realised they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves,” (Genesis 3:7). Such judgment continues to occur today, as experienced by homosexual couples who remain unable to legally marry due to their sex, a physical attribute. Yet, as evident from the story, Adam and Eve’s physical attributes never was and were never intended to be an issue; the companionship and love with which they provided each other, regardless of their sex, reflects the companionship and love that God expects from His people.
The importance of love is stated in many other biblical verses. 1 Corinthians 13:12 outlines the criteria of love, such as patience, kindness, trust and selflessness, none of which is the couple’s sex. Furthermore, Jesus identifies love as the first and greatest commandment which sums up all others (Romans 13:8-10). Therefore, homosexuality does not violate the Christian teachings. If anything, it is those who refuse to show love and support for others who are going against God’s laws and intention for us.
Okay, so maybe homosexuality is alright providing the couple shows love and respect for one another. But how can same-sex couples be allowed to adopt a child? A child needs both a mother and father figure in their life in order to develop healthily.
This is akin to arguing that a widowed mother or father should be prohibited from raising a child due to the absence of both a male and female parent. It is also interesting to note that no one using this argument seems to apply it to other divisions in society as well. Why is it that children only need a "male and female influence"? What about an upper class and a lower class influence? Or a left-wing and a right-wing influence? Regardless of the division, the answer is simple: A child does not grow up isolated from society with merely their two parents to influence their development. Teachers, aunts, uncles, God parents and friends are among the many other figures in a child’s life who will influence the child and provide guidance and support as they develop.
Regardless of the parents’ sex, if each guardian acts as positive role models and demonstrates loving, supportive behaviour on a regular basis, the child is likely to grow up to be a loving, supportive individual themselves. Living in a household where sexual abuse and family violence is common will be far more psychologically damaging than being raised by two loving, same-sex parents. If the individual does experience mental health issues, the prejudice and discrimination they receive from society is a more plausible explanation than the sex of their parents, as confirmed by the American Psychological Association. Because such prejudice and discrimination is harmful to the individual’s wellbeing, any person encouraging this discrimination is breaching the Christian teachings.
References-
Spong, J. S. (1988), ‘Living in Sin: A Bishop Rethinks Human Sexuality’. HarperSanFrancisco, USA
GayChristianNetwork (2010), ‘Does 1 Corinthians 6:9 condemn gay relationships?’, YouTube, accessed 11/01/2011 from http://www.youtube.com/watchv=PvYdG5_vcB8&list=UUj4VgFNTXW1ru5fq6jI0b-Q&feature=plcp
The Gay Christian Network (2010), accessed 11/01/2011 from http://www.gaychristian.net/
Bible translation, accessed 2010: http://www.greekbible.com
Sheldrick, D. (2011), 'Marriage good for the mind', Star Online, accessed http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/2011/08/05/marriage-good-for-the-mind/58567
APA, 'Sexual orientation and homosexuality', accessed http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/sexual-orientation.aspx
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