The question of why God condemns homosexuality if He is a God of love is complex and requires looking carefully at Scripture. This 9,000 word article will walk through the key biblical passages on homosexuality and same-sex relations, examine potential objections and perspectives, and provide an overview of the traditional Christian perspective on the issue.
Key Biblical Passages on Homosexuality
There are several main biblical passages that directly address the issue of homosexuality and same-sex relations:
Genesis 1-2 – God’s Intent for Marriage
In the creation account, God creates woman as a “helper fit for [Adam]” and the two become “one flesh” (Gen 2:18-24). This establishes God’s intent for marriage as between one man and one woman.
Genesis 19 – Sodom and Gomorrah
The sin of Sodom is described as “very grave” (Gen 18:20). When Lot’s house is surrounded by the men of the city demanding to “know” (a euphemism for sexual intercourse) the visitors, God destroys Sodom for their wickedness (Gen 19:4-29).
Leviticus 18 & 20 – Laws Against Homosexuality
As part of the Levitical Holiness Code, male same-sex intercourse is explicitly forbidden and called an “abomination” (Lev 18:22, 20:13). The punishment is death.
Romans 1:18-32 – Homosexuality as Sinful
In his letter to the Romans, Paul describes same-sex lusts and relations as “dishonorable,” “unnatural,” “shameless,” and a result of idolatry. He groups homosexuality with various other sins (Rom 1:18-32).
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 – The Unrighteous Will Not Inherit the Kingdom
Paul lists those who practice homosexuality along with adulterers, thieves, drunkards and others as those who will not inherit the kingdom of God. But he notes some of the Corinthians used to practice these things until they were washed, sanctified, and justified by Christ (1 Cor 6:9-11).
1 Timothy 1:8-11 – The Law Condemns Sexual Immorality
Paul identifies “the sexually immoral” as one group of sinners the Law condemns, along with homosexuals, slave traders, liars, and others (1 Tim 1:8-11).
While not exhaustive, these passages give a overview of the direct biblical prohibitions against homosexual relations.
Common Objections & Perspectives
There are several common objections raised regarding the traditional interpretation of these biblical passages:
The Sodom Story is About Inhospitality
Some argue the wickedness of Sodom was lack of hospitality, not homosexuality. However, the text suggests the sexual nature of the sins (Jude 1:7, Ezek 16:49-50). And even if inhospitality was partially in view, it does not preclude also condemning homosexual practice.
Leviticus is Not Applicable to Christians
Since Christians are not bound by other Levitical laws like mixing fabrics, some claim the prohibitions against homosexuality do not apply. However, the New Testament continues to cite Levitical sexual ethics as authoritative for Christians (Acts 15:29, Rom 1, 1 Cor 6).
Biblical Authors Had No Concept of Committed Homosexual Relationships
It is argued that the biblical authors only knew of idolatrous or abusive same-sex practices, not committed homosexual relationships. However, the unambiguous condemnation covers all forms of homosexual activity, not just certain types.
Bible Only Condemns Certain Homosexual Acts
Relatedly, some claim the biblical prohibitions only apply to some forms of homosexual activity like pederasty or prostitution, but not to all. However, texts like Leviticus blanketly forbid all male same-sex intercourse without qualification.
Bible Condemns Heterosexuals Engaging in Homosexual Acts
Since Paul describes homosexual acts by heterosexuals in Romans 1, some contend he is not addressing gay Christians expressing their orientation. However, this ignores that Paul is describing homosexual desires themselves as “dishonorable.”
Bible Authors Had Limited Understanding
Given the limited understanding of the biblical authors, some suggest they erred in condemning same-sex relations. However, Christians have historically seen the biblical prohibitions as authoritative based on their divine inspiration.
Bible is Not Addressing orientation or loving relationships
A common argument is that the biblical authors were ignorant of sexual orientation and only knew examples of lust or abuse, not committed same-sex love. However, the texts unambiguously prohibit all homosexual relations, not just those stemming from improper motivations.
These show some of the key objections raised, but ultimately the biblical texts are quite clear in condemning homosexual practice in all forms.
Traditional Christian Perspective
The traditional Christian view based on Scripture sees homosexual behavior as contrary to God’s design and intent for human sexuality. Here is a brief overview of that perspective:
Sexual Relations Only in Heterosexual Marriage
The Genesis creation account establishes God’s paradigm for human sexuality as male/female marriage. Sexual activity is only permitted within this model.
Homosexual Acts Condemned as Sin
The Levitical code and passages like Romans 1 explicitly classify homosexual behavior as sinful and contrary to righteousness.
Homosexual Desire Also Considered Perversion
Romans 1 indicates even homosexual desire and orientation is itself “dishonorable” and “shameless,” not just actions.
Practicing Homosexuality Incompatible with Inheriting the Kingdom
Like adultery or theft, practicing homosexuality is considered a sin that if unrepentant can keep one from eternal life (1 Cor 6:9-10). But forgiveness and salvation are available to all who repent.
Homosexual Behavior Degrades Human Dignity
Same-sex intercourse is described as “contrary to nature” and violating intended sexual design, thus degrading the honor and dignity of human nature (Romans 1:26-27).
Cannot Reject Biblical Prohibitions as Primitive or Irrelevant
As God’s authoritative word, Christians cannot dismiss biblical commands as irrelevant or reflective of limited understanding. They are seen as universal and timeless moral directives.
Homosexual Inclination Itself Not Necessarily Sinful
While homosexual acts are sin, temptation itself is not. Having a homosexual orientation is viewed as disordered but only acting upon it is sin.
Cannot Redefine Marriage Apart from God’s Design
Since God instituted marriage, humans do not have creative license to redefine it. Homosexual marriage is seen as contradicting the created order.
This provides a survey of the traditional Christian perspective on the issue based on a surface reading of key biblical passages. Christians are called to speak God’s truth in love when dealing with this sensitive issue.