Torch, Fall/Winter 2007

Fall–Winter 2007 7 T hough most Christians quickly agree that homosexuality is wrong simply because the Bible says so, many of us are unprepared for the specific arguments of those who would revise the text and claim that key biblical passages were either irrelevant or misapplied. After listening to their arguments and investigating the key texts again, we unequivocally agree with Stan Jones’ summary: “… the biblical witness against homosexual behavior can be neutralized only by either grossly misinterpreting the Bible or by moving away from a high view of Scripture.” As the following analysis demonstrates, the biblical record is clear and consistent. The Bible is not silent about this critical issue. A Divine Pattern for Sexuality Homosexuality is unacceptable simply because it does not conform to the good pattern for sexuality that God has determined. In Genesis 1–2, God clearly creates male and female to be united in a one-flesh way that reflects the unity of the Godhead and allows them to be fruitful and fill the earth. That pattern is stated in the beginning and assumed and celebrated throughout the rest of Scripture. The importance of couples in the story of redemption from Abraham and Sarah to Boaz and Ruth; and the praise of marriage between husband and wife in Proverbs, Psalms, and the Song of Songs all assume this heterosexual foundation. The metaphors of God marrying Israel and the Church being the Bride of Christ, and the promise of that end-time event of the wedding supper of the Lamb all subtly, yet profoundly, point to the divine pattern. Anything less misses the mark, and it is simply impossible to explain away all the scriptures that teach this positive message. Careful Consideration of the Texts While the Bible is consistent in calling homosexuality sin in Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19:1–13, Ezek. 16:48–50, Judges 19) Revisionist Charge: “The only sin here was either a lack of hospitality, as Ezekiel says, or, at most, gang rape.” Response: Like most situations, a single sin is rarely isolated. This story was a “perfect storm” of sins ranging from the arrogance and pride that Ezekiel highlights to the attempts at forced sex and homosexuality found directly in the Genesis and Judges texts. Homosexuality was not the only sin, but according to the story and the Hebrew words used, it was an abhorrent part of the event. Purity Laws (Lev. 18:22; 20:13) Revisionist Charge: “We no longer follow the food laws of Leviticus, so we should not follow these outdated laws.” Response: Some of the laws of Leviticus were only temporary, but many are rooted in the character of God and will never change. A close look at Leviticus 18 reveals prohibitions against incest and bestiality, and no one suggests that those are obsolete! Moses also writes that these laws are so fundamental that they should be obeyed not only by Israelites but also by Gentiles who live in the land (Lev. 17:10, 13; 18:26). Paul’s Lists of Sins (1 Cor. 6:9–20; 1 Tim. 1:8–11) Revisionist Charge: “These words are obscure and only refer to the forced prostitution of young boys.” Response: Paul’s words are not difficult to understand and can easily be defined by his own writings. Romans 1 defines homosexuality as men and women who are given over to shameful lusts for members of their own sex (1:26–27). every passage that addresses the issue, some texts are clearer than others, and we would do well to focus upon the clearest texts. The more complex texts are: • the story of Sodom and Gomorrah and Ezekiel’s commentary on it (Genesis 19:1–13, Ezekiel 16:48–50, and by literary association, Judges 19) • purity laws in Leviticus (18:22; 20:13) • Paul’s lists of sins (1 Cor. 6:9–20; 1 Tim. 1:8–11). None of these are problematic, as most revisionists would claim, but they are more complex than first meets the eye because of the historical, covenantal, and linguistic factors involved and should be carefully studied (please see below for a fuller introduction). The Romans Record Reviewed The most important and complete teaching on the subject can be found in the book of Romans, especially the first chapter. Romans 1:18–32