Christianity started 2 milenia ago, and Christians have developed different views of Scripture: a) As history and divine revelation, b) As all or partially instructional for modern life, c) Interpreted selectively by denominational leaders, d) or allowing changes by modern prophets, or a Pope. Yet all agree that each person is spiritually led. Their view on same-sex Biblical marriage may vary. Is it an expression of Christian compassion or permissiveness? Logic and Biblical exegesis can help.
There is one verse in the New Testament where Jesus denounces various behaviors. If we are loyal to any Greek dictionary, we find it includes homosexual sexual behavior, according to the translation.
More obvious is that Jesus is never recorded to have spoken positively about homosexual sexual behavior. Jesus taught Jews, and Jews of the time did not need to be reminded that homosexual sexual behavior was taboo, and quickly punished.
Completely surrounded by cultures that permitted the homosexual lifestyle, and some which even made it part of their religious rituals, the Jews were unique in considering homosexual sexual behavior not only as a sin, but also as a crime.
For Jews, by theocratic law, before Roman domination, the act of a single homosexual sexual act was cause enough to be put to death, immediately. Those were rough times.
But for Jesus, there was always the potential of regeneration from homosexual sexual behavior, towards a lifestyle consistent with the biological nature of the human being, less dangerous, and healthier.
Friendship is satisfying, and it is honorable. But the beautiful message from Jesus regarding the homosexual act is that it is NOT immutable, and therefore that's good news. Take it or leave it. The consequences come naturally.
There is one verse in the New Testament where Jesus denounces various behaviors. If we are loyal to any Greek dictionary, we find it includes homosexual sexual behavior, according to the translation.
ReplyDeleteMore obvious is that Jesus is never recorded to have spoken positively about homosexual sexual behavior. Jesus taught Jews, and Jews of the time did not need to be reminded that homosexual sexual behavior was taboo, and quickly punished.
Completely surrounded by cultures that permitted the homosexual lifestyle, and some which even made it part of their religious rituals, the Jews were unique in considering homosexual sexual behavior not only as a sin, but also as a crime.
For Jews, by theocratic law, before Roman domination, the act of a single homosexual sexual act was cause enough to be put to death, immediately. Those were rough times.
But for Jesus, there was always the potential of regeneration from homosexual sexual behavior, towards a lifestyle consistent with the biological nature of the human being, less dangerous, and healthier.
Friendship is satisfying, and it is honorable. But the beautiful message from Jesus regarding the homosexual act is that it is NOT immutable, and therefore that's good news. Take it or leave it. The consequences come naturally.
FURTHER READING: JESUS' SILENCE ON HOMOSEXUAL UNIONS (by Ross A. Taylor) Caché copy