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What Does The New Testament Say About Homosexuality?
The New Testament gives clear guidance about the topic of homosexuality. In many passages, it unambiguously labels homosexual acts as sins, indicating that the practice is at odds with God’s will.
The primary passage used to argue against homosexuality comes from the first chapter of the book of Romans. Paul writes, “For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error” (Romans 1:26-27, ESV).
Here Paul makes it clear that any sexual relations with someone of the same sex is a violation of “natural relations.” The passage also implies that those who engage in such behavior will be subject to “due penalty,” which is generally taken to be the judgment of God.
Other New Testament passages also refer to homosexual acts in a negative light. The book of Jude, for example, identifies those who engage in “sexual immorality” and “unnatural desire” as “ungodly people” who will “suffer the punishment of eternal fire” (Jude 7, ESV). Paul also mentions “men who have left the natural use of the woman” in his letter to the church in Corinth (1 Corinthians 6:9).
In general, though, the New Testament speaks very little on the topic of homosexuality. The passages discussed above are the primary sources used to develop a Christian perspective on the issue.
In light of this, it is important to take the limited biblical passages on the topic in context. The language of the Scripture must be understood with the surrounding culture and times in mind. It is also essential to consider historical context and the current scientific understanding of sexuality when interpreting passages on this subject.
At the same time, it is clear that the New Testament does not condone homosexual behavior. This perspective is of great importance as we consider how to approach this sensitive topic as Christians.
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