The Torah inside the former Glockengasse synagogue in Cologne.How the Bible looks at homosexuality
I have been asked to show the verses in the Bible that mention same sex activity that are not critical of homosexuality. This column is the first of four that will address this issue.
The trouble with taking the words of the Bible without careful study of the language and customs of the time is that often this leads to the wrong conclusion. We only have to look at how the Bible was used in the past against blacks or against women to realize this. Currently, the same approach to biblical interpretation is used to point judgmental fingers at the gay community.
If we incorporate science and history into biblical interpretation we don’t find such condemnation.
Verses in Leviticus that are part of Israel’s Holiness Code include certain specific instructions on sexual matters, but also contain instruction not to eat shellfish, not to wear blended fabrics, not to plant fields with two kinds of seeds and more.
Along with certain male homosexual acts, adultery and sexual intercourse with a woman during her menstrual period are forbidden.
These proscriptions were given for several reasons: to separate Israel from other nations and their practices; to avoid idolatry and the practices associated with it; and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness.
Ritual purity was one of the ways the people of Israel set themselves apart from others for God. The avoidance of things unclean was part of the purification process.
Semen was looked on as critical to the ongoing of human life and thus was an important part of ceremonial law. The emission of semen during intercourse with a menstruating woman or even during an involuntary nocturnal emission was forbidden.
There were pagan rituals in which semen was offered up to the gods, so in order to set Israel apart a code was developed for this people at this time in their history and any use of semen that violated this code was forbidden. If this code is to be enforced against the homosexual community today, should we not also be enforcing the code against eating shellfish, wearing wool blends or having intercourse during a woman’s menstrual period?
These verses do not speak out against loving and committed relationships between modern gay or lesbian persons. They are about violations of a code that was set for a particular group of people and that, by the way, was replaced by the life and teachings of Jesus.
Next: Romans
5 comments:
I just read this blog and once again you have made very valid points.
It amazes me how fundamentalists love to mention Leviticus when they are condemning homosexuality but forget about all of the other laws such as menstruation.
I saw a book at a thrift store recently that was written in the 70s by the author of the Left Behind series and his wife. It was a Christian book about sex for married couples. He mentions the Levitical law about intercourse during menstruation but says that it no longer applies as there are feminine hygiene products now that make the law obsolete.
It's amazing how they can always find loopholes for the laws that concern them.
I read this twice and maybe I'm dumb but I just don't get it.
Liz, i was limited to 400 words for the print edition of this, and there are more facts to go along with it. Please tell me what you dont get and I will go into greater detail.
SO are we to assume that along with incorporating science and history into our "interpretation" or should I say the "Washington Post's" interpretation, we are to believe this is rightly dividing the word of God? Anyone can take scripture and interpret it to fit their own justifications for sin. That is why in just Christianity alone their are way too many doctrines and factions to count. Show me where in the bible that homosexual activity is approved by God, or not rejected by God. Only do this in the context of specific scripture. I. E. 1. Who the author was?
2. who the letter "Scripture" was written to?
what the scripture was supporting? and how the scripture was suggesting God wanted us to apply this scripture to our lives?
Be patient Edwards. Notice that I said this is a 4 part series. In both parts 2 and 3, I show what you are asking.
And while I mentioned the Washington Post's series, it had nothing to do with my column and was not one of my sources. It is, however a source for my book.
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