Re: why God might allow homosexuality to exist
Submitted by Ben on July 01 1999 at 19:58:59
In reply to why God might allow homosexuality to exist Submitted by F.O.D. on June 29 1999 at 15:25:45
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FOD - Of course your ideas were interesting to read! Tim's idea notwithstanding, there are a few apparent contradictions which need to be addressed when dealing with the bible's apparent opinons on homosexuality. The bible is rather clear that men should not lie with other men as he does with women (Leviticus 18:22) which of course is a comment about homosexual acts, not about homosexuality. It is not inconsistent for men to love each other (in a non-sexual way) and the bible does not imply that any act related to love is acceptable. Certainly a loving relationship between two men is sanctioned by God (1 Samuel 18:3), as long as the law is not broken. On the other hand, it is quite possible, as many others have said, that the homosexual acts of biblical times were perhaps not understood or were generally not loving, but were simply sexual releases performed when women were unavailable. It is possible that, in modern times, that men have learned to truly have loving sexual relationships (in fact I'm pretty confident that this love is real). However, the fact that the relationships are loving, does not negate the laws against men lying with each other. To take 1 John 4 as permission to do whatever we want to as long as it is based on love is, in my opinion, taking too much liberty with God's intentions (I know that this is just my view). Perhaps part of the problem is that love is perceived by a person, and therefore can be completely one sided and relative. For example, I can love someone who does not love me back. I can also view a relationship as loving, when perhaps it is not. I can remember, hundreds of times, being close with a boy, masterbating to thoughts about that boy, and being absolutely convinced that I loved him. I don't doubt that I was in love with him sexually, but I question whether that was true love. One final thought, a non-sequator: In Matthew 5:28 Jesus commands men to not look lustfully at a woman. I have concluded for myself that this also applies to looking at boys lustfully for me. I can't imagine that God thinks it's okay for me to lust after boys, just not women. Any thoughts on my conclusion? Your are not alone. 
Your brother in Christ, Ben |