Christianity and homosexuality

[archeraddict]

I have heard so many arguements for and against, but remain confused. I have read the passages in the bible about Homosexuality being wrong, but I also read that women are not permiteds to speak in church, that they should not cut their hair, that re-marriage of a divorcee is not permissable - plus countless other passages, telling us that the way we seem to live these days is wrong. Why then do we seem to only take the passages about homosexuality so literally?

[naomi24]

You'll find that many exponents of the bible are incredibly selective. They like to moralise, and are very enthusiastic when trumpeting perceived 'sins' - probably because it makes them feel superior - but at the same time, they are very keen to shove the rest of the bible's unsavoury content, like the advocation of mass murder, very firmly under the carpet.

[Octavius]

Why then do we seem to only take the passages about homosexuality so literally?

Are you speaking on behalf of, or reresenting anyone in particular?

[archeraddict]

Well, yes, Christians. I do believe, but that doesn't mean that I've switched my brain off! I was hoping that someone might be able to explain why 'we' do pick and choose so much.

It seems to me that, whilst I believe 'all scripture is inspired by God, and is useful for teaching.....etc' it was still written by men, in a cultural context, which we should be considering when looking at what it is saying to us now. I believe that God still 'inspires us' today and is still revealing truth. So women are no longer treated as second class citizens, slavery is not tolerated and the only sticking point seems to be Gay people, in comitted relationships, still being treated disgracefully by so many in the church (IMHO).

I want an honest debate without being shouted down by both sides of the arguement. Any takers?!

[Le Chat]

I believe the reason is that the mental picture of 2 men having sex in the way that they do, is so abhorrent to the pious, closed, narrowminded Christian. So whereas a bible passage excluding women from talking in church (what's that all about??) can be quite easily by-passed with no lasting mental image, male homosexuality cannot.
Noticably lesbainism doesn't cause the same furoure, as all acts done between 2 women are also done between a woman and a man.
On saying this, men and women do have anal sex but it's not talked about really and was certainly 'not heard of' say 20 yrs ago!
This is my view, in short, that male homosexuality immediately brings up a picture of anal sex, which is repugnant to the more closed mind.

[Ethel]

Le Chat - don't make me laugh.

Before the pill and free condoms, anal sex between a man and a woman was thought to be a good method of contraception. It was illegal even between a married man and woman in the UK until recently, but it has been going on for centuries.

[terambulan]

archeraddict....homosexuality is seen as a sin in all faiths for the simple reason that it doesn't produce off-spring.

Religion is like 'a club' for the various faiths and the clubs need more members (off-spring) to flourish.

Today, only crusaders and radicals would read the bible and koran as a literal way to live, ignoring the law of the land at their peril.

[Le Chat]

Ethel, sorry to make you laugh!!!!!!!!!
Please bear in mind, that for this reason i put "in my view" as I am not sure why Christians are so against homosexuality and was answering the question as a 'non Christian' if you like...ie, homosexuality doesn't bother me.
At least I volunteered an answer..............

[Octavius]

I suppose most people who object to homosexuality, be they religious or not, will use the 'its unnatural' or 'it is immoral' argument. Those that are therefore religious will focus on any phrase or verse in the bible that substantiates this by asserting that God did not intend it, permit and in fact thought it was an abomination that should be punishable by death, or suchlike.

I'm not sure how much debate you are going to get really as the ABers on here who are "religious" and use scripture against homosexuality are, thankfully, few and far between.