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Haliey Haffey
English 2850
April 28,2017
The first context of the bible was written several millenniums ago; Is it relevant to
todays standards? There has been a lot of backlash controversy with the bible and the
discussion of homosexuality. Although, is this relevant argument even if its earliest context was
written during the Egyptian era. Many religions make the argument that the bible tells me so;
making the argument that the bible explicitly says that homosexuality is a sin. With many
translations of the bible it is hard to know what truly is stated on concerns of homosexuality.
Most people in religion takes theses terms too literal in a sense they take it take it from word
from word. With most of these statements can be taken as a metaphor. Diving deeper within the
meaning of each time that it references homosexuality in the bible; dissecting each one of them
While discussing the bible having to talk about the creation story; how we were created
by god. Within the Genesis it discusses that humans were created out of the image of god.
Making humans the rulers of all animal kind and keepers of the earth. In the Genesis 2 it
discusses how man shall not be alone, The LORD God said, It is not good for the man to be
alone. I will make a helper suitable for him. (New International Version, Gen. 2:18) God taken
the mans rips while he was asleep; thus, making woman out of the rips. Therefore, god created
woman out of mans image; a helper for man and not to be alone. Many make an argument with
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these statements saying the reason why a woman was created because a man will not be a
suitable partner. Having a male partner will not be a good substitute from being lonely.
The Old Testament Genesis 19:5 has been a subject of mistranslation throughout several
versions of the bible. With the New International Version, it states, They called to Lot, Where
are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them.
(New International Version, Gen. 19:5) This makes a reference of homosexual gang rape. Gang
rape of men by men was used as a common tactic of humiliation and aggression in warfare and
other hostile contexts in ancient times. It had nothing to do with sexual orientation or accretion;
the point was to shame and to conquer. (Vines, pg.4) Instead of these men they try to offer
virgin women to replace them; not wanting to sleep with the men. While the most popular King
James Version states, And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which
came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them. (King James
Version, Gen. 19:5) This translation references to knowing the people who have sinned; Bringing
out these men so they can punish them. From each translation, it can change it to a complete new
meaning.
Leviticus 20 punishment for sins and Leviticus 18 unlawful sexual relations. If a man
has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is
detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads. (New
International Version, Leviticus 20:13) Many controversy have come from this single passage;
saying that lying with another man is considered an abomination. Leviticus 18 states the
following, Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman;that is
detestable. (New International Version, Leviticus 18:22) Both these verses have been used to
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Although, quoting these passages do not have meaning into a modern-day context. Most of these
passages about unlawful sexual relations are all procreation based; it is unlawful to have sex for
pleasure, only for breeding based. If a man has sexual relations with a woman during her
monthly period, he has exposed the source of her flow, and she has also uncovered it. Both of
them are to be cut off from their people. (New International Version, Leviticus 20:18) Incents
also have a strong negative view with sexual relations; also declaring it a sin, Do not have
sexual relations with your sister, either your fathers daughter or your mothers daughter, whether
she was born in the same home or elsewhere. (New International Version, Leviticus 18:9)
The New Testament Romans passage make several statements about homosexuality. A
popular one that is against homosexuality is Romans 1:27. In the same way the men also
abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men
committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their
error. (New International Version, Romans 1:27) In the New Testament it is against
homosexuality.
The bible in a modern-day context; can it be related to today? As each argument has been
used against homosexuality is because the bible has stated it is a sin. The bible has stated many
sins that are irrelevant in to todays context like; wearing two different fabrics within clothing,
having your hair under a certain length and giving all your money to the poor. Most of these
statements against sexual behaviors is due to sex being procreation base. Making it a sin to have
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sex unless it is for reproductive reasons. Many people even assume that it is sinful to use a form
of birth control; making couples have sex that isnt just for having children.
God created us in his image; flaws and all. As stated above god did not want us to be
alone; so, being happy with the same sex companionship. God is stated to be a loving individual;
even with making humans with flaws he still puts us in good light. Jesus didnt have any context
with dealing with people who are gay; although, he looked over people who are outcasts,
mistreated and minorities. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some
people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. 3 Continue to remember those in
prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you
Pulling verses and making an understated argument. People pull verses saying that they
have read the bible but they pull these out of context to make their own statement. Saying that
homosexuality is an abomination; none of them have taken consideration of how it was written at
a time of great poverty. With many people in this faith not reading the bible; nor, following the
teachings of the bible. Like its unlawful for getting a divorce within the bible; having this be
sinful, it is a form of adultery. He answered, Anyone who divorces his wife and marries
another woman commits adultery against her. 12 And if she divorces her husband and marries
another man, she commits adultery. (New International Testament, Mark 10:11-12)
Many people still argue that homosexuality is still a sin; it clearly states it within the
bible. Even if the bible was written several millenniums ago; it still is considered gods teaching.
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conservative evangelicals are simply against homosexuality. We are against any sin that
restrains people from everlasting joy in God, and homosexual practice just gets all the press
because, at this cultural moment, its the main sin that is so freshly endorsed in our context by the
powers that be. (Parnell; pg. 1) A common argument against homosexuality; many states that
they are against homosexuality because they cannot go to heaven; since homosexuality is a
sin.
With these statements about the bible are very irreverent to this time period. Believing
that the bible really cant be put into todays context; with our modern society more fast
developing we are putting new ideas within our society. Making this the time of revolution
putting old ideas and changing them into new ones; like women were not allowed with in the
workplace and meant to bare children. Same can be said with homosexuality we are changing
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References:
"25 Top Bible Verses about Homosexuality - Scriptures." Bible Study Tools. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 May
2017.
"Christians Hardly Read the Bible Themselves. Why Do They Try so Hard to Force It on
"Why Homosexuality Is Not Like Other Sins." Desiring God. N.p., 21 Apr. 2014. Web. 02 May 2017.
Taylor, J. Glen. "The Bible and Homosexuality." (n.d.): n. pag. University of Toronto. Web. 1 May
2017.
Spong, John Shelby. "Sins Of Scripture." (n.d.): n. pag. Web. 1 May 2017.
White, Mel. What the Bible Says - And Doesn't Say - About Homosexuality (n.d.): n. pag. Web. 1 May
2017.
Vines, Matthews. "The Gay Debate: The Bible and Homosexuality." (n.d.): n. pag. Web. 1 May 2017.