Why is Homosexuality a Sin?

[Gendou Ikari]

This topic has always troubled me. I know from looking in and reading the Bible that Homosexuality is a sin. But I don't know why it is. Like the sin of murder is obvious. Are we[today's generation] overlooking something .

 

[yesha]

God's laws do not always have a easily discernable reason behind them.

Consider these OT laws:

Lev 19:19
19 "'Keep my decrees. "'Do not mate different kinds of animals. "'Do not plant your field with two kinds of seed. "'Do not wear clothing woven of two kinds of material.
(NIV)

Like these laws, people can come up with reason why homosexuality is a sin. But in the end it doesn't matter why it's forbidden, only that it is.

1 Cor 6:9-10
9 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders
10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
(NIV)

 

[Nocturnal_Principal_X]

What would happen if everyone committed homosexual acts? Simple, the human race would die off. God is specific in Genesis and various other places that He wants us humans to “be fruitful and multiply.â€Â

 

[TheScarletPimpernel]

It's a work of the flesh.

Rom 8:6 To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
Rom 8:7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot.
Rom 8:8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
Rom 8:9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.
Rom 8:10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
Rom 8:11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
Rom 8:12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.
Rom 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
Rom 8:14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

 

[ThinkerMan]

What would happen if everyone committed homosexual acts? Simple, the human race would die off. God is specific in Genesis and various other places that He wants us humans to “be fruitful and multiply.â€Â

The same thing would happen if people only had oral sex (which happens at among a higher proportion of people than homosexual sex).

As far as the "be fruitful" part, do you really think humanity has a problem with population growth?

 

[Nocturnal_Principal_X]

The same thing would happen if people only had oral sex (which happens at among a higher proportion of people than homosexual sex).

Ok, that still does not change the facts about homosexual activity.

As far as the "be fruitful" part, do you really think humanity has a problem with population growth?

No, but I was simply stating that God has, and had, a plan for humanity and such actions as homosexuality alter that plain.

I will be honest, I myself would have no problem with homosexuality except God makes it clear such actions are sinful. Of course also the fact I pointed out about what would happen if everyone conducted homosexual acts makes me against it. The bottom line is God says it is wrong therefore I am against it.

 

[kwag_myers]

This topic has always troubled me. I know from looking in and reading the Bible that Homosexuality is a sin. But I don't know why it is. Like the sin of murder is obvious. Are we[today's generation] overlooking something .

I think that ThinkerMan's point on "be fruitful" is good. It also goes against God's plan for mankind. He also said not to do it with animals and nobody ever complains about that.

I also think, and this is pure speculation, that it has something to do with spiritual relationships that we probably won't understand while on earth. But, like I said, that's only speculation.

 

[Free]

Gen 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Gen 1:28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth."

Maleness and femaleness are both a part of God's image. To 'be fruitful and multiply' is a command given by God to the male and female. Only a male and female can reproduce, which is one of the main purposes of sex.

Just as lust is a perversion of love, homosexuality is a perversion of what ought to be and is a denial of what God made to be good. It not only goes against the command to 'be fruitful,' it is an afront to being made in God's image. It denies that both maleness and femaleness in unity are a part of God's image.

It's late and my thoughts aren't too clear on the subject right now, but I think you can see what I am getting at.

 

[Blazin Bones]

The same thing would happen if people only had oral sex (which happens at among a higher proportion of people than homosexual sex).

As far as the "be fruitful" part, do you really think humanity has a problem with population growth?

Thinkerman, the idea of oral isn't much when you consider that heterosexuals still have the potential to reproduce through natural intercourse, while homosexuals can't.

Back to the topic. Homosexuality is a sin because God said so. To say why He made it a sin would require I be just as God is. I'm not God, so I can't tell you why it's a sin.

 

[Blazin Bones]

I think that ThinkerMan's point on "be fruitful" is good. It also goes against God's plan for mankind. He also said not to do it with animals and nobody ever complains about that.

I also think, and this is pure speculation, that it has something to do with spiritual relationships that we probably won't understand while on earth. But, like I said, that's only speculation.

Kwag, if those who practice beastiality were as open as homosexuals, I'm pretty sure you would see the same response from Christains as compared to homosexuals. You can't complain about what you don't know is happening.

 

[kat]

Isn't doubting him also a sin? :

 

[Lewis]

Notice the worthy of death, in verse 32.


ROM 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
ROM 1:23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
ROM 1:24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
ROM 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
ROM 1:26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
ROM 1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
ROM 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
ROM 1:29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
ROM 1:30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
ROM 1:31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
ROM 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

 

[Orthodox Christian]

Homosexuality is not a sin; homosexual acts are. And so are heterosexual acts outside of marriage, as well as lust for someone who is not one's wedded partner.

Such acts are 'sins' in that they are outside, according to Judeo-Christian understanding, the norms that God has set for human relationships. Sexuality is very exclusive and sacred, as defined in scripture- not because it is bad or only given for reproduction- no, it is given for joy, pleasure, and intimacy. My innermost expression of sexual love is not even mine- it belongs to my wife.

Therefore, using my wife sexually would be out of step with the intent and potential for true and pure sexual love. Most heterosexuals do nto even come close to living up to these ideals, and it is probable that in some senses that there are homosexuals that do. Nevertheless, the scriptural prohibition remains.

Many contemporary people complian about this, and say that this is primitive, that homosexuals ought to be allowed to find love also. By this they mean the full expression of love, ie sexual intimacy and perhaps marriage. In this pluralistic society, they can do just that. Many states are opting now for full legal unions between homosexuals.

This seems to be fair to me- we are a secular society, and people ought to be free to make their choices.

But if I am considered a bigot because I confirm, respectfully, that within my faith community homosexuals are welcomed, loved, and yet expected to remain sexually chaste, then call me a bigot. Our faith is not decided by vote or popular whim, or even compelling yet clearly unbiblical arguments.

In our thinking, all of our so-called "rights" belong to God, and He apportions them out according to His will.
James

 

[SputnikBoy]

I've always had an enquiring mind and there is one thing that puzzles me whenever we discuss issues of homosexuality. I don't think one needs to be Einstein to reason that there must be any number of Christian homosexuals who have married someone of the opposite sex to give the appearance of heterosexuality. In this way, they have 'done the right thing' by everyone, even though in actuality they're hiding who they REALLY are. Okay, so far so good ...maybe.

Now, for my dilemma and I'd love to hear the thoughts of others in regard to the following. The male always fantacizes 'homosexual acts' during love-making with his partner. This is how he maintains the illusion of being 'straight'. Even his wife doesn't know his true sexual orientation. My question is, what exactly IS the sin of homosexuality ...the physical act or the mental act ...or both? Hmmm

 

[Lewis]

The male always fantacizes 'homosexual acts' during love-making with his partner. This is how he maintains the illusion of being 'straight'. Even his wife doesn't know his true sexual orientation. My question is, what exactly IS the sin of homosexuality ...the physical act or the mental act ...or both? Hmmm

[/i]
"""""WHAT"""""" maybe you do. Why would you say the male always fantacizes homosexual acts' during love making. Are you talking about while making love to a female ? Because if you are not'''''' Houston we have a problem.

 

[Nocturnal_Principal_X]

My question is, what exactly IS the sin of homosexuality ...the physical act or the mental act ...or both? Hmmm

Matthew 5:27-28 (NASB)
27 ‘“You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY’;
28“but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.â€Â’
Matthew 15:19 (NASB)
19‘“For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders.â€Â
Mark 7:20-23 (NASB)
20‘“He went on: “What comes out of a man is what makes him ‘unclean.’ 21For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. 23All these evils come from inside and make a man ‘unclean.â€Â’

Ok now what can one get from these passages? It seems quite clear that if one commits a sin in their heart, or mind, they have committed the si already. So to answer your question SputnikBodyâ€â€The sin of homosexuality is the physical and mental act of it.

 

[Orthodox Christian]

The male always fantacizes 'homosexual acts' during love-making with his partner. This is how he maintains the illusion of being 'straight'. Even his wife doesn't know his true sexual orientation. My question is, what exactly IS the sin of homosexuality ...the physical act or the mental act ...or both? Hmmm

[/i]
"""""WHAT"""""" maybe you do. Why would you say the male always fantacizes homosexual acts' during love making. Are you talking about while making love to a female ? Because if you are not'''''' Houston we have a problem.

He meant the male homosexual fantasizes about homosexual acts during lovemaking. I don't know that to be true, but it brings up an important idea for consideration: Why is it that people need to fantasize during sex anyway? Isn't that taking them out of the love making, and essentially make it two people masturbating?

I don't ever need to fantasize with my wife- not just because she's beautiful- she is- but because the passion is not sexual only. It is love between us. If my wife was overweight and had facial hiar I could still have bliss with her, because I make love to the person of my wife, not just her body.

If a man with homosexual feelings is unable to perform in lovemaking with his wife, it would be better for them to live celibate. This is what the gospel makes clear.

 

[SputnikBoy]

The male always fantacizes 'homosexual acts' during love-making with his partner. This is how he maintains the illusion of being 'straight'. Even his wife doesn't know his true sexual orientation. My question is, what exactly IS the sin of homosexuality ...the physical act or the mental act ...or both? Hmmm

[/i]
"""""WHAT"""""" maybe you do. Why would you say the male always fantacizes homosexual acts' during love making. Are you talking about while making love to a female ? Because if you are not'''''' Houston we have a problem.

I can't believe that you didn't get the gist of my post.

 

[SputnikBoy]

[quote="Lewis W":0f373]

The male always fantacizes 'homosexual acts' during love-making with his partner. This is how he maintains the illusion of being 'straight'. Even his wife doesn't know his true sexual orientation. My question is, what exactly IS the sin of homosexuality ...the physical act or the mental act ...or both? Hmmm

[/i]
"""""WHAT"""""" maybe you do. Why would you say the male always fantacizes homosexual acts' during love making. Are you talking about while making love to a female ? Because if you are not'''''' Houston we have a problem.

He meant the male homosexual fantasizes about homosexual acts during lovemaking. I don't know that to be true, but it brings up an important idea for consideration: Why is it that people need to fantasize during sex anyway? Isn't that taking them out of the love making, and essentially make it two people masturbating?

I don't ever need to fantasize with my wife- not just because she's beautiful- she is- but because the passion is not sexual only. It is love between us. If my wife was overweight and had facial hiar I could still have bliss with her, because I make love to the person of my wife, not just her body.

Good answer, OC.

If a man with homosexual feelings is unable to perform in lovemaking with his wife, it would be better for them to live celibate. This is what the gospel makes clear.

Um, it's my understanding based on the results of research (?) that many husbands and wives fantacize 'someone else' while love-making, whether they be homosexual or not. I think we'd have to be pretty naive to believe that this is not the case, especially on occasions.

As for those with homosexual feelings, even though married to a female, having to live a celibate lifestyle through no fault of their own, that's rather harsh. It's also easy for someone (not necessarily you, OC) who is fortunate (?) to be heterosexual dictating to someone else that they must remain celibate. In effect they are imposing something on someone else that they themselves would in no way want to do.

Despite the responses so far, especially those that simply use biblical texts to support their argument, I'm sure that the original poster might still be asking the same question. I, too, have wondered for years what the big deal is about homosexuality. I'll repeat the question ...WHY is homosexuality such a sin? And, please don't simply pass it off with a 'God commanded no homosexuality' because that isn't helpful to someone who is genuinely asking the question, especially one who is a nonchristian. Also, please don't give us this 'populate or perish' because we're basically talking about recreational sex here. IS there an answer to this question other than 'God sayeth ...'?[/quote:0f373]

 

[Punk-O-Rama]

The same thing would happen if people only had oral sex (which happens at among a higher proportion of people than homosexual sex).

Ok, that still does not change the facts about homosexual activity.

As far as the "be fruitful" part, do you really think humanity has a problem with population growth?

No, but I was simply stating that God has, and had, a plan for humanity and such actions as homosexuality alter that plain.

I will be honest, I myself would have no problem with homosexuality except God makes it clear such actions are sinful. Of course also the fact I pointed out about what would happen if everyone conducted homosexual acts makes me against it. The bottom line is God says it is wrong therefore I am against it.

so just because something is written in the bible, etc. u just do it without asking urself? Damn.. what if "God" (actually the bible, that was written by man, and it wasnt the inspiration of god, it was the testimonies of the apostles of jesus, and i dont think God knocked ur door and told u what he wants u to do) told u to kill ur mother.. will you do it? I think you would.. You gotta start thinking for urself..

and homosexuality is not totally wrong.. There are people with genetic problems just as Down sindrome, that are "women trapped in a mans body"... So God made them that way, so god has a plan for them, why would god create them if he's gonna send them to hell for sure?