Key Biblical Verses on Homosexuality: Understanding Both Perspectives
To genuinely understand the debate around LGBTQ+ relationships, it's helpful to clearly and honestly consider the key Bible passages traditionally cited. Below, we present a clear, strong, and fair summary of the traditional interpretation ("anti-LGBTQ sex" position) alongside the affirming interpretation, verse-by-verse.
Genesis 19: Sodom and Gomorrah
Traditional View:
- Sodom was destroyed, in part, due to homosexual acts. The men of Sodom explicitly attempted homosexual intercourse with Lot's visitors, an action later explicitly labeled "sexual immorality" and "perversion" (Jude 1:7). The term "sodomy" itself comes directly from this event, underscoring the traditional stance that God condemns homosexual activity.
Affirming View:
- The Sodom account describes attempted gang rape and extreme violence. Ezekiel 16:49–50 describes Sodom's primary sins as pride, arrogance, and inhospitality—not consensual, committed relationships. The violence and intent of domination differ fundamentally from today's loving partnerships.
Leviticus 18:22 & 20:13: The Holiness Code
Traditional View:
- These passages straightforwardly forbid all male-male sexual acts as an "abomination." Leviticus 20 explicitly lists homosexual acts alongside universally condemned behaviors (incest, adultery, bestiality), signaling their universal moral severity, beyond cultural or ritual concerns.
Affirming View:
- Levitical prohibitions appear amidst warnings against idolatrous Canaanite religious practices (Leviticus 18:3, 18:21). Historically, these involved exploitative practices like temple prostitution. These verses likely addressed specific ritual sex acts rather than committed, loving relationships.
Romans 1:26–27: "Exchanging Natural Relations"
Traditional View:
- Paul explicitly describes same-sex relations as "unnatural," "dishonorable," and "shameful." He emphasizes both male and female homosexual acts as emblematic of rebellion against God's created design, clearly condemning homosexual conduct as morally wrong.
Affirming View:
- Paul's language ("exchanged natural relations") describes people acting contrary to their own heterosexual orientation in idolatrous, lustful excesses. Romans 1 specifically depicts idolatrous pagan behavior, not committed, faithful partnerships between naturally same-sex oriented individuals—relationships Paul likely did not even envision.
1 Corinthians 6:9–10 & 1 Timothy 1:9–10: Greek Terms Malakoi & Arsenokoitai
Traditional View:
- Paul explicitly includes those who practice homosexual acts in vice lists. The Greek terms traditionally translated "effeminate" (malakoi) and "homosexuals" (arsenokoitai) are commonly understood as condemning both passive and active partners in male homosexual relations. Paul's condemnation is explicit and straightforward.
Affirming View:
- Linguistic scholarship reveals ambiguity. "Malakoi" often meant morally weak or indulgent men (possibly male prostitutes). "Arsenokoitai" (a rare term) possibly references exploitative practices such as pederasty, prostitution, or sexual coercion. Paul likely targeted exploitation, abuse, and prostitution, rather than committed same-sex relationships.
Traditional Conclusion (Steel-Man Summary):
- Every biblical text explicitly mentioning homosexual acts views them negatively. These passages collectively form a consistent biblical condemnation of same-sex behavior. Scripture defines heterosexual marriage as God’s design and explicitly labels homosexual acts as outside that moral framework. From a traditional stance, Scripture clearly forbids homosexual activity universally, independent of relationship context or commitment level.
Affirming Conclusion (Summary):
- Each biblical condemnation explicitly targets exploitative, violent, idolatrous, or coercive sexual behaviors prevalent in ancient contexts. Scripture does not address or clearly envision committed, consensual same-sex relationships as understood today. Therefore, affirming scholars argue these ancient prohibitions do not apply directly to modern loving, faithful LGBTQ+ partnerships.
Why This Matters for Parents and LGBTQ+ Individuals
- Clarifying Interpretations: By understanding the strongest arguments on both sides, parents and LGBTQ+ individuals can discuss Scripture honestly and accurately.
- Building Empathy and Understanding: Recognizing why sincere Christians hold differing interpretations fosters respect, reduces conflict, and encourages compassion and dialogue within families, even if disagreement persists.
The goal is not necessarily agreement, but clarity, compassion, and mutual respect. Understanding both interpretations deeply helps bridge difficult conversations and strengthen family relationships, even when theological differences remain.
