Does Romans 1:26-27 condemn homosexuals?

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Does Romans 1:26-27 condemn homosexuals?

by Ed
(Rochester, NY)

The temple of Sybil in ancient Rome

No, Romans 1:26-27 does not condemn gays, lesbians, homosexuals, bisexuals or transgendered people. Every Christian has a duty before God to interpret scripture honestly, in context, instead of divorcing verses from their context and then insisting they mean something they never meant to the original hearers.

Because all scripture is given in a cultural, doctrinal, historical, linguistic, literary and religious context, those factors must be part of our thinking as we seek to understand scripture.

Romans 1:26-27 was given in a very clear context. There is no cultural indication, no doctrinal indication, no historical indication, no linguistic indication, no literary indication, no religious indication, that Paul intended to blast lesbians and gays in Romans 1:26-27.

Instead, Paul chooses the worst possible transgression of pagan Gentiles so that the Jews in his reading audience will be saying, "Yes, Yes, they're guilty!" Then Paul will spring his rhetorical trap in 2:1 when he declares that Jewish idolatry is just as sinful as Gentile idolatry and therefore, everyone is guilty.

Paul's point never was
about lesbians and gays.

Early Christians like Aristides and Justin Martyr understood Paul to be condemning shrine prostitution. Our rule of interpretation is:

Scripture cannot mean NOW
what it did not mean THEN.

If Paul wasn't dealing with committed, faithful, non-cultic same sex partnerships in AD 58 when he wrote Romans, then its wrong to insist that those verses are dealing with committed same sex partnerships now.

Christians need to do more reading and study before concluding that the first notion that pops into our head when we read Romans 1 is infallibly correct.

Sometimes, the first thing we think when we read a verse of scripture is wrong. That is why we are encouraged to "Study to shew yourselves approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." -2 Timothy 2:15

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We've answered the question: Does Romans 1:26-27 condemn homosexuals? Click here to return to Gay Christian 101 Home Page.

Ed's original question:

"In the book of Romans it is clear that Paul characterizes having same sex relations as a willful and sinful act, so how can we justify it? Just because two people love each other does not make it alright, does it? It is not within God's design for human sexuality."

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Does Romans 1:26-27 condemn homosexuals?

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Feb 20, 2011

It's Not A Choice
by: NJel

One cannot choose or be turned into a homosexual anymoreso than one can be turned into or choose to be a heterosexual. Any heterosexual who has never exhibited feelings of arousal or affection for another person of the same sex has ZERO grounds to proclaim that homosexuals CHOOSE to live this way.

Would someone choose:

1.) To be ridiculed everyday by religious bigots.

2.) To be harassed even beaten for being gay.

3.) To be under the constant threat of physical abuse because they are gay.

4.) To be told that a loving God ultimately HATES you for being gay.

Would you choose these things? No, you wouldn't, so why would we? Homosexuality is NOT a choice.

Apr 20, 2011

Being led astray?
by: Anonymous

I have struggled with having a right understanding of homosexuality within the context of Christianity. I have come to this, God is the determiner of your salvation, not me. He warns against the acts of homosexual behavior, not the innate desires you have. He never says that having the desire is wrong, it is the acts that proceed that he condemns.

Just as there are every conceivable malady and mutation of our genetic makeup, so it is possible that because of the fall the desire for same sex relationships exists. Just as my desire as a heterosexual is to have sexual relations with as many women as possible, I am to discipline my nature and not do this.

As a Christian with a strong faith, I don't condemn you for your desires; these are no different than mine. I don't condemn you for your behavior. That being said, having read much of your FAQ, taking a view that homosexual acts are no different than heterosexual acts is a gross distortion of the Bible. You can manipulate your understanding so your readers feel good about themselves but the judgement will be upon you in the end. As Proverbs says, there is a way that seems right unto a man but, therein lies death.

It is better to error on the side of righteousness than feel-goodness. If it were me in your position I would, "take up my cross daily and deny myself" so that I would live a life as holy as possible all-the-while relying on the gift of salvation to get me to heaven.

Apr 20, 2011

As usual, you ignore what the Bible SAYS
by: Rick Brentlinger

Thanks for demonstrating the emptiness of your belief by refusing to engage any of the scriptural arguments on this page and on this website.

Why do anti-gay christians who comment always ignore what the Bible says in context? Are you so blissfully unconcerned with God's truth that you will lie about, twist and pervert the scriptures to support your anti-gay opinions?

Your passive-aggressive slip is showing.

You say, I do not condemn you for your desires and I do not condemn you for your behavior. Then you do condemn us citing gross distortion, manipulation and being on the way of death.

Obviously the Bible in context does not support your anti-gay opinion and you know it.

Apr 21, 2011

We can't justify what "we" want to
by: Anonymous

A gay friend of mine once told me that being gay is all he has ever known since he was very young. So I asked him when he first started to do homosexual acts, was there any voice or conscience inside telling him it was not right?

He paused for a moment in brief thought and said, Wow, Yes!

He never focused on that fact before, just what he wanted to do. So after that I said, So my friend, you see, being gay is not the only thing you have ever known.

Apr 21, 2011

Why do you refuse to deal with what the Bible says in context?
by: Rick Brentlinger

Interesting anecdote but why do you refuse to deal with what the Bible says in context? The question was, Does Romans 1:26-27 condemn homosexuals?

Instead of answering that in context, you share an anecdote which does not answer the question. Bible believing Christians do not base their life on anecdotes. The written word of God in context informs our thinking.

What is it about you anti-gay christians which renders you incapable of dealing honestly and in context with the Bible you profess to believe?

Apr 21, 2011

Aren't you being mean toward people who disagree?
by: Anonymous

I think you are being mean toward Christians who disagree with you. After all, they have a right to their opinion. Can you just live and let live?

Apr 21, 2011

Real Christians allow what the Bible says in context to inform their views
by: Rick Brentlinger

Okay, you have raised an interesting question. I do not intend to be mean toward anyone. I do intend to confront opinions which masquerade as Biblical truth.

When anti-gay christians post Comments on this website which do not engage the issues but which instead, promote only their opinion, they need to be confronted.

The truth of God is not a matter of opinion. Real Christians allow their views to be informed by what the Bible says in context. It is not asking too much from anti-gay christians to have a solid in-context basis for their views.

And frankly, it is difficult to respect the views of people who post anti-gay Comments as if they are gospel truth when they do not have the courage to put their name with their anti-gay views.

May 12, 2011

Teachings....
by: Anonymous

Firstly there is no such thing as a Gay Christian: You ask why? Well, if you believe in Christianity ( implies living Christlike) you will find that he promoted love not hate, forgiveness not revenge, etc and did not promote same sex affections or fulfilling desires that were UNnatural. In Romans 1 which you have so often quoted, Letter of Paul to the Romans (he wrote several other letters/teachings, the Bible is a collection of Books, letters Teachings of various people) to instruct reproof and repent and give instructions on living Christlike (charged to do by the Holy Spirit), he did this by starting the context that ungodliness and unrighteousness of men is WRONG (obviously there was plenty of that in Rome at the time) and that some of the people changed the word of God into a lie and 'worshiped' created things rather than Creator, so God gave them up to their uncleaniness (in the sense that God allowed them to have their way because of a coming judgement when all deeds will be judged Rom 2:6) and to the lust of their hearts and UNNATURAL affections. Now, if it is un natural and UNrighteous, why would anyone assume it is right? (Answer Romans 1:22, 28 justifying actions based on 'feelings' rather than God's truth). Just the same way as there is no such thing as a Murdering Christian, etc. FACT, if you are a Christian you are Christian and although you may sin, call a spade a spade and realize that even though unnatural feelings is not in anyway directly (in today?s English) condemned explicitly in the bible it is NOT directly approved of too. An analogy, that if I grow up with incestuous desires, I should say 'That?s the way I am?? Or should I say that if I have UNnatural feelings for animals I could claim that I am an Animal Loving Christian? NO, sorry, Even though Paul was getting to a point in Rom 1(point in Romans 2) the fact is that he didnt approve of it in Rom 1 but instead in Rom 2:8,9,10, he told them what to expect. Secondly, direct passages that it is unnatural and wrong ; Leviticus 18:22 ? 22- Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. Also Look at Gen 19: 1-13 (the men of Sodom wanted to ?know? (check the Hebrew meaning) the two angels who appeared in human form. Because of that God destroyed SodomandGom. I do not judge anyone and try to love everyone including Christians (practicing ones and otherwise), Muslims, gays, etc (as Christ directed), but the acts themselves I don?t approve of and will never love. I know Christians who lie, steal, fornicate, etc and although I love them, I disprove of the act or propagation of its nature as Truth! What is truth, ask yourself, that God made you in his image to have a clearly UNnatural feeling for another man by which you practice sexual acts through anal passage rather than with a woman whom your should love and practice an intimate sexual act with to culminate in bringing to life young ones? No! Please pray hard. May God save us all! Amen

May 12, 2011

Blissful ignorance
by: Rick Brentlinger

What a blissfully ignorant, "I don't care about no stinkin' context" attitude you have.

Please do not attempt to walk AND chew gum at the same time. Wouldn't be prudent.

May 19, 2011

Respond to The Teaching Please...
by: Anonymous

Hello,
Please be aware that if I took out time to respond to all your comment and all you can respond is 'blissful ignorance - i have a no stinking care about the context' is all you can reply to, then surely, this website as well as blog doesn't deserve my time.

Like Paul said, exhort one another, consider your teachings like the people of Berea, and understand the truth. So, what context am i missing here? Or what am i being ignorant of in the Bible? (i assume we are reading the same bible). Why don't you read the passages i have clearly referenced and make an educated response with facts, bible passages and 'im'-possibly reference to where Christ, his teachings and other apostles made it OK to 'kill, fornicate, lie, cheat, or even have Same Sex marriages/Affections'.

if you can, then please pray for me to see this 'light' and i will read carefully and respond, BUT if not, As Christ directed and Paul said being filled with the holy spirit, 'I will pray for you'... that you may see the Truth and Light.

May 19, 2011

I am happy to answer your comments
by: Rick Brentlinger

This entire website is a response to your Comments. If you read the NavBar under, What The Bible Says, you will discover that I have answered the topics you mentioned, including Genesis 19, Leviticus 18:22, Romans 1:26-27, Beastiality and a lot more.

I called you Blissfully Ignorant because you ignored the truth as it is in Jesus and blasted us without investigation or study.

I do hope you will continue to read, study and believe the Bible, always taking it in context and always understanding that your opinion is not as important as what the Bible says in context.

May 20, 2011

Sometimes I feel like Jeremiah the prophet
by: Rick Brentlinger

Jeremiah the weeping prophet was hated for speaking the truth. The word which was so sweet to him was bitter to his hearers, yet he was accepted of his Lord.

Jeremiah spoke boldly and truthfully, performing winnowing work (separating wheat from chaff) upon the religious folk of his day, and the Lord gave him this word: Thou shalt be as my mouth, Jeremiah 15:19.

What an honor for God to speak by us! What a marvel! We speak pure truth from the Holy scriptures and we speak it with power. Therefore many Christians who profess to love God get angry because in their heart of hearts, they do not love God's truth.

Our words will not return void. They will be a blessing to all who receive them and those who refuse the truth of scripture do so at their peril. Our lips shall feed all who hear the words of God joyfully.

Adapted from a quote by Charles Haddon Spurgeon, the great Baptist preacher of Metropolitan Tabernacle fame.

Jun 17, 2011

It's not a choice
by: Jason

I have no problem with this concept. I have no problem that some people are born with a natural inclination towards homosexuality.

I think this is true for everyone. EVERYONE has some natural inclination towards some sin or other. Some have by nature addictive personalities, others have personalities given to anger, lust, arrogance, etc.

It's called a sinful nature. We all have it. What we are called to do is repent and turn from those sins. Even after we put our faith and trust in Christ, most will continue to struggle with those sins.

I'm a Christian of 15 years and yet I still struggle with a short temper and lust. I don't say, "I was born that way and therefore it's not a sin." Instead, every time I have a thought of anger or lust (or act out in anger or lust) I call it what it is, sin, confess it, ask God for his merciful forgiveness through his Son and then work to not do it again.

Homosexuality is no different. Just because one is born with that inclination, doesn't make it not a sin anymore than I can say that anger issues are not a sin for me since I was born that way.

Our faith is most highly tested where we have to fight (through God's strength) the hardest. For the homosexual Christian, this is where he has to fight the hardest. And even after 15 years, if he still struggles in thought (and occasionally in deed), God is still as quick to forgive as he is to forgive me when I have a burst of anger or a lustful thought.

Jun 17, 2011

Why are you ignoring context?
by: Rick Brentlinger

Hi Jason- Life is easier when we go by what scripture says, in context. I wish you would engage what I wrote instead of making up arguments no one here makes.

No one on this website makes the argument that if we are born with homosexual inclinations, that makes it okay.

2 Timothy 2:15 tells us to rightly divide the word of truth and that means, understand and interpret verses in context. God bless as you continue to study and obey 2 Tim 2:15.

Jun 30, 2011

coming from a transgender guy :D
by: Richard

I found this site very interesting, I've just recently started to believe in God. I have alot of gay friends, who are believers of Christ. And I am transgender, FTM.

Since I am a recent believer, I have not researched yet all there is, there is just so much to understand. Rick I have been reading about the points you make about the scripture, reading your points I do plan on reading trying to understand the context of some of the scriptures that everyone keeps saying condemns homosexuality.

I thought I would just throw out my view, I have been reading both sides, people that don't disagree with Rick, and ones that do.
Just thought I would say. both sides can't be right, and I do believe when people read the bible everyone can interpret the bible differently, especially like rick points out, ones that are reading the English version, and not understanding the historical text, of the Hebrews and Greek and trying to make a clear understanding of what the bible was attended to mean, WAY BACK when.

The bible talks of slaves, having sex with more than one woman, people being stoned to death, brutal beatings..it blows my mind people focus so much on the few verses that think has to do with homosexuality, it automatically put it as a sin about the others.

IF it is a sin, it is not about the others..we all sin, my sin, is no greater from yours just as your sin is no greater then mine. we are not greater than, we are less than. God is Great, and is Perfect. and scriptures such as these.

DEUTERONOMY 22:13-21
If it is discovered that a bride is not a virgin, the Bible demands that she be executed by stoning immediately.
* DEUTERONOMY 22:22
If a married person has sex with someone else's husband or wife, the Bible commands that both adulterers be stoned to death.
* MARK 10:1-12
Divorce is strictly forbidden in both Testaments, as is remarriage of anyone who has been divorced.
* LEVITICUS 18:19
The Bible forbids a married couple from having sexual intercourse during a woman's period. If they disobey, both shall be executed.
* MARK 12:18-27
If a man dies childless, his widow is ordered by biblical law to have intercourse with each of his brothers in turn until she bears her deceased husband a male heir.
* DEUTERONOMY 25:11-12
If a man gets into a fight with another man and his wife seeks to rescue her husband by grabbing the enemy's genitals, her hand shall be cut off and no pity shall be shown her.

do we obey by these today? This is the year 2011, I honestly believe that if God came down today from the heavens above, He would give us better understanding of these verses like these and the the ones that everyone thinks condemns Gays.

Jun 30, 2011

pt 2
by: Anonymous

WE DON'T KNOW EVERYTHING,
BUT GOD DOES KNOW EVERYTHING,
BECAUSE GOD IS ALL KNOWING.

if you read all the comments on this site, the people that agree that the bible condemns gays, they might agree on it but when you read farther all of them make different points and different explanations.

it's like when someone sees someone shoot someone all those witness's say they all saw the same thing, someone got shot and they all tell a different story on how it happened or what the guy is wearing. you get the point.

For those of you that DO believe the scriptures mean homosexuality is a sin, and gays are going to hell and all of this. Gays do sin, just as every straight person does, and those gays that believe in God, and repent I highly doubt God is going to send them to hell, he a all loving God.

can you picture a devoted christian gay man, who truly believes and loves his creator and is a sinner, just like every straight person. you really think God is going to look past the love this person has for him and just go yep, your gay, to hell you go.

because IF Gay is a sin, it's not going to be greater than the person that don't believe or the person that commits murder

and if the bible speaks nothing of homosexuality and it's not a sin and how rick interprets the scripture bc he gets his information i'm sure, from christian scholars. Just like you have christian scholars that believe it is a sin.

but not both can be right, and people that interpret the scripture, your going to get people that say it means this and your going to get people that say it means that.

but we dont know everything
God does. so let him be the judge of this.
and everyone that places there comments your entitled to your opinion on what you believe the scripture means but keep in mind this is 2011, do we go by everything the scripture says?

No we don't so IF homosexuality is a sin, then it's a sin but do you think if God came down today, he would see it that way? The bible was written back in the day, and since it was written so long ago, the many that wrote it, they prolly had no idea it would be in today's society. I'm saying that because I do believe that. I also believe I heard that in a sermon too but don't quote me on that.

God is all knowing, I know he knows his word would be here today..and since he sees everything, he knows how people are going to interpret his word.

we're not perfect, all we can ask is that God hopes us understand his word, and pray he makes us see it clearly but no matter what there are always going to be people twisting the word and believing what they think it means. we try our best to understand his word, that's all we can do.

Aug 30, 2011

Get it RIGHT or be left behind
by: Gods child

I can tell you this, there is no way my HOLY, CLEAN and sinless God is going to let a single homosexual into the kingdom no more than he's going to let a liar, thief or murderer in. God did not design homosexuality. Why can't homosexuality create life? Why is it that the vast majority of homosexuals were abused as children? It's a curse and it must be broken in Jesus name!!!

Aug 30, 2011

Pride goeth before destruction
by: Rick Brentlinger

@ Gods proud child - Our holy God blessed Abraham and Sarah's marriage even though they were brother and sister AND polygamists. Are you outraged about that?

Our holy God blessed Jacob's polygamous marriage to four women and formed the nation of Israel from the children of that polygamous marriage. Are you outraged about that?

Why are you anti-gay folks so obsessed with sex when our holy God isn't?

Since you've never studied 1 Cor 6:9, I hope you will take time to do that. Believing Bible study will change your bad attitude toward your gay brothers and lesbian sisters.

Jan 09, 2012

The truth
by: God's Own

One thing I've noticed is that gay people tend to use the Old Testament to bring their point across although we don't live under that covenant anymore,but we live under a New Covenant.Did you forget that woman who was caught in the very act of adultery,and she was brought to Jesus to be stoned and what did Jesus do?He saved her from being stoned and let her go and told her not to sin again.Under the old covenant she would have been stoned but under the New Covenant she was given mercy.That's why we don't stone people to death in this age when they sin.But instead we try to be merciful towards them.

In the beginning God created one man and one woman.And what does the Scripture say about marriage?That a MAN shall leave his MOTHER and FATHER and cleave to HIS WIFE.I used to be bisexual myself and I remember feeling bad about it although I wasn't aware back then that it was a sin.It was accepted where I live and yet,I still felt wrong about it.Sin makes us feel ashamed and guilty.Thats how I know it was wrong.

By the way,God's word stays the same.You're supposed to be molded by the word,not by the world.The fact that it's now 2012 doesn't change the word,therefore it shouldn't influence you.

We'll pray for you.God bless.

Jan 09, 2012

Major fail! Ignorance is NOT a fruit of the Spirit
by: Rick Brentlinger

@ God's Own - I understand why you ignore truth. God's truth in scripture does not fit your preconceived opinions so you must ignore it or change your opinions.

My prayer for you is that in 2012 you will change your mind, accept God's truth in scripture and stop promoting anti-gay lies to your gay brothers and lesbian sisters.

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Does Romans 1:26-27 condemn homosexuals?

Paul's point never was about lesbians and gays.

Scripture cannot mean NOWwhat it did not mean THEN.

Helpful Links

Comments for Does Romans 1:26-27 condemn homosexuals?

Paul's point never was
about lesbians and gays.

Scripture cannot mean NOW
what it did not mean THEN.

Comments for
Does Romans 1:26-27 condemn homosexuals?