I’ve tried to retain the Biblical perspective while presenting it in a way that invites thoughtful reflection, without condemning others for holding different views.
Disclaimer:
The Bible is a historical document that reflects God's revealed truth for humanity across time and cultures. It requires no defence—its message is clear as it stands. This essay invites those interested in exploring the themes and moral standards set forth in the Bible, particularly regarding human sexuality, to engage in a thoughtful discussion on the topic.
Is the Biblical View on Homosexuality Acceptable in the Modern World?
In the Biblical tradition, both in the Old and New Testaments, a wide range of moral issues are addressed, including fornication, adultery, bestiality, prostitution, and homosexuality. These actions, according to Scripture, are considered sinful before the Lord, but they are not all equally severe in their moral implications. For example, the Bible speaks of a variety of immoral acts—including same-sex sexual relations, which the Scriptures clearly condemn—but it is important to note that they are not all measured by the same degree of gravity.
The Bible’s position on homosexuality is evident in its original languages—Greek, Hebrew, and Latin—as well as in numerous English translations. Yet, the interpretation of these passages can be varied and, at times, used to support alternative readings, even suggesting the acceptability of homosexuality. How, then, can we reconcile this with the traditional Christian view?
Is it possible that a proper understanding of the Bible’s stance requires more than simply taking verses out of context? Scholars and theologians who adhere to orthodox theology often emphasise the necessity of considering the original languages, the historical and cultural context, and the overarching moral themes of Scripture. When examined closely, it becomes clear that the Bible consistently presents homosexuality as incompatible with God's design for human relationships, particularly with regard to marriage and sexual activity.
But does the Bible address this issue only in isolated passages? In both the Old and New Testaments, homosexuality is clearly marked as sinful, particularly in the context of the laws given to Israel and the teachings in Romans. The Bible presents that the Biblical sin of homosexuality is portrayed as especially grievous, with its consequences directly tied to the downfall of Sodom and Gomorrah and the social disruptions in places like Corinth. In the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, for instance, the cities' destruction is often interpreted as a consequence of their embracing sinful practices, including same-sex sexual relations and even human sex with angels.
In light of this, is it then logical to make comparisons between homosexuality and other forms of sexual immorality, such as adultery and fornication? While the Bible makes it clear that all sexual sin is serious in God's eyes, there is often a tendency in modern discourse to single out one sin for greater condemnation. Is it not equally important to recognise that God also condemns infidelity in marriage, as it signifies relational dysfunction and a deviation from His intended design for human relationships?
Can we, as a faith community, claim that we must not only reject homosexuality but also recognise that the Christian life calls for a broader view of moral responsibility—one that seeks the well-being of all people, regardless of their sexual orientation? The church must hold to a biblical standard of morality, but does this mean we are also called to engage in prejudice or hatred toward individuals whose lives reflect a different understanding of sexuality?
If we affirm that the church has a responsibility to teach the Bible’s truth—whether through preaching, teaching, or societal engagement—does this mean the church has the right to force others to live according to its moral teachings? Can we draw the line between advocating for what we believe to be God's best and forcing others into compliance with our understanding of Scripture? Is it not clear from the historical examples of judgment in the Bible that cultures and societies who stray from God's moral framework face moral decay and destruction, much as we see in the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah?
And yet, does our adherence to a Biblical worldview excuse us from extending love and respect to those who identify with same-sex attraction or those who live in homosexual relationships? Is the command of Christ not to love our neighbours as ourselves, regardless of their sexual orientation or lifestyle? Can we, as Christians, assert that the mandate to love and to share the gospel is not about condemnation but rather about inviting others into the transformative message of Christ's grace?
If we understand that the Bible's teachings are rooted in God's wisdom for human flourishing, how do we balance holding to these teachings while maintaining an attitude of love and compassion toward all people, especially in a culture where views on sexuality and morality are continually evolving?
Perhaps the real question we face is this: can we, as Bible-believing Christians, hold to our convictions about homosexuality while simultaneously engaging a world that increasingly rejects traditional moral standards? Is it possible to stand firm on the truth of Scripture without sacrificing the Christian call to love and respect those whose lives may differ from our own?