Union Chapel Fallowfield (Baptist) Manchester UK

Discussion on What Bible says about Homosexuality

Welcome to this page to discuss homosexuality in the Bible. The Bible is quoted as condemning homosexuality, both the orientation and (especially) the acts. This of course is especially in the news at the moment with the current anti-discrimination legislation under discussion. The views on this page do not represent the policy of Union Chapel Fallowfield (Baptist), but probably do represent the views of the majority. I would like to emphasise that I am no scholar on this, and welcome constructive contributions.

We tend to forget that the Bible has been translated from another language, another time and another culture. It should have been written in English, but the New Testament was written in colloquial Greek. Language is tricky, especially when you think it's obvious. Ask an American for a torch to look for a gas leak.

It does actually matter what words are used, and you have to admit that we don't understand everything. A couple of links will soon tell you that the words Paul uses are not what you might expect, and you cannot simply look a word up in a dictionary to find its meaning.

http://www.bridges-across.org/ba/faith/jt_add3.htm

http://www.exgaywatch.com/blog/archives/2006/09/yo_that_definit.html

http://www.queerme.com/appendix_a.htm

In particular, note the value of women in Greek culture.

Another discussion of interest might be around the relationship of Jonathan and David (1 Sam 18).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_and_Jonathan