Does the Bible Really Condemn Homosexuality?

Over and over, we're told that homosexual sex is immoral according to Christianity, that the Bible condemns homosexual behavior, that gays are performing abomination. Yet the scriptures that are put forth to "prove" this fact are vague to say the least. There are two primary places in the Bible where you'll find scriptures that seem to specify homosexuality: the Mosaic Law portion in the first five books of the Christian Bible, and in many of Paul's writings in the New Testament.

Homosexuality and Mosaic Law

The single scripture most clearly condemning homosexual behavior is Leviticus 20:13: "If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads."

That sounds pretty straightforward: gay sex=execution. But is that really what Christianity believes?

Well, yes, because the Old Testament is part of the Christian Bible. This scripture, the evilness of the men of Sodom and Gomorrah, and several other scriptures in this older part of the Bible all revile homosexuality. I want to find otherwise, but it's pretty clear. Is that all there is to it?

No. Christianity states that the New Testament supersedes the Old Testament. The eye for an eye" rule was superseded by "do unto others." And Christ specifically stated that He marked a turning point in the worship of God, and that the old ways were swept away when He entered the world.

So what about the New Testament?

Paul on Homosexuality

Jesus never directly addresses the issue of homosexuality. Never. Not once. He addresses many other things, like idolatry and greed and priorities and loving one another, but he doesn't speak a word about the gay lifestyle. Paul, on the other hand, does:

1 Corinthians 6:9-10: "Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor practicing homosexuals nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God."