Does the Bible Speak about Gays or Same-Sex Orientation? A Test Case in Biblical Ethics: Part I

Abstract

This article examines the biblical texts commonly cited on the question of same-sex behavior in the light of three core values of traditional Mediterranean culture: honor, reproductivity, and holiness. Genesis 19, Leviticus 18–20, Romans 1:1, 1 Corinthians 6, and 1 Timothy 1 are each shown to reflect these core values. For this reason these texts frame the ethical issue in terms of males fulfilling their traditional culturally defined roles rather than in terms of the contemporary ethical challenge presented by males and females who are understood by themselves and others as constitutionally oriented towards same-sex behavior. Thus, the biblical texts in question fail to address either those known as gays and lesbians or the issues arising from same-sex orientation.

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