Same-sex intercourse is forbidden in both the Old Testament and New Testament. Are these teachings important spiritual principles for all times? Or are they, like the Bible teachings on slavery and subjugation of women, remnants of Biblical-era culture that we must now reject as incompatible with the more important Bible teachings about God's love and mercy for all people?

Our answers to these questions tend to be strongly influenced by our personal feelings about homosexuality. But, if we are sincere about using the Bible for guidance, we must not assume that the Bible passages on homosexuality support our own conservative or liberal viewpoints. Instead, we must put aside our own ideas, feelings and fears and prayerfully seek the truth.

Sexual Orientation is not a Sin
There is a tendency to confuse homosexual tendencies and feelings with acts of homosexual intercourse because the English word "homosexuality" is often used to describe both.
However, regardless of how we interpret the Bible's teachings about homosexual acts, it is important to note that the Bible does not condemn people for being sexually attracted to persons of the same sex. It is sexual intercourse between persons of the same sex that is prohibited by Bible teachings.

A boy or girl who discovers homosexual feelings should realize that, like other interests and feelings, it may be only a passing phase that will fade away in time. Meanwhile, he or she should avoid becoming obsessed with the feelings or indulging in any kind of sexual activity.

A homosexual Christian man or woman is presented with great challenges, and great strength is often achieved by learning to deal with great challenges. Perhaps God has some special role in mind for that person that is best accomplished outside the restrictions imposed by traditional marriage and family duties.

Miscellaneous Topics

Are Homosexual Relationships Mentioned in the Bible?
It is sometimes said that the friendship between David and Jonathan (1 Samuel 18:3-4, 2 Samuel 1:26) was an example of a homosexual relationship. The relationships between Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 1:14) and between Jesus and John ("the disciple Jesus loved" in John 13:23; 19:26; 21:7; 21:20) are also mentioned.
In modern Western culture we associate touching, kissing and the word "love" with a sexual relationship. But that was not at all the case in Biblical era culture. Most Bible scholars say these relationships were no more than close friendships. That is especially clear in the case of Jesus and John - the word translated as "loved" was the Greek word agape, which means kindness and respect rather than romantic or sexual love.

Should a Christian oppose Gay Marriage and Partnerships?
There is no mention of same-sex marriages or partnerships in the Bible, either for or against.
Some Christians are strongly opposed to legalizing what they view as sinful behavior and a perversion of God's plan for marriage and distinct gender roles (Genesis 2:24, 3:16-19, Leviticus 20:13, Mark 10:6-9). Other Christians view equal civil rights for gays and lesbians as a requirement of Bible teachings that we must act with kindness and respect for all people and avoid judging the moral choices others make (Matthew 22:37-40, Matthew 7:1-5, Romans 14:10-14, James 4:11-12 ).

Can Homosexual Men and Women be Ministers or other Clergy?
The only mentions of qualifications for clergy are in 1 Timothy 3:1-13, and homosexuality is not mentioned there. All of us, including clergy, are imperfect and sinners in our own ways (Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8). The question seems to be whether homosexuality should disqualify a person from ministry while other sins (e.g., evil thoughts, greed, deceit, envy, arrogance and folly, Mark 7:20-23) do not disqualify a person. There are obviously different opinions.
Will Homosexuals go to Heaven?
Who gets to heaven is entirely God's decision. The bible teaches that we should not condemn other people or presume to know who will or will not be saved (Romans 14:10-14, 1 Corinthians 4:3-5, James 4:11-12). We are all sinners in our own ways (Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8), and none of us can claim to be worthy of heaven on our own merit. We all must depend on God's love, mercy and forgiveness for our salvation (Mark 10:24-27, Ephesians 2:4-8, Titus 3:3-8).
Related articles: What Does the Bible Say About Salvation?, What Does the Bible Say About Forgiveness of Sins?

Does God Hate Homosexuals?
That is a slogan used by some hate groups, but it does not come from the Bible and it is not consistent with Bible teachings (Genesis 1:31, Psalms 145:9, Matthew 5:43-45, John 3:16, Romans 5:8).
How Should I Treat a Gay or Lesbian person? Should I Shun a Gay or Lesbian Person?


Cultural Attitudes
The negative attitudes that many people hold toward homosexuals originate primarily from deeply rooted cultural prejudices, fears and misconceptions rather than from the Bible. There is nothing in the Bible saying to shun a gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender person. Neither is there anything advocating or authorizing violence, hatred, job discrimination, legal discrimination or taunting. Neither is there any Biblical justification for shunning, disowning or evicting lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender family members (1 Timothy 5:8, Colossians 3:21).
Bible Teachings
Jesus and other New Testament leaders taught by word and example not to be self-righteous or shun or discriminate against those we consider to be "sinners" (Matthew 9:10-13, Luke 7:36-48, 18:9-14).
The Bible's moral teachings are intended to help us live according to God's will. They are not intended to be used to condemn other people. We are never to take upon ourselves the task of judgment that belongs to God alone (Matthew 22:37-40, Hebrews 10:30, Romans 14:10-13, 1 Corinthians 4:5). Jesus told us to eliminate the sins in our own lives rather than passing judgment or looking down on others. Jesus said that if we judge other people harshly, we will, in turn, be judged harshly:


"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. (NIV, Matthew 7:1-2)

James makes it clear that we must treat others with mercy, not with judgment (criticism or condemnation) or partiality (prejudice or discrimination):


You do well if you really fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." But if you show partiality, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. For the one who said, "You shall not commit adultery," also said, "You shall not murder." Now if you do not commit adultery but if you murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. For judgment will be without mercy to anyone who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment. (NRSV, James 2:8-13)

As Christians, we must remember that all of us are sinners in our own ways (Romans 3:21-24, 5:12, 1 John 1:8). Despite that, God loves all His children (Genesis 1:31, Psalms 145:9, Matthew 5:43-45, John 3:16, Romans 5:8). We cannot afford to let our feelings or fears about homosexuality blind us to Jesus' commandment to "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:36-39).

Within the Church
The Church community has a responsibility to correct matters of wrongdoing within the church and may excommunicate stubborn offenders. But this must always be done with love and with the goal of bringing the offender back into harmony with the church community (Matthew 18:15-17, 1 Corinthians 5:9-13, 2 Corinthians 2:5-9, Titus 3:9-11).
Sexual Crimes
Of course, law enforcement officials and the courts have a legitimate right and duty to take legal action against those sexual offenders, homosexual or heterosexual, who use coercion or violence or who prey on children or the disabled (Romans 13:1-7).
Is Homosexuality a Choice? Can Sexual Orientation be Changed?
The Bible does not say anything about the origins of sexual orientation or whether it can be changed.
Some people believe that homosexuality is a choice people make and they could just as well choose to be heterosexual. However, The American Psychological Association says this about the origins of sexual orientation:

There is no consensus among scientists about the exact reasons that an individual develops a heterosexual, bisexual, gay, or lesbian orientation. Although much research has examined the possible genetic, hormonal, developmental, social, and cultural influences on sexual orientation, no findings have emerged that permit scientists to conclude that sexual orientation is determined by any particular factor or factors. Many think that nature and nurture both play complex roles; most people experience little or no sense of choice about their sexual orientation.10

Some groups claim to be able to change sexual orientation using "reparative therapy" or "conversion therapy." However, studies claiming to show the effectiveness of these methods have been criticized as flawed and one widely quoted study has been retracted by its author.11

According to the American Psychological Association:

To date, there has been no scientifically adequate research to show that therapy aimed at changing sexual orientation (sometimes called reparative or conversion therapy) is safe or effective.10

The American Psychiatric Association states:

The validity, efficacy and ethics of clinical attempts to change an individual's sexual orientation have been challenged. To date, there are no scientifically rigorous outcome studies to determine either the actual efficacy or harm of "reparative" treatments.12

Regarding therapy for gay and lesbian teens, the American Academy of Pediatrics states:

Therapy directed specifically at changing sexual orientation is contraindicated, since it can provoke guilt and anxiety while having little or no potential for achieving changes in orientation.13

Church Doctrine
Here is a sampling of official church positions on homosexuality from several large denominations in the United States:
Roman Catholic:

Basing itself on Sacred Scripture, which presents homosexual acts as acts of grave depravity, tradition has always declared that "homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered. They are contrary to the natural law. They close the sexual act to the gift of life. They do not proceed from a genuine affective and sexual complementarity. Under no circumstances can they be approved.

The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God's will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition.

Homosexual persons are called to chastity. By the virtues of self-mastery that teach them inner freedom, at times by the support of disinterested friendship, by prayer and sacramental grace, they can and should gradually and resolutely approach Christian perfection.
From Catechism of the Catholic Church, (c) 1994, United States Catholic Conference, Inc., http://www.nccbuscc.org/catechism/text/index.htm

Southern Baptist:


We affirm God's plan for marriage and sexual intimacy - one man, and one woman, for life. Homosexuality is not a "valid alternative lifestyle." The Bible condemns it as sin. It is not, however, unforgivable sin. The same redemption available to all sinners is available to homosexuals. They, too, may become new creations in Christ.
From Position Statements, Copyright (c) 1999 - 2001, Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention, http://sbc.net/default.asp?url=position-statements.html

United Methodist:


Homosexual persons no less than heterosexual persons are individuals of sacred worth. All persons need the ministry and guidance of the church in their struggles for human fulfillment, as well as the spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship that enables reconciling relationships with God, with others, and with self. Although we do not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching, we affirm that God's grace is available to all. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn their lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons.

Certain basic human rights and civil liberties are due all persons. We are committed to supporting those rights and liberties for homosexual persons. We see a clear issue of simple justice in protecting their rightful claims where they have shared material resources, pensions, guardian relationships, mutual powers of attorney, and other such lawful claims typically attendant to contractual relationships that involve shared contributions, responsibilities, and liabilities, and equal protection before the law. Moreover, we support efforts to stop violence and other forms of coercion against gays and lesbians. We also commit ourselves to social witness against the coercion and marginalization of former homosexuals.
From The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church--2000, ¶161G, 162H. Copyright 2000 by The United Methodist Publishing House, http://www.umc.org/abouttheumc/policy/

Episcopal:


LGBT in the Church

In 1976, the General Convention of the Episcopal Church declared that “homosexual persons are children of God who have a full and equal claim with all other persons upon the love, acceptance, and pastoral concern and care of the Church" (1976-A069). Since then, faithful Episcopalians have been working toward a greater understanding and radical inclusion of all of God’s children.

Along the way, The Episcopal Church has garnered a lot of attention, but with the help of organizations such as Integrity USA, the church has continued its work toward full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Episcopalians. In 2003, the first openly gay bishop was consecrated; in 2009, General Convention resolved that God’s call is open to all; and in 2012, a provisional rite of blessing for same-gender relationships was authorized, and discrimination against transgender persons in the ordination process was officially prohibited.

To our lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender brothers and sisters: “The Episcopal Church welcomes you!”
From http://www.episcopalchurch.org/page/lgbt-church
1 The male prostitutes of pagan temples are mentioned in Deuteronomy 23:17-18, 1 Kings 14:23-24, 15:12-13, 22:46, 2 Kings 23:6-8, but it is not certain whether or not they engaged in homosexual acts.
2 J. Swanson, Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains : Hebrew (Old Testament) (electronic ed.), Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc. 1997.
3 P. J. Achtemeier, Harper & Row, & Society of Biblical Literature, Harper’s Bible Dictionary (1st ed.), (402), San Francisco: Harper & Row. 1988
4 H. Marshall, A. R. Millard, J. I. Packer & D. J. Wiseman, Ed., New Bible Dictionary (3rd ed.) (479), Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press. 1996.
5 J. Strong. Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon, Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software. 1995.
6 Donald Senior, ed., The Catholic Study Bible. New York, NY, Oxford University Press, footnote to 1 Corinthians 6:9. 1990.
7 Ronald F. Youngblood, F. F. Bruce, R. K. Harrison, Ed. Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Nashville, TN. Thomas Nelson, Inc. 1995.
8 Mark Achtemeier. The Bible’s Yes to Same-Sex Marriage, An Evangelical's Change of Heart, Louisville, Kentucky: Westminster John Knox Press. 2014. (Mark Achtemeier, Ph.D. has served the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) since 1984 as a pastor, writer, and theologian. He taught theology and ethics for 15 years on the faculty of Dubuque Theological Seminary.)
9 P. J. Achtemeier, et al. (402) and H. Marshall, et al. (479)
10 American Psychological Association. Sexual Orientation & Homosexuality. Washington, DC. http://www.apa.org/topics/lgbt/orientation.aspx . 2008.
11 Robert L. Spitzer. Spitzer Reassesses His 2003 Study of Reparative Therapy of Homosexuality. Archives of Sexual Behavior 41 (4): 757, doi:10.1007/s10508-012-9966-y. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10508-012-9966-y. 2012.
12 American Psychiatric Association. Position Statement on Therapies Focused on Attempts to Change Sexual Orientation (Reparative or Conversion Therapies). APA Official Actions. http://www.psychiatry.org/File%20Library/Learn/Archives/ps2000_ReparativeTherapy.pdf. 2000.
13 American Academy of Pediatrics. Homosexuality and Adolescence. Elk Grove Village, IL. Pediatrics 1993;92;631. http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/92/4/631.full.pdf. 1993
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