- Jan 12, 2005
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You say that "homosexuality is a sin". What is the basis of that statement. The bible? What version of the bible? Translated by whom and with what agenda?
Even if you are a true believer, isn't it obvious that the interpretation of what the bible says can be only as good as the translation of the bible you're reading? And if the "modern" bibles are not accurate translations of the original texts, aren't beliefs based on the modern bibles suspect?
Regardless of what one specifically believes, it's important to understand where our beliefs come from. I happened upon the following site, and I think it has VERY interesting information, especially for those who seek to understand what the bible REALLY teaches about homosexuality:
THE BIBLE AND HOMOSEXUALITY
The basic point of the site is that one's view of what the bible says about homosexuality is highly dependent on where one starts (modern English translations or the original, ancient texts). And if one studies the original Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek biblical writings, one finds that "these same passages condemn specific homosexual activities (rape, prostitution, etc.) But the Bible appears to be silent about same-sex, committed, monogamous relationships."
Some excerpts:
and
In other words, your conclusion will be highly dependent on what you use as your starting point. However, I would think ANYONE who seeks to determine "God's will" would be inclined to agree that the original texts are the best source for determining God's will.
Finally, just to demonstrate where a little mis-translation can lead, there is this analysis of the famous verses Leviticus 18:22 and 20:12:
I encourage anyone who claims to have a true interest in understanding what the bible "really says" to read the entire article (it comes to about 7 pages of text). It is enlightening (at least, it was enlightening to me). And if you claim, "homosexuality is an abomination", what are you using as the source of that opinion?
Even if you are a true believer, isn't it obvious that the interpretation of what the bible says can be only as good as the translation of the bible you're reading? And if the "modern" bibles are not accurate translations of the original texts, aren't beliefs based on the modern bibles suspect?
Regardless of what one specifically believes, it's important to understand where our beliefs come from. I happened upon the following site, and I think it has VERY interesting information, especially for those who seek to understand what the bible REALLY teaches about homosexuality:
THE BIBLE AND HOMOSEXUALITY
The basic point of the site is that one's view of what the bible says about homosexuality is highly dependent on where one starts (modern English translations or the original, ancient texts). And if one studies the original Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek biblical writings, one finds that "these same passages condemn specific homosexual activities (rape, prostitution, etc.) But the Bible appears to be silent about same-sex, committed, monogamous relationships."
Some excerpts:
English translations of the Bible clearly condemn various homosexual acts. Five Hebrew and Greek original texts definitely condemn homosexual prostitution in Pagan temples, and heterosexuals who engage in homosexual acts.
Interpretations of additional texts differ among Christians:
Religious liberals have often interpreted other passages as condemning men who sexually abuse boys, men who engage in homosexual ritual sex in Pagan temples. They view the Bible as being silent on sexual behavior within a consensual, monogamous committed homosexual relationship.
Religious conservatives often interpret all of the Biblical passages that touch on same-sex activity as condemning homosexuality in all its forms.
and
Before considering what the Bible might say about homosexuality in today's society, one must figure out what the authors of the Bible meant when they wrote their passages about homosexuality. In order to do this, one must make a fundamental decision -- whether to:
1. Accept the teachings of one's faith group. If you do so, and if you follow a conservative denomination then you will probably be taught that homosexual behavior is chosen, changeable and condemned by God. It is something that a person does. If you follow a liberal faith group, you may well accept homosexuality as an alternate, normal, unchangeable sexual orientation for a minority of humans. It is something that a person is.
2. Study passages from your favorite English version of the Bible, which is filtered by the theological beliefs and homophobia (if any) of the translators. If so, then you will find many passages in the Bible which condemn certain forms of homosexual behavior.
3. Follow the ancient Hebrew, Aramaic or Greek writings and attempt to understand precisely what the writers taught. If so, then you will find that these same passages condemn specific homosexual activities (rape, prostitution, etc.) But the Bible appears to be silent about same-sex, committed, monogamous relationships.
In other words, your conclusion will be highly dependent on what you use as your starting point. However, I would think ANYONE who seeks to determine "God's will" would be inclined to agree that the original texts are the best source for determining God's will.
Finally, just to demonstrate where a little mis-translation can lead, there is this analysis of the famous verses Leviticus 18:22 and 20:12:
Take Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13, for example. A word-by-word analysis of these two verses by the National Gay Pentecostal Alliance (NGPA), showed that the passages do not prohibit all same-sex behavior; they do not even prohibit all male same-sex activities. They merely control where male-male intercourse is allowed. It cannot be performed in a woman's bed, because that location is sacrosanct. Only the woman, and under certain circumstances a man, may occupy it. Otherwise, a serious defilement would result. 6
The New International Version (NIV) currently translates Leviticus 18:22 as:
"Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable."
The New Living Translation (NLT) widens the translation to also include lesbians:
"Do not practice homosexuality; it is a detestable sin.
Imagine what would happen if the translators decided to be accurate to the original Hebrew and render this verse as:
"Two men must not engage in sexual activity on a woman's bed; it is ritually unclean."
I encourage anyone who claims to have a true interest in understanding what the bible "really says" to read the entire article (it comes to about 7 pages of text). It is enlightening (at least, it was enlightening to me). And if you claim, "homosexuality is an abomination", what are you using as the source of that opinion?