Homosexuality and the Bible

Considering that some scientific studies show that people may be genetically

predisposed to homosexuality, how can the church continue to condemn it?

First of all, let’s set the record straight for those who still might be of the opinion that the Bible does not speak out against homosexual behavior. Just a couple of passages to put that notion to rest:

Leviticus 18:22    "Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable."

Romans 1:27    "In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion."

1 Corinthians 6:9    "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders."

Now the question at hand: Okay, we know that the Bible has clear passages against homosexual behavior. Yet there seems to be scientific evidence that many people are inclined this way because of genetics. How do we square this with the Bible?

I won't try in this brief area to square all of science with the Bible. Whole libraries are filled with the efforts of others to do so. However, in the area of homosexuality, let's focus first on the clear Word of God. Homosexuality is condemned, often in very harsh language. Paul spends much time on the subject as he writes to the Corinthian Christians, probably because it was a great problem in Corinthian society.

The Bible nowhere says that there isn't an inborn desire that some people have for same-sex relationships. In fact, the Bible says that there is an inborn predisposition for all sin. For example, Psalm 58:3 says, “The wicked are estranged from the womb; These who speak lies go astray from birth.” Yet it is not only the overtly wicked who carry sinfulness from the womb. King David lamented about himself in Psalm 51:5, “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me.” Many people exhibit violent tendencies at a very early age. Just because they may be predisposed to violence doesn't excuse them if they beat, maim, or kill someone else. Others may show inclinations toward making themselves rich at the expense of others, even as young children. Yet they are held accountable if they embezzle, burgle, commit armed robbery, or such. Society judges these people to be criminals needing arrest and punishment while the Bible judges them to be sinners needing repentance and forgiveness.

You could draw parallels with many such vices, sins, or crimes. Yet none seem to inflame us as do sexual matters. Those opposed to any deviance from God's Law are frustrated by a society that seems increasingly tolerant. Those who say, “You can't legislate morality,” are frustrated by what they deem out of date laws. Even Christians find themselves divided. We need to be convinced by God's Word in matters of right and wrong. Christians have often lived in societies that allowed what the Bible condemned. The believers who were commended for their faithfulness were those who did not conform themselves to the world, but were transformed by the Word. The transformation is worked by God forgiving us and making us more like our Savior. The same forgiveness was won at Calvary for all who transgress God's commandments, and can transform all of us conceived and born sinners.

For further reading on the subject, I would encourage you to click here and scroll down to the topic of "homosexuality."