Jesus condemned homosexuality
But for many LGBTQ Christians, the Bible can undergo like the enemy. In the Book of Leviticus homosexuality is called an “abomination” (; ). And although Jesus never explicitly condemns homosexuality, thought he could have (he is hard on divorce, for example), St. Paul does (1 Cor ). The few biblical verses that address homosexuality are used against LGBTQ people over and over: in the political sphere; by religious leaders; on social media; in one-on-one encounters; and, perhaps worst of all, in homilies and sermons in the very churches where LGBTQ people search to encounter a loving God.
By the same token, the Bible proscribes many laws, moral codes and ethical guidelines that modern-day Christians ignore, don’t go after or have rejected completely. For example, even though they honor the Elderly Testament, Christians don’t stone people who work on the Sabbath (Ex. ). We don’t sell people into slavery (Ex. ). And if someone curses God, we don’t carry out them (Lev. ). In the New Testament, St. Paul told slaves to be obedient to their masters (Eph. ). He also said that women should be silent
Pope Francis was recently asked about his views on homosexuality. He reportedly replied:
This (laws around the world criminalising LGBTI people) is not right. Persons with homosexual tendencies are children of God. God loves them. God accompanies them … condemning a person like this is a sin. Criminalising people with homosexual tendencies is an injustice.
This isn’t the first hour Pope Francis has shown himself to be a gradual leader when it comes to, among other things, lgbtq+ Catholics.
It’s a stance that has drawn the ire of some high-ranking bishops and common Catholics, both on the African continent and elsewhere in the world.
Decipher more: Pope Francis' visit to Africa comes at a defining moment for the Catholic church
Some of these Catholics may argue that Pope Francis’s approach to LGBTI matters is a misinterpretation of Scripture (or the Bible). But is it?
Scripture is particularly significant for Christians. When church leaders mention to “the Bible” or “the Scriptures”, they usually intend “the Bible as we understand it through our theological doctrines”. Th
Why Jesus Doesn&#;t Need to Communicate About Homosexuality
Question:
Is there anywhere in the Bible where Jesus condemns homosexuality?
Answer:
Remember first that Jesus and the Church distinguish between homosexuality—a psychological disorder for which a person does not bear guilt—and acting on that inclination, with the related acts always involving grave matter and, if done with full knowledge and occupied consent, constitute “acts of solemn depravity” (the Catechism ; witness , ).
Some argue that Jesus never condemned homosexual misbehavior, at least in what’s recorded in the Gospels. Yet Jesus refers to his celestial Father’s moral judgment against Sodom and Gomorrah on two occasions (Matt. , ), a judgment that stemmed from the inhabitants’ seeking to have sex with two angels whom they thought were men (Gen. ). The term describing lgbtq+ misbehavior—“sodomy”—is derived from this historical event recorded in the Bible.
Proponents of “same-sex marriage” also overlook some very fundamental points about Jesus and his ministry. Retain that Jesus is Jewish and therefore tells us th
God loves LGBTQ people
Nothing can separate us from the love of God. (Rom ) This message is for all people, including LGBTQ individuals.
God did not make a mistake in creating LGBTQ people.“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I perceive that full well.” (Psalm ) Sexual identity and gender identity are components of a person’s individuality, and as such are part of who God made each of us to be.
Every person is precious to God. “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” (Isaiah )
The over-arching themes of the Christian Bible are that God loves everyone and has reconciled everyone through Jesus Christ; this includes LGBTQ individuals. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but own eternal life.” (John ) “The world” means everyone, including LGBTQ people.