The Biblical Circle of Homosexual Prohibition - The BAS Library
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The Biblical Circle of Homosexual Prohibition

Is Heterosexuality—the biological norm for reproduction—also the ethical norm for human sexual relations? My proposal does not provide answers, but gives a basis for discussion in terms of biblical theology.

By Bernhard W. Anderson

A front page article in a recent issue of The Christian Science Monitora predicts that homosexual rights will likely be the social issue of the 1990s. Since the controversy is often waged by citing biblical texts, I would like to propose a way to discuss the issue if one turns to the Bible for guidance. To avoid misunderstanding, I hasten to say that this proposal does not provide answers, but only a basis for discussion in terms of biblical theology. On the blackboard of your imagination draw two circles, a large one representing all creation and a smaller one […]

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Footnotes

1.

February 11, 1993

Endnotes

1.

The story in Genesis 19 (from which our word “sodomy” is derived) and the similar gruesome story in Judges 19 do not apply since they deal not with consensual homosexuality but with the violation, of the ancient law of hospitality and the gang rape, intended or actual, of two “men” in one case, and of a woman in the other.

2.

For further discussion of the priestly outlook, see my Understanding the Old Testament, 4th ed. (Prentice Hall, 1986) pp. 454–466, especially the diagram “the priestly periodization of history.” p. 464.

3.

See the essay by Simon B. Parker, “The Hebrew Bible and Homosexuality,” Quarterly Review 11/3 (1991) pp. 4–19, who stresses that, in a sociological sense, the laws in Leviticus 18 and 20—exemplify a priestly scheme for distinguishing insiders from outsiders, the people of God from other peoples.” I am indebted to Parker’s illuminating essay.