Of all the passages
of Scripture in the Bible used to condemn homosexuality, the most frequently
used is this one here in Romans. Some of the words used here have been
distorted, but for the most part, the translations we have today appear to be
faithful to the Greek and accurate renderings of the text. The passage is
clearly speaking of homosexual acts. This may at first appear to be an
admission that homosexuality is not acceptable to God, but the context of the
passage makes no such blanket condemnation. Street walkers are commonly
seen in cities across America and Europe, soliciting their bodies for money.
There is no blanket condemnation of heterosexuality as the result of the
misbehavior of these sex workers. In the same way, homosexuality in
general cannot be condemned on the basis of its abuse by some.
Examining the context
of this passage reveals that Paul is exposing the practice of the pagan rites of
fertility, common in Rome and throughout the known world of the time.
Paul’s concern (rather than a warning against homosexuals) was for the
Christian’s involvement in these fertility rites. In Corinth, where
evidently a man was sleeping with his father’s wife and all knew of it (1
Corinthians 5:1), but did nothing about it, Paul took authority, exposing him
and requiring his expulsion. He must have had a similar concern that the
Roman Gentile believers, who had formerly been actively involved in the temple
cult fertility rites, might continue to do so. Rather than a blanket
condemnation of homosexuality, this passage is a slam against the hypocritical
Christians who were themselves continuing to participate in the temple cult
orgies. The participants were not predominantly homosexuals, but
heterosexuals participating in homosexual acts.
Paul describes the
individuals who commonly participate in temple cult worship. They have
some very distinct characteristics. First, they have rejected the
knowledge of God (verse 20). Second, they do not glorify God or
acknowledge his provision for them and their hearts and minds have become “darkened”
(verse 21). Third, they have exchanged the glory of God for idolatry
(verses 22-23). Fourth, they degrade one another through promiscuous
sexual acts (verse 24). Fifth, they have believed lies, serving created
things and not the Creator (verse 25). Sixth, they have exchanged their
own “natural” sexuality for the “unnatural” (verses 26-27).
Seventh, they have depraved minds that promote unbridled lawlessness (verses
28-32). These are very specific characteristics and while there may be
many who fit these descriptions today; these definitely do not describe the
modern mainstream homosexual community and for sure do not even come close in
describing those gay men and women who are believers, serving the Lord.
The problem here is that many church-goers cannot see the difference between
what Paul is describing here in Romans chapter 1 and committed loving
relationships. There is a big difference.
In verse 26 and
27, translated to our English word “natural” is the Greek word
phusikos (#5446) which means intrinsic; that which is born or
inherent. It does not describe something that is necessarily universally
true, but intrinsic for the individual. What is intrinsic for one person
is not necessarily intrinsic for the next person. For example, one person
may be intrinsically tall (as height runs in his/her family) while another
person may be intrinsically short. Both are intrinsically influenced, but
not in the same way. Both are “natural” in their appearance but
with opposite results. Those in this passage, involved in the fertility
rites, were giving themselves over to do those things that were not natural
(intrinsic) to themselves. Even the English word “nature” means that which
is inborn or inherent to the individual. The assumption here which causes
so much confusion is the belief that Paul was saying that “natural” refers to
the heterosexual persuasion; that all humans are naturally heterosexual from
birth. This assumption, based on the evidence of experience does not hold true.
A study on the
incidence of homosexual orientations occurring in identical twins was done years
ago at Johns-Hopkins University. In all the cases studied where one of the
twins was homosexual, the other was also. More recently, in the July 26,
1993 issue of Time Magazine, the Science Editor describes
recent findings that lean toward a genetic explanation for homosexuality.
“This new work and the studies of the twins are two lines of evidence
pointing in the same direction. But the DNA evidence is much stronger than
the twins study”, according to Simon LeVay, whose research on the human
brain differences is widely accepted. Science is progressively confirming
what many gay men and women have known all along, they were created that way.
When (and if) science
finishes its work and proves genetic rationale for the incidence of
homosexuality, this will, of course, not end discrimination. Much like
racial prejudice, people will need to redefine their understanding of
homosexuality to end the revulsion and hatred American culture has generated
toward the gay community. As Christians, we must end this war against a
segment of humanity, proclaiming God’s love and acceptance rather than His
rejection of anyone. This also represents a special call to Gay Christians
to set an example of integrity as a demonstration of the redemptive work of God
in the gay community. This example is for believers and non-believers,
whether they are gay or straight; to be a light in the darkness of prejudice and
hate.