SODOM


    SUMMARY


  • The story of Sodom is often used to condemn all
    homosexual sex.  But a careful study shows that the
    story is mainly condemning only men who try to force
    other men to have sex with them, i.e. same-sex
    gang rape.

  • The men of the city of Sodom wanted to force the
    male guests (angels) being sheltered by Lot to have
    sex with them.  Lot refused to hand over the guests
    because they had come under his protection.  
    (Genesis 19:4-9).

  • This story also condemns the attempted violation
    of the traditional hospitality and protection
    given to traveling strangers while being sheltered in
    a house.

  • The people of Sodom committed many serious sins
    (Genesis 18:20).  However none of the other Bible
    references to Sodom (including Ezekiel 16:48-50
    and Jude 7) says that sex between men was a sin of
    Sodom.  Sodom was destroyed because its people
    committed many types of immoral acts.

  • In summary, the Sodom story is not a
    condemnation of consenting male-male sex.




  • Motive of the mob

  • False views or misconceptions about the Sodom
    story

  • The similar Gibeah story

  • Other accounts and interpretations of the Sodom
    story