- The story of Sodom in Genesis 19 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.
- False views or misconceptions about the Sodom
story in Genesis 19
- The similar Gibeah story in Judges 19
- Other accounts and interpretations of the Sodom
story
