Who is this site for?
This site is for everyone.
And it is especially for gay men and lesbians who find a
conflict between their sexuality and their Christian faith.
Many gay men and lesbians feel that they are naturally
attracted to people of the same sex but they are told by
Christians that the Bible says that homosexuality is wrong.
What is the purpose of this site?
The purpose of this site is to show that homosexuality is
morally correct as an orientation (same-sex attraction)
and, if done with caring love, is also morally correct as a
sexual activity.
Orientation. A man can deeply love, and be in love, with
another man just as straight men can with women.
Similarly, a woman can deeply love, and be in love, with
another woman. The important thing is the strong bond
between them and the mutual responsibility to love and
take care of each other. Their sexual activity is a
secondary matter, just as it is for straight (male-female)
couples.
Why does the URL address of this site contain the
words “gays and slaves”?
Because the types of arguments that many people now
use against gay persons are very similar to the types of
arguments used in the past to justify slavery.
Why is it important what the Bible says about
homosexual or same-sex acts?
Christians and Jews believe that one of the main aims of
living is to glorify God. This is done by following the Love
Commandments, i.e. by loving God totally and by loving
our neighbor as ourselves. In addition, God has given
us directions and principles in the Bible about things we
should or should not do in our lives.
Does the Bible condemn homosexuality?
- Homosexuality can mean either people being
attracted to others of the same sex (orientation) or
having sex with others of the same sex (activity).
- There is no actual reference in the Bible to
homosexuality, gay men or lesbians. The Biblical
references are to same-sex penetrative acts and
the people who commit them. These people were
not thought of as a different type of person (gay)
but just as ordinary people doing unusual sex
acts. Therefore any use of homosexuality or
sodomites in a Bible version is a translation error*.
- *Examples of this error are:
sodomite Deut. 23:17 KJV (Correct as shrine prostitute in
NIV)
homosexuals, sodomites 1 Cor 6:9; NKJV
homosexual offenders 1 Cor 6:9; NIV
- Consequently there is no criticism or
condemnation in the Bible of –
- gay men or lesbians as types of people
- straight men or women who are attracted to
or love people of the same sex - homosexuality as a sexual orientation or as
a person-to-person social or emotional
relationship.
- In fact the Bible accepts homosexual orientation
(same-sex attraction) because it accepts men
being deeply in love with men, without any
expression of disapproval by God or the biblical
author. In the David story, Jonathan was totally in
love with David. This relationship is presented as
an admirable example. As far as we know, the
relationship was not sexual.
- The Bible has one criticism of sex between women
(lesbian, straight or bisexual) by calling it shameful
lusts and unnatural but does not say don’t do it.
The criticism seems to be based on how women’s
sex roles were seen in the Roman and Jewish
cultures of the time (i.e. women should be passive,
not active, in sex).
- The Bible does not criticize or condemn any form
of sex between men (including oral sex, deep
kissing, fondling and mutual masturbation) except
for voluntary or forced male-male penetration
(anal intercourse). As in other societies of Biblical
times, the greater condemnation is of the man
being penetrated – the “bottom”. This
condemnation seems to be mainly based on the
man acting like a woman (instead of like a man) in
sexual intercourse.
How many Biblical references are there to same-
sex acts?
There are 7 specific references in the Bible to sex acts
between men. There is only one specific reference to
sex acts between women. Details are in the next 2
answers.
What are the Old Testament references to sex acts
between men?
- The men of the city of Sodom tried to rape male
guests being sheltered by Lot. (Genesis 19:4-9)
Note that rape, not mutual consenting sex, is
referred to here. More details
- The men of the city of Gibeah tried to rape a male
guest being sheltered by an old man. (Judges 19:
20-25) Again note that rape, not mutual
consenting sex, is referred to here. More details
- God, through Moses, commanded the Israelites
that a man should not let another man sexually
penetrate him. The penalty for penetration (anal
intercourse) was death for both men. (Leviticus 18:
22 and 20:13). More details
What are the New Testament references to sex
acts between men and between women?
- In Romans 1:18-32, Paul tells what happened to
people who refused to glorify God. Their thinking
became distorted and they honored and served
created things (including idols) rather than God
the Creator. Therefore God allowed them to follow
their own lustful choices and dishonor their
bodies. Women and men changed from having
male-female sex and had female-female sex and
male-male sex (anal intercourse) instead. More
details
- In 1 Corinthians 6:9 Paul states that certain types
of wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Among these are men who have sex with men.
Similarly in 1 Timothy 1:10 Paul states that the law
is made for lawbreakers such as men who have
sex with men. In each case, he is referring only to
male-male penetration, not to other forms of sex
between males. More details
How do these 7 Biblical references apply to
consenting sex between gay men today?
None of these 7 references apply to mutually consenting
sex between men if the sexual activity is oral sex, deep
kissing, fondling or mutual masturbation. However if the
sex is male-male penetration, the prohibitions in Leviticus
and the implied condemnations in Romans, 1 Corinthians
and 1 Timothy do apply. The Leviticus prohibitions still
apply because the decision of the Jerusalem Council
(Acts 15:28-29) resulted in the Old Testament sexual
conduct laws applying to Christians. The next answer
gives more details.
Why do the Old Testament sexual conduct laws
still apply to Christians?
The early church decided that non-Jews who became
Christians would have to follow some, but not all, of the
Old Testament (Jewish) laws. The non-Jewish Christians
were not to eat certain food and they were not to be
sexually immoral. Therefore they had to follow the Old
Testament laws on sexual conduct, including no incest,
adultery, bestiality or male-male penetration*. See Acts
15:13-30
- * Old Testament references are:
No incest Leviticus 18:6-18; 20:11-12, 14, 17, 19-21
No adultery Exodus 20:14 Leviticus 18:20; 20:10
No bestiality Leviticus 18:23; 20:15-16
No male-male penetration Leviticus 18: 22; 20:13
Although this site claims that the Old Testament laws on
male-male penetration no longer apply today (because
of the no harm test) the laws on incest, adultery and
bestiality do indeed still apply (because of the same test).
Does the Bible condemn gay sex acts other than
penetration?
The Bible contains no specific or general condemnation
of other sex acts between men (including oral sex, deep
kissing, fondling and mutual masturbation).
Does the Bible condemn lesbian sex acts?
Romans 1:26 contains the only reference in the Bible to
females having sex with females. Paul criticized sex
between females by calling it shameful lusts and
unnatural but did not forbid it here or anywhere else in
his speeches or letters. More information
What did Jesus say about homosexuality?
There are no recorded words of Jesus on the topic of
same-sex orientation or sexual activity. While we do not
know Jesus’ views on this topic, we can surmise his
probable views.
Jesus’ ideas on same-sex behavior would have been
partly formed by his Jewish background and religious
education. This would include his acceptance of male-
female sex as the usual practice and his knowledge of
the condemnation of anal intercourse between males in
Leviticus. Therefore Jesus probably agreed with his
culture’s view that male-male penetration is bad. It is
likely that his views would have been expanded by the
occupying Greco-Roman culture, reinforcing his culture’s
basic values of purity and male honor. Hellenistic Jews
around Jesus’ time were hostile towards sex between
males, especially pederasty (man-boy relationships).
The Gospels report Jesus as saying very little about sex.
He did condemn adultery, illicit or immoral sex and sexual
debauchery (Mark 7:21-22) He also emphasized the
permanence of male-female marriage (Mark 10: 6-8)
while rejecting traditional family values (Luke 14:26 and
Matthew 12:47-49).
Jesus’ only implied reference to same-sex sexual activity
is its possible inclusion in his condemnation of illicit or
immoral sex (assuming that illicit sex is any sexual activity
condemned in the Old Testament). On the other hand, it
is possible that Jesus was referring to gay men when he
mentioned born eunuchs – without any condemnation
(Matthew 19:12). In Bible times, such men were
anatomically whole but were unable or unwilling to have
sex with women. They either were not at all interested in
sex or were interested but only with other men. It might
be noted that a man (like Jesus) in his early 30’s and
showing no interest in being married would be likely to be
called a born eunuch.
The reason that Jesus is “silent” on same-sex orientation
or sexual activity could be because:
- he did not think it a relevant or important topic, or
- his public or intimate comments were consistent
with his Jewish culture and so were not worth
reporting to the Gospels’ audiences (who would
hold similar views), or - his views were edited out.
Whatever the reason, Jesus’ “silence” seems to show
that the endorsement or condemnation of homosexuality
was not of major importance in God’s plan for humanity.
What about people who believe that they should
live strictly according to God’s word in the Bible?
People who believe that they should live strictly
according to God's word in the Bible can fully accept the
following conclusions of this site:
- There is no actual reference in the Bible to
homosexuality, gay men or lesbians. Any use of
homosexuality or sodomites in a Bible version is a
translation error.
- Consequently there is no condemnation in the
Bible of homosexuality as a sexual orientation or of
gay men or lesbians as types of people.
- In fact the Bible accepts homosexual orientation
(same-sex attraction) because it accepts men
being deeply in love with men. As far as we know,
the relationship between Jonathan and David was
non-sexual.
- The Bible implies that male-female marriage is the
best place for sex but nowhere says that all sex
outside marriage is wrong. The Bible just says
that certain kinds of sex – incest, adultery,
bestiality, male-male penetration and prostitution –
are wrong.
- The Bible has one criticism of sex between women
(lesbian, straight or bisexual) but does not say
don't do it.
- The Bible does not condemn any sex between
men (gay, straight or bisexual) except for male-
male penetration (anal intercourse).
- As well as condemning male-male penetration, the
Bible approves of people owning other people as
slaves.
Doesn’t the Bible say that sex is only for marriage?
- The Bible presents male-female marriage as the
usual pattern and implies that this is the best place
for sex. But the Bible nowhere says that all sex
outside male-female marriage is wrong. It just
says that certain kinds of sexual intercourse
(incest, adultery, bestiality, prostitution and male-
male penetration) are wrong *.
- The parts of the Creation story in Genesis 1:28
and 2:24 explain why men and women get married
and have sex. These verses do not state or imply
that marriage is compulsory, or that all sex must be
between males and females, or that all sex outside
male-female marriage is wrong.
- In Jesus’ comments on divorce in Matthew 19:4-6,
he quoted the Genesis texts merely to show that
male-female marriage should be permanent. He
did not state or imply that sexual intercourse
should be restricted to male-female marriage only.
- * Bible references are:
Incest Leviticus 18:6-18; 20:11-12, 14, 17, 19-21
Adultery Exodus 20:14 Leviticus 18:20; 20:10
Bestiality Leviticus 18:23; 20:15-16
Prostitution 1 Corinthians 6:15-16
Male-male sex Leviticus 18: 22; 20:13 Romans 1:26-27
1 Corinthians 6:9 1 Timothy 1:10
What about the view that God intended all sex to be
between males and females?
If God had intended, from Creation onwards, that sex be
only between males and females, one would expect that
the prohibition in Leviticus 18:22 on sex between males
would be accompanied by a similar prohibition on sex
between females. Since there is no prohibition on sex
between females, one can’t say that God intended that
sex be only between males and females.
This view is reinforced by the fact that same-sex sexual
activity has been documented in over 300 species of
animals made by God.
Can you comment on the references in the Bible to
having children?
Although the Bible states that God made Adam and Eve
(the first man and woman) and told them to multiply
(have sex and children), it does not state that every one
must marry and have sex and children.
What about the argument that male-male
penetration is wrong because God designed men
and women (but not people of the same sex) to
complement each other (Genesis 2:18 & 24)?
According to this argument, a man and a woman have
different anatomical features and natures thus allowing
their anatomical features (penis and vagina) to fit
together in sexual intercourse and their different natures
to make up for what their partner lacks. It is claimed that
this is not possible for two people of the same sex, who
have the same type of anatomical features and similar
natures.
This argument fails because the parts still fit in male-
male penetration (penis and anus). Also, it is likely that
gay people choose complementary partners (“opposites
attract”) just as much as straight people. This could
include complementarity of natures, likes and dislikes,
attitudes, etc.
Other reasons for people in the past (and some people
today) seeing male-male penetration as wrong are
included in this page.
Can you comment on “God made Adam and Eve,
not Adam and Steve”?
Genesis 2:18-23 refers to the first woman (Eve) being
designed by God at the Creation to be a helper and a
companion to the first man (Adam). Some people say
this means that God did not make men to be companions
to men and women to be companions to women in
relationships.
However this is not a good argument against same-sex
relationships. First, the Bible does not say that people of
the same sex can’t be helpers and companions to each
other. In fact, Jesus had 12 men as his closest helpers
and companions.
Secondly, experience has shown that men can be just as
good companions and helpers to other men as women
are (although in a different way). Similarly, women can
be just as good companions and helpers to other women
as men are (again in a different way).
Why does it matter that the Bible says slavery is
okay?
The Biblical authors (Moses and Paul) who state that
owning other people as slaves is okay also condemned
male-male penetration. As we don’t accept their views
on the owning of slaves, we should question their views
condemning male-male penetration.
Slavery was a cultural matter in Biblical times and is no
longer accepted in modern cultures. Similarly the Biblical
condemnation of male-male penetration was a cultural
matter in those times as it was mainly based on the view
that men should not act like women in sexual intercourse
and it was also associated with the raping of defeated
enemy soldiers. Both of these bases were cultural and
are no longer considered relevant in modern cultures
(although they are still accepted by some people). More
information
Why is it okay to change our minds about
homosexuality?
This is okay because God is continuing to reveal himself
and his purposes for us. For example, God tells us that
he is doing a new thing (Isaiah 43:19). Sometimes God
seems to allow our cultural institutions to continue for a
long time, then he makes changes. An example is that,
under God’s guidance and revelation, many Christian
people’s attitude to slavery changed in the 18th and 19th
centuries from being pro-slavery to anti-slavery.
Similarly, under God’s guidance and revelation, many
Christian people’s attitude to homosexuality is now
changing from being anti-gay to pro-gay.
The church is now in a similar position to that faced by
churches in the 18th and 19th centuries over the
question of slavery. Then the churches had to ignore
the Biblical endorsement of slavery in order to free
human beings. Now churches should similarly ignore the
Biblical condemnation of penetrative sex between men
when it causes no harm. This can be justified by Saint
Paul’s view that “The commandments … are summed up
in this one rule: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love
does no harm to its neighbor”. (Romans 13: 9-10)
God’s continuing revelation of himself comes primarily by
the Holy Spirit guiding scholarship and revealing new
Biblical insights. Over the years this has led to much of
the Christian church setting aside various Biblical
commands, including not charging interest on loans, not
ordaining women, not remarrying divorcees, and allowing
slavery.
How is the Bible interpreted on this site?
- It is assumed that the Bible is literally true and
reliable and that God inspired its authors.
- A verse or passage is interpreted by working out
its plain meaning in its grammatical, historical,
social and cultural contexts.
- Also note is made of the author’s intent, whether
the text is liturgical, legal, prose, poetry, etc, and
the book’s purpose e.g. Genesis is mythic but not
a scientific text.
- The interpretation of a verse or passage takes into
account the historical and cultural setting of both
the writer and his original audience.
- The Bible is assumed to be internally consistent
with one verse sometimes modifying another verse.
- The relevance of a verse or passage for us today
is found partly by comparing its background and
culture to our current world and society structure.
This enables us to apply as fully as possible the
moral point of the Biblical teaching. This was done
by Jesus when he said “You have heard that it was
said …., but I say to you …” (Matthew 5:21-48)
- The views of various Christian commentators and
scholars are often taken into account when
interpreting the Bible for this site. However other
sources extending or changing the Bible’s
meaning, such as the Talmuds, are not taken into
account.
- The above interpretative method is partly based on
principles in Slavery, Sabbath, War, and Women by
Willard M. Swartley, 1983.
Do Christians have to obey the Old Testament
laws?
Christians don’t have to obey the Old Testament laws as
a complete code. However they should obey any Old
Testament commands specifically adopted in the New
Testament by Jesus, Paul or the other apostles. (This is
in addition to obeying the new commands and principles
given in the New Testament).
Note that the moral and ethical aspects of the Old
Testament laws do offer a good guide as to how one’s
life should be lived according to God’s will, especially by
doing good and refraining from evil. Also the New
Testament references to obeying certain commands of
the Old Testament emphasize doing good because we
love God and our neighbor instead of just following the
letter of the law.
Also note that the references to male-male penetration in
the New Testament are not commands but simply
describe situations implying that such penetration is
wrong.
What are the criteria for a legitimate sexual
relationship?
The criteria for a legitimate sexual relationship include
that the relationship be consensual; loving; faithful,
committed, monogamous, non-incestuous, and non-
harmful.
Why do some people dislike the whole topic of
homosexuality?
It is claimed that many straight people have a natural,
inborn distaste for the idea of same-sex attraction and
feel disgusted at its sexual expression, especially male-
male penetration.
Also some people think that many gay men are
effeminate or weak (sissies). Further, both gay men and
lesbians are often seen as outsiders (they are others –
not us) or unnatural.
In many cases, these feelings and views are the result of
culture and upbringing and style. As a song from “South
Pacific” states : “You’ve got to be taught to love and hate
before you are six or seven or eight. To hate all the
people your relatives hate, you’ve got to be carefully
taught.”
Why are there gay people?
It seems that God has created some people who are
attracted to people of the same sex and some people
who are attracted to the opposite sex. This is similar to
God creating both left-handed and right-handed people.
Why God does this we don’t know.
How does homosexuality compare to left-
handedness?
The following table compares homosexuality (same-sex
orientation) and left-handedness, including attitudes
towards both.
Partly based on: John A. Hamill, “Dexterity and Sexuality: Is There
a Relationship?”, Journal of Homosexuality, v.28 no.3, 1995, p.
375–396
Also partly based on a table here.
In summary, some people’s current attitudes to
homosexuality are very similar to past attitudes to left-
handedness, which are no longer accepted as correct.
What are some of the things which the Bible does
not say about homosexuality?
- Homosexuality (sexual orientation) is wrong and
sinful (this is false)
- Homosexuality is a disordered condition (this is
false)
- Gay men and lesbians are condemned (this is
false)
- Oral sex, mutual masturbation, etc between men is
sinful (this is false)
- Sex between women is sinful (this is false)
- No sex outside marriage (this is false)
- Marriage is only for creating children (this is false)
- Only men and women can complement each other
and have a fulfilled relationship (this is false)
What should gay and lesbian people do to find
happiness and contentment?
People should first accept themselves as they are. If
they have heard and believe the Christian message, they
should then follow Jesus. If not, they should live the best
ethical lives they can.
What does the Bible say about same-sex attraction
and love?
The Bible accepts same-sex attraction because it
accepts men being deeply in love with men, without any
expression of disapproval by God or the biblical author.
In the David story, Jonathan was totally in love with
David. This relationship is presented as an admirable
example. As far as we know, the relationship was not
sexual.
How accurate are internet sites and books and
articles about homosexuality and the Bible?
When you see an internet site or read a book or article
about homosexuality and the Bible, be very critical and
skeptical about what you see. Many pro-gay and anti-
gay authors are experts at spinning and distorting the
facts to “prove” what they want to prove, not what is the
truth. Their distortions are then passed on and on by
others who think that the distortions are the truth.
The most common spin is to claim that the Bible doesn’t
prohibit or criticize modern loving same-sex activity at all.
This is done, for example, by claiming that the Leviticus
verses only referred to sex with male cultic prostitutes.
Another example is claiming that the Romans verse
mainly refers to sex as part of idol worship. In reality,
these verses refer to all anal sex between men.
Therefore read the Bible verses* in various versions for
yourself (especially the NASB and Young’s Literal
Translation) and try to work out what they really mean.
The other pages on this site should help you do this.
* Genesis 19:4-9, Judges 19:20-25, Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13,
Romans 1:18-32, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, 1 Timothy 1:9-10
The following articles go deeper into this question:
Hermeneutical Issues In The Use Of The Bible To Justify
The Acceptance Of Homosexual Practice
(This article has many good points but I disagree with its
final conclusion that homosexual practice is morally
wrong).
Reading Strategies for Biblical Passages on Same-Sex
Relations
A Reformed Response to Daniel Helminiak's Gay
Theology
A Further Look at Pro-Homosexual Theology
How accurate is this site?
The views expressed on this site have been formed after
years of research (on the internet and in books and
journals), thought, prayer and God’s guidance. The
research was carried out with an open mind and many
pro-gay and anti-gay views were rejected (see the “False
Views” parts of the Sodom, Moses, Romans and
Corinthians pages of this site). Care has been taken to
be as accurate, complete, logical and unbiased as
possible. However the views are those of one person
(with assistance from his sister) and there will still be
some unintended bias.
You are invited to use the information on this site to help
you come to your own conclusions.
Why does this site have few references and
footnotes?
Actually this site has more references and footnotes than
first appears. Where a point or quote is made from the
Bible or other book or article, references are given either
at that spot or elsewhere on the site where the quote is
repeated. Similarly where a point or quote is made from
another site, a link is given to that site.
Some background statements (e.g. cultural attitudes of
Biblical times) have been obtained from many sources
and are not individually sourced. And, of course, some
arguments and deductions are original to this site.
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