LogsOnSticks
12-07-2004, 04:19 AM
No matter where you go, religion has a pretty firm belief against the acts of homosexuality. This is a known fact, due to the wonderful Biblical exhibits...
While I am not a Bible scholar, being a Christian, I have a general idea towards the issue of homosexuality in the Bible.
The Old Testament contains several passages where homosexuality is a forbidable action towards the human lifestyle, considering that God has made man and woman under His image and likeness to become united and bear the fruits of generations.
One such passage was God revealing to Moses the various commandments towards relationships, brining up homosexuality as an issue to be avoided.
HOWEVER, the New testament centrally focuses around Jesus' works. And indeed, His work are far more better and idealistic than the works of God in the Old Testament, whereas the Old Testament focuses sin as a ruthless punishment, rather than focusing sin as an option towards forgiveness as the Old Testament portrays.
As far as the issue of homosexuality is concerned, it is barely mentioned from what I have read in the New Testament. In fact, I don't believe it is mentioned at all.
However, there is ONE passage in the New Testament that caught my eye, possibly pointing out Jesus' perspectives towards homosexuality.
I'd like to share this with you.
The following verses are from Matthew, Chapter 19 (Marriage and Divorce), verses 11-12:
"He answered, 'Not all can accept this word (assuming to those not being able to marry) but only those to whom that is granted. Some are incapable of marriage because they are born so; some, because they were made so by others; some, because they have renounced marriage for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Whoever can accept it ought to accept it."
Very Interesting...
Now, the following passage could be referring to a variety of suggestions. In the footnote, the Bible stresses that those who are incapable of marrying are eunuchs, meaning, they have no access to their genitals, such as castration, due to a certain custom, tradition, or religious belief in their life.
However, this suggestion may be true, but in my opinion, it is NOT the only valid excuse. This suggestion of being a eunuch is especially disbelieving towards the bolded section in the passage.
When you are saying they are incapable of marriage because they are born so, genital disfunctions is NOT the only reason. As far as castration goes, castration is usually NOT a condition you are born under. Rather, it is a condition performed WHEN you are born for whatever the circumstance offers.
In this case, it is with my best intentions to believe that Jesus is not only referring to those who are born with genital problems as being incapable to marry, but those who are born as homosexuals as well.
Now, this sparks another querilous confusion.
"Well, who says homosexuals can't marry?"
This is true, but you also need to think back 2,000 years ago, where marriage was considered to be a universal and spiritual tradition to cherish between a man and a women who were willing to share a bond and establish a family.
Back then, homosexuality was considered either
A) Merely a leisure activity in some cases, as to those who have interests in playing baseball for leisure (Since homosexuality/bisexuality was a widespread form of entertainment to the Greeks and Romans back then) or
B) In religious terms, it was an action considered to be feared towards society, in order to avoid losing acceptance and respect.
In that case, marriage between homosexuals wasn't such a debateable issue as it is now, 2,000 years later.
Does Jesus accept homosexuality, and furthermore, does he accept same-sex marriages?
Personally, I firmly believe He accepts and loves homosexuals as He does towards anyone, without considering homosexuality as a "sin."
As far as mnarriage goes, it is difficult to determine, if you analyze the standards towards homosexuality 2,000 years ago.
Nevertheless, that one small and irrevelant quote to the passage says a lot, especially towards the standards of marriage and the human lifestyle.
It is also important to realize the creators of the Bible as well. What the footnotes say are undoubtedly the analysis and thoughts of the Bible makers themselves, responding towards Jesus' teachings and actions.
In terms of Jesus and homosexuality, perhaps it was an issue that was ignored or avoided by the Scripture writers, in order to avoid any disfuntion or disorganization towards the Bible (And let us also realize the nonstop controversy that cease to exist in the world, due to a clash of constant philosophical ideas).
It is ALSO VERY IMPORTANT to realize that the Old Testament is based on mythological and philosophical writings, which leads to inaccuracy, while the New testament has a better record of historical accuracy towards the life of Christ.
It is in this case to analyze and interpret some of the more insignificant passages Jesus expresses to a more significant level in complete simplicity, yet using logic and common sense, as well...
Some are incapable of marriage because they are born so;
Maybe this is Jesus simply emphasizing the fact that we are who were are, and it is our duty to to live our life accepting eachother in love and forgiveness in order to achieve a universal standard of happiness, which is the greatest accomplishment of all...
(I am fully aware that all of you here aren't believers in God...However, being a gay Christian, and being that religion is one of the biggest obstacles towards accepting homosexxuality as a lifestyle, I found this arguement to be a hopeful idea towards the sake and acceptance of our lifestyle in religion.
While I am not a Bible scholar, being a Christian, I have a general idea towards the issue of homosexuality in the Bible.
The Old Testament contains several passages where homosexuality is a forbidable action towards the human lifestyle, considering that God has made man and woman under His image and likeness to become united and bear the fruits of generations.
One such passage was God revealing to Moses the various commandments towards relationships, brining up homosexuality as an issue to be avoided.
HOWEVER, the New testament centrally focuses around Jesus' works. And indeed, His work are far more better and idealistic than the works of God in the Old Testament, whereas the Old Testament focuses sin as a ruthless punishment, rather than focusing sin as an option towards forgiveness as the Old Testament portrays.
As far as the issue of homosexuality is concerned, it is barely mentioned from what I have read in the New Testament. In fact, I don't believe it is mentioned at all.
However, there is ONE passage in the New Testament that caught my eye, possibly pointing out Jesus' perspectives towards homosexuality.
I'd like to share this with you.
The following verses are from Matthew, Chapter 19 (Marriage and Divorce), verses 11-12:
"He answered, 'Not all can accept this word (assuming to those not being able to marry) but only those to whom that is granted. Some are incapable of marriage because they are born so; some, because they were made so by others; some, because they have renounced marriage for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Whoever can accept it ought to accept it."
Very Interesting...
Now, the following passage could be referring to a variety of suggestions. In the footnote, the Bible stresses that those who are incapable of marrying are eunuchs, meaning, they have no access to their genitals, such as castration, due to a certain custom, tradition, or religious belief in their life.
However, this suggestion may be true, but in my opinion, it is NOT the only valid excuse. This suggestion of being a eunuch is especially disbelieving towards the bolded section in the passage.
When you are saying they are incapable of marriage because they are born so, genital disfunctions is NOT the only reason. As far as castration goes, castration is usually NOT a condition you are born under. Rather, it is a condition performed WHEN you are born for whatever the circumstance offers.
In this case, it is with my best intentions to believe that Jesus is not only referring to those who are born with genital problems as being incapable to marry, but those who are born as homosexuals as well.
Now, this sparks another querilous confusion.
"Well, who says homosexuals can't marry?"
This is true, but you also need to think back 2,000 years ago, where marriage was considered to be a universal and spiritual tradition to cherish between a man and a women who were willing to share a bond and establish a family.
Back then, homosexuality was considered either
A) Merely a leisure activity in some cases, as to those who have interests in playing baseball for leisure (Since homosexuality/bisexuality was a widespread form of entertainment to the Greeks and Romans back then) or
B) In religious terms, it was an action considered to be feared towards society, in order to avoid losing acceptance and respect.
In that case, marriage between homosexuals wasn't such a debateable issue as it is now, 2,000 years later.
Does Jesus accept homosexuality, and furthermore, does he accept same-sex marriages?
Personally, I firmly believe He accepts and loves homosexuals as He does towards anyone, without considering homosexuality as a "sin."
As far as mnarriage goes, it is difficult to determine, if you analyze the standards towards homosexuality 2,000 years ago.
Nevertheless, that one small and irrevelant quote to the passage says a lot, especially towards the standards of marriage and the human lifestyle.
It is also important to realize the creators of the Bible as well. What the footnotes say are undoubtedly the analysis and thoughts of the Bible makers themselves, responding towards Jesus' teachings and actions.
In terms of Jesus and homosexuality, perhaps it was an issue that was ignored or avoided by the Scripture writers, in order to avoid any disfuntion or disorganization towards the Bible (And let us also realize the nonstop controversy that cease to exist in the world, due to a clash of constant philosophical ideas).
It is ALSO VERY IMPORTANT to realize that the Old Testament is based on mythological and philosophical writings, which leads to inaccuracy, while the New testament has a better record of historical accuracy towards the life of Christ.
It is in this case to analyze and interpret some of the more insignificant passages Jesus expresses to a more significant level in complete simplicity, yet using logic and common sense, as well...
Some are incapable of marriage because they are born so;
Maybe this is Jesus simply emphasizing the fact that we are who were are, and it is our duty to to live our life accepting eachother in love and forgiveness in order to achieve a universal standard of happiness, which is the greatest accomplishment of all...
(I am fully aware that all of you here aren't believers in God...However, being a gay Christian, and being that religion is one of the biggest obstacles towards accepting homosexxuality as a lifestyle, I found this arguement to be a hopeful idea towards the sake and acceptance of our lifestyle in religion.