Of all the passages of Scripture in the
Bible used to condemn homosexuality, the most frequently used is this one here in Romans
1: 18-32. Some of the words used here have been distorted, but for the most part, the
translations we have today appear to be accurate. The passage is clearly speaking of
homosexual acts. This may at first appear as an admission that homosexuality is not
acceptable to God, but in context the passage makes no such blanket condemnation. Street
walkers are commonly seen in cities across America and Europe, soliciting their bodies for
money. We do not blanketly condemn heterosexuality as a result of the behavior of a few.
In the same way, homosexuality in general cannot be condemned on the basis of its abuse by
a few.
In the context of this passage, 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 Roman 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 Cor 5:1), but
did nothing about it, Paul took authority exposing him and requiring 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 who
from Paul's comments were apparently heterosexuals rather than homosexuals.
The people Paul is describing, who are
involved in this temple cult worship, 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
(verse 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, this does not describe the modern
mainstream homosexual community and for sure does not even come close in describing those
gay men and women who are believers, serving the Lord. The problem here is that many in
the church cannot see the difference between what Paul is describing here and committed
loving relationships. There is a big difference.
In verses 26 and 27, translated to our
English word "natural" is the Greek word "phusikos" #5446) which means
intrinsic; that which is inborn or inherent. It does not describe something that is
universally true, but intrinsic for the individual. What is intrinsic for one person may
not be intrinsic for the next person, for instance 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. Apparently those who participated in
the fertility rites, gave themselves over to doing those things that were not intrinsic to
themselves. Even the English word "nature" means that which is inborn or
inherent to an individual. The assumption here is that all humans by nature are
heterosexual from birth. Based on the evidence of experience this does not seem to be
true.
Surveys on the incidence of a homosexual orientation in identical
twins was done years ago at Johns Hopkins University. In all cases where one was
homosexual, the other twin 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 leave whose research on 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 a genetic rationale for the incident of homosexuality, this will not end
discrimination. Much like racial prejudice, people will need to redefine their
understanding of homosexuality to end the revulsion and hatred our culture has generated
towards 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. Gay
Christians must set an example of integrity as a demonstration of the redemptive work of
God in the gay community. This example is for Christians and non-Christians, gays and
straights; to be a light in the darkness of prejudice and hate.