I was trying to think of the different areas of the Bible that talk about homosexuality, so I appreciate you mentioning the David & Jonathan story. I need to look into that story more. I know I heard of David. He was the little sheep farmer who killed Goliath and he was king David and when Mary and Joseph Christ were heading back to Bethlehem it was to report to the home city of their family, the lineage of David, for a census count. David was a central character in the bible so if he was in love with a man that's significant. The Leviticus stuff defining sex as penetration is an interesting observation. I think those rules were written for priest who had to remain ritually pure to do the rituals and ceremonies of the day. As long as we aren't trying out for the priesthood we don't have to follow those rules. I wouldn't say the Bible has a coherent "point of view," as you put it, but rather its a collection of many different points ot view written in different languages and times and places. I like how you mention Jesus actual talk about loving and forgiving. Good points. Rule #1 is love. When I personally try to envision what is love, I think about my experiences loving children or pets. When dealing with a beloved you still get angry but the anger comes from concerns for their well being. I wouldn't want to spank a child, but if I ever did put my hands on a child in anger it would be because I care about them and want to keep them safe. Love is a game changer. The Apostle Paul was quite a character, and I have always thought of him as one of those men who "suffer from" same sex attraction. He famously had that thorn in his flesh from the devil, triggering him somehow. The idea that our flaws and weaknesses makes us stronger, because they remind us of our duality, part corrupted flesh vs part divine spirit. I can see why you say Paul contradicts Jesus when he writes those ranting letters to the different towns, listing all the violations the citizens are guilty of, including homosexual violations, but I had always heard that Paul was preaching for people to switch to Christianity and quit the "pagan" religion, with its idols and male temple whores. And honestly, I can see where he is coming from as far as true love vs the love of a sex slave in a temple. As I progress through these post replies I am reminded why I came to believe the Bible is not anti-gay like some people like to say it is. Sad to see how homophobia and divisive politics turned a large part of the world racist against gay people without any good reason. Encouraging to see the Bible is still a message of love if we want to see it that way. Take care, Foareyez PS. Just kidding about calling Jesus' parents Mary and Joseph Christ. |