what does the bible say about homosexuality =~

The Bible mentions same-sex behavior only in a small number of passages, and those passages are interpreted very differently by different Christian traditions today. Many conservative readers see them as straightforward prohibitions on same-sex sexual activity, while many other Christians argue the texts are culturally specific, mistranslated, or not addressing modern consensual sameâsex relationships.
1. Key passages usually cited
Most discussions focus on a short list of verses.
- Leviticus 18:22 â âYou shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.â
- Leviticus 20:13 â Repeats the prohibition and in the ancient Israelite law code attaches a death penalty.
- Romans 1:26â27 â Paul describes men and women âexchanging natural relationsâ and âmen committing shameful acts with men,â linking this to idolatry and rejection of God.
- 1 Corinthians 6:9â10 â Lists behaviors that âwill not inherit the kingdom of God,â including disputed Greek terms often translated âmen who have sex with men.â
- 1 Timothy 1:10 â Includes another similar term in a list of sinful acts.
- Jude 1:7 â Refers to Sodom and Gomorrah and âsexual immorality,â which many later readers associate with sameâsex behavior, though the text itself emphasizes general sexual violence and excess.
Passages on marriage, such as Genesis 2:24 and Jesusâ words in Mark 10:6â9, present the Bibleâs positive sexual ideal as a man and a woman in lifelong, covenantal union, and these are often cited to argue that the Bibleâs sexual ethic is intrinsically maleâfemale.
2. Traditional / conservative Christian view
In many evangelical, Catholic, and conservative Protestant churches, the dominant reading looks like this.
- Sameâsex sexual acts are understood as morally wrong, alongside other forms of sex outside maleâfemale marriage.
- The Old Testament laws (Leviticus) are seen as expressing a moral principle that is reaffirmed, not cancelled, by the New Testament passages in Romans, 1 Corinthians, and 1 Timothy.
- Attraction itself is not always treated as sin, but acting on it sexually is; believers are called to chastity (either celibate singleness or maleâfemale marriage).
- Many of these traditions stress that all people, including LGBTQ people, are made in Godâs image and must not be hated, mocked, or harmed; they condemn violence and bullying as unâChristian even while holding a traditional sexual ethic.
A common modern summary from this perspective is: âThe Bible teaches love and respect for every person, but does not permit sameâsex sexual relationships as a faithful Christian pattern of life.â
3. Affirming / revisionist Christian view
Other Christiansâincluding some mainline Protestants, some independent churches, and many theologiansâbelieve committed sameâsex relationships can be compatible with Christian faith.
Typical arguments include:
- The Bible does not address modern, mutual, committed sameâsex relationships but specific ancient practices such as exploitative pederasty, temple prostitution, or abusive powerâbased sex.
- The Levitical laws belong to Israelâs ritual and cultural code, like food and clothing rules, and are not directly binding on Christians today.
- The Greek terms in 1 Corinthians 6 and 1 Timothy 1 are rare and possibly mistranslated; they might refer to economic exploitation or abuse rather than orientationâbased relationships.
- The heart of biblical ethics is love of God and neighbor; therefore, covenanted, loving sameâsex relationships that reflect selfâgiving love, fidelity, and justice can be seen as consistent with that core.
From this view, the emphasis falls on the Bibleâs overarching themes of justice, mercy, and inclusion rather than on a small number of difficult texts.
4. Pastoral and personal dimensions
Across the spectrum, there is growing recognition that this is not just a theoretical issue but a deeply personal one.
- Many churches are trying to balance doctrinal convictions with pastoral careâsupporting LGBTQ people who are asking, âAm I loved here?â
- Christian counseling materials emphasize listening, avoiding shaming, and acknowledging that some believers experience lifelong sameâsex attraction and are wrestling with how to live faithfully.
- Even in communities that hold a nonâaffirming position, there is often a shift in toneâfrom harsh, cultureâwar language to a more careful emphasis on repentance, forgiveness, and shared human brokenness, not singling out one group as uniquely sinful.
If you are personally affected by this topic, many Christian groups (both traditional and affirming) now offer support spaces that focus on prayer, mental health, and community rather than just argument.
5. How this shows up in âlatest newsâ and forums
In recent years, debates about what the Bible says on homosexuality have shaped church decisions, online forums, and social media discussions.
- Major denominations have split or restructured over LGBTQ inclusion and sameâsex marriage, with both sides claiming to be faithful to Scripture.
- Youâll see recurring online patterns: some posts quote Leviticus or Romans directly; others share personal stories of LGBTQ Christians and argue that lived experience should shape how we interpret those texts.
- Many guides aimed at general audiences try to summarize âwhat the Bible says about homosexualityâ in simple lists of verses, while others push back and argue that any quick list risks oversimplifying a complex interpretive issue.
In forum discussions, youâll usually find at least three voices:
- âThe Bible clearly condemns it,â
- âThe Bible is being misread; it supports loving sameâsex relationships,â and
- âThe Bible is ancient and shouldnât control modern sexual ethics at all.â
TL;DR:
- The Bibleâs explicit texts consistently present sameâsex sexual acts negatively in their original context.
- Many Christians therefore hold a traditional view: sex is reserved for maleâfemale marriage and sameâsex acts are sinful, while every person must be treated with dignity.
- Other Christians argue these passages address specific ancient practices, not todayâs consensual sameâsex relationships, and that the Bibleâs deeper message of love and justice can affirm LGBTQ couples.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.