Is homosexual sex a sin in all circumstances?

[micatala]

Although numerous threads have included discussion of this topic, I am not sure there is one devoted solely to this question, and there is not one in this particular Theology, Doctrine, and Dogma forum.

As per the purpose of this forum, we are assuming the Bible is authoritative. However, it is fair for posters to make their own cases for their particular interpretations. By placing the thread in this forum, the obvious result is that it is harder to make the case that homosexual sex should be accepted as 'on par' with heterosexual sex.

However, I am also adding the following condition:

It is to be assumed that homosexuality, defined to be the condition of being naturally sexually attracted to people of one's own gender, is an innate characteristic, and one that cannot be changed, even if a given homosexual person wishes they could be changed.



I am also including a poll with some options. The last option is intended to parallel the rule that many Christians would apply to heterosexuals. No sex outside of marriage.

To conclude this OP, the questions for debate are:

Is homosexual sex a sin in all circumstances?

If not, under what circumstances should it be considered sinful?

[melikio]

I will say this: if Christian sexual relationships are meant to be the earthly symbol of the spritual relationship between God and His church, then all homosexual relationships would be sins, but then again, so would all non-monogamous heterosexual relationships.

I think people on all end of the various arguments have so caused the issue of homosexuality to be hyped, and that certain "interpretations" and/or "translations" of Scripture have distorted what the Bible covers and emphasizes (not just concerning homosexuality but MANY other things.

At the very least, we can see that illustrated in the THOUSANDS of denominations and organizations which exist [http://adherents.com/]. In part I see that as what God actually intended; that people be free and liberated from a set of RULES, which He already knew people tend to NOT keep. (Thus, He provided "Jesus" as an antidote or alternative to following The Law (as a way of living one's life); it's either that, or people decided to write in and inject the ambiguities which have led to the variances we see in interpretation, worship and forms of service.

I know well enough, that homosexuality isn't as hyped as some have made it (socially), and I certainly know that they way many homosexuals are treated, isn't very likely the will of the Creator (especially not the will of "Jesus"). I'm also certain that God (if He exists) couldn't have been "unaware" that people would have (at least) differing views of things in general.

Now, the following question isn't particularly rational, nor does it prove much; but I just want to show an example of the kinds of questions people actually have concerning homosexuality and homosexual people:

If homosexuals CHOOSE their "condition", then what are the actual "mechanics" of and "situations" where heterosexuals CHOOSE their orientation?

You see, with some the idea of homosexuality hinges upon some kind of "choice", that most homosexuals will tell you they've NEVER had or realized in any way. In fact, I'm sure many or most will tell you that they STROVE seriously to be "straight", but never could become that way.

Because of ascribed societal roles and traditions, it is understandable that people are often confused about even the very "existence" of as many homosexuals as there are (even if just 1% on this planet, is a MASSIVE number of people; but it's certain there are more than that).

What I see today, is that people are taught to misunderstand both homosexuality and the nature of homosexual people. After all, if you are bent on EXCLUDING someone or something from your "group", then ignorance and fear (hatred) are powerful and effective tools. If one cannot believe that, just look at how people are dehumanized due to "differences" having little or nothing to do with sexuality at all. We homosexuals are aware of this, as well as many other non-homosexuals; we can see where the Bible or interpretation of it has been "skewed" to allow literal hatred of those who happen to be sexually-oriented as we are.

Scientific evidence pointing to a natural cause for homosexuality isn't absolutely conclusive (at this point), but it IS surely compelling. And that it's not a "choice" for most, is practically clear enough.

Nevertheless, there are ways we can ALL sin; so there are surely some aspects of human sexuality which can contribute to "sinfulness"; but we cannot relegate as much SIN to homosexuals, as many people often assume to. In fact, one sin concerning homosexuality has to do with the terrible WORLD many have INTENDED that homosexual people shall live in. Personally, I believe to the core of my soul, that God's will is not served by those who are so purposed to be hurtful and spiteful toward those who just happen to be "gay". But it's interesting that almost traditionally, there is maintenance of a "culture" which is SET to misunderstand and reject all those people who God has indicated He loved (John 3:16) far more than most people tend to acknowledge.

-Mel-

[Greatest I Am]

@ 42% Against gay sex. GAY must have diferent colored soals than 42$
I thought all soals were brown.
Really. 42% God screwed up that often.
Need I say More.
I know that the bibble tells us to Stone people for this or Behead others for that and we should not suffer wiches to live and on infinitum.
Did we forget Thought shall not kill?


Regards

DL