Homosexuality & Scripture (Ben Witherington III)
Seedbed・6 minutes read
The Bible condemns same-sex sexual activity, emphasizing fidelity in marriage or celibacy for disciples. Stigmatizing gay and lesbian individuals is viewed as a sin, with the Methodist tradition allowing ordination for individuals of any orientation who pledge chastity in singleness or faithfulness in heterosexual marriage.
Insights
- The Bible prohibits same-sex sexual activity in both the Old and New Testaments, focusing on behavior rather than orientation, with Jesus emphasizing fidelity in marriage or celibacy as the only acceptable options for disciples.
- The Methodist tradition allows ordination for individuals of any sexual orientation, provided they commit to chastity in singleness or faithfulness in heterosexual marriage, showcasing a stance of love for all individuals while adhering to biblical standards of behavior and emphasizing the importance of repentance from sinful behaviors without stigmatizing gay and lesbian individuals.
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Recent questions
What does the Bible say about homosexuality?
The Bible does not mention the terms "homosexual" or "lesbian" but focuses on behavior, explicitly forbidding same-sex sexual activity in both the Old and New Testaments.
What are the acceptable options for disciples according to Jesus?
Jesus emphasizes fidelity in marriage or celibacy as the only acceptable options for disciples, ruling out any sexual activity outside heterosexual monogamy.
How should gay and lesbian individuals be treated according to the Bible?
Treating gay and lesbian individuals with stigma or fear is considered a sin, as God loves everyone but not their sin, emphasizing the need for repentance from all sinful behaviors.
Is ordination open to individuals of any sexual orientation in the Methodist tradition?
Within the Methodist tradition, ordination is open to individuals of any sexual orientation as long as they commit to chastity in singleness or faithfulness in heterosexual marriage.
What stance does the Methodist tradition take on love and biblical standards of behavior?
The Methodist tradition reflects a stance of love for all individuals while upholding biblical standards of behavior, allowing ordination for individuals of any sexual orientation who commit to chastity in singleness or faithfulness in heterosexual marriage.
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Summary
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Biblical stance on homosexuality and ordination
- The Bible does not mention the term "homosexual" or "lesbian" but focuses on behavior rather than orientation, explicitly forbidding same-sex sexual activity in both the Old and New Testaments.
- Jesus emphasizes fidelity in marriage or celibacy as the only acceptable options for disciples, ruling out any sexual activity outside heterosexual monogamy.
- Treating gay and lesbian individuals with stigma or fear is considered a sin, as God loves everyone but not their sin, emphasizing the need for repentance from all sinful behaviors.
- Within the Methodist tradition, ordination is open to individuals of any sexual orientation as long as they commit to chastity in singleness or faithfulness in heterosexual marriage, reflecting a stance of love for all individuals while upholding biblical standards of behavior.
