AEON
Rock n' Roll Doggie Band-aid
The basic assumption of Melon’s argument – which is not different from the million of other activist posts online – is that Paul was not including modern, consensual homosexual relationships in his list of acts of the sinful nature. Surely, a well-educated man like Paul, educated in Greek philosophy and the Hebrew theology -- would have known that homosexuality consisted of more than pederasty and male prostitution. Plato talks about loving homosexual relationships in the Symposium. Therefore, it definitely existed back in Paul’s time – especially in Corinth.
The use of the word arsenokoitai in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 demonstrates that Paul understood the prohibition of adult homosexuality in Leviticus. Many theologians point out that Arsenokoitai, which literally means "male [sexual] beds," is an allusion to Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13.
The "do nots" of Leviticus 18:6-23 and 20:10-21 set forth the sexual boundaries of God’s created order. Among the "do nots" is the prohibition of same-sex relations:
Lev 18:22 "Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable"
Lev 20:13: "If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman both of them have done what is detestable.” What kind of same-sex activity is in view in these passages? The use of the Hebrew "male" (zakar, "man") rather than "youth" (na’ar) shows that pederasty, youth prostitution, or youth sexual abuse are not the subject. The equal punishment of the parties involved indicates that both are CONSENTING adults. "Their blood be on their heads" (20:13) shows that both are aware of what they are doing and of the consequences. The seriousness of the offense is made plain by the term "detestable" a Hebrew word used of offenses deemed particularly heinous in God's sight.
As far as loving homosexuals as brothers and sisters, of course I do. I do not take their plight lightly. I believe they should be treated with love, integrity, and fairness. I understand the pain in that God has allowed the desire, but forbids the acting on it. I do not claim to know all of the reasons why God does what He does. But I do trust Him, and that one day, probably after I die - I will know the answer. I cannot relate to that particular desire, but I certainly have my share of internal battles.
Love is more than sex. Much more. The Greek word for the love I am speaking of is AGAPE. Agape love is best described in 1 Corinthians 13 - often regarded as one of the most beautiful passages in history. I will post that next.
There are many sins that Jesus didn't call out specifically, it doesn't mean they are not sins. His focus was on love. Love Him and love your brothers and sisters. The closer you are to Him, the more obedient you will become. It is part of the deal.
I cannot look into your heart and see your motivation, only God can. My basic rule of thumb to test my own motivation is this: Is what I'm about to do out of love for me? Or is out of love for others, or God? Will this action bring glory to God? Or to myself?
Is this a perfect system? No. Do I ALWAYS do this test on my actions? Nope. But I do know that day by day God is fulfilling His promise into making more and more into the image of His son, Jesus Christ (Phil 1:6). And I can think of no other being I want to emulate more than Him.
The use of the word arsenokoitai in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 demonstrates that Paul understood the prohibition of adult homosexuality in Leviticus. Many theologians point out that Arsenokoitai, which literally means "male [sexual] beds," is an allusion to Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13.
The "do nots" of Leviticus 18:6-23 and 20:10-21 set forth the sexual boundaries of God’s created order. Among the "do nots" is the prohibition of same-sex relations:
Lev 18:22 "Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable"
Lev 20:13: "If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman both of them have done what is detestable.” What kind of same-sex activity is in view in these passages? The use of the Hebrew "male" (zakar, "man") rather than "youth" (na’ar) shows that pederasty, youth prostitution, or youth sexual abuse are not the subject. The equal punishment of the parties involved indicates that both are CONSENTING adults. "Their blood be on their heads" (20:13) shows that both are aware of what they are doing and of the consequences. The seriousness of the offense is made plain by the term "detestable" a Hebrew word used of offenses deemed particularly heinous in God's sight.
As far as loving homosexuals as brothers and sisters, of course I do. I do not take their plight lightly. I believe they should be treated with love, integrity, and fairness. I understand the pain in that God has allowed the desire, but forbids the acting on it. I do not claim to know all of the reasons why God does what He does. But I do trust Him, and that one day, probably after I die - I will know the answer. I cannot relate to that particular desire, but I certainly have my share of internal battles.
Love is more than sex. Much more. The Greek word for the love I am speaking of is AGAPE. Agape love is best described in 1 Corinthians 13 - often regarded as one of the most beautiful passages in history. I will post that next.
There are many sins that Jesus didn't call out specifically, it doesn't mean they are not sins. His focus was on love. Love Him and love your brothers and sisters. The closer you are to Him, the more obedient you will become. It is part of the deal.
I cannot look into your heart and see your motivation, only God can. My basic rule of thumb to test my own motivation is this: Is what I'm about to do out of love for me? Or is out of love for others, or God? Will this action bring glory to God? Or to myself?
Is this a perfect system? No. Do I ALWAYS do this test on my actions? Nope. But I do know that day by day God is fulfilling His promise into making more and more into the image of His son, Jesus Christ (Phil 1:6). And I can think of no other being I want to emulate more than Him.