You Asked: Is Homosexuality Addressed in the New Testament?

We respond to a viewer’s question about whether the verses we commonly cite from the New Testament to address homosexuality are properly translated, and whether the issue was a significant concern for the biblical authors. We look at some of the passages where the issue is addressed and review the work of several scholars to conclude that while homosexuality is addressed, this treatment comes as part of a much broader context that addresses all people and the various ways that we respond to God. Even conservative scholarship on the subject admits that homosexuality is a minor concern for the biblical authors, and that a truly biblical morality must avoid overemphasizing peripheral issues. Instead, we should be as charitable with one another – with those inside and outside the church, and with those who agree with us and those who don’t – in the same manner that Christ has been with us. Each of us is urged to remember that God’s kindness, patience and forbearance are what brings anyone to repentance, while those who are hard-hearted and pass judgment on others bring judgment on themselves (Romans 2:1-5). 

Discussion Questions:

Have you previously heard that the words translated to address homosexuality are not properly translated?  If so, how did you come to hear that position, and what was cited to support that view?

Some have argued that the New Testament only addresses pederasty, involving sexual relations between a grown man and a young boy.  Have you heard this before, and what did you make of this argument?

Do you agree that the subject of homosexuality is a minor concern for the biblical authors?  Why do you think that so few verses address the issue?

Have you noticed that people who study a subject deeply very often end up adopting a nuanced position?  What does that say to those of us who sometimes prefer to have absolute and rigid positions?

Is there room for us to hold different views on secondary and tertiary issues while being united in following Jesus?  It seems that we are always tempted to make every issue an issue over which we must divide. Why do you think that is?

Why has there been such an emphasis by Christians on sexual behavior and so little emphasis on the American sins involving money, possessions, greed, hoarding and economic injustice?