The Bible has traditionally been used as the basis for ethical guidance and a source of teaching about marriage, social life and other socio-religous matters. In recent years, its approach towards homosexuality has been both hotly debated and heavily contested. From a literal interpretation, it is clear that homosexuality is considered a sin, however when looking closer and taking into account the nuances and subtlety within the Bible, is it possible that the Bible recognises a more multifaceted understanding of LGBT rights and partnerships?
The fact remains that there are two distinct sides to the argument when it comes to LGBT rights and the Bible. On careful examination, it is clear that the foremost Christian view is that the bible condemns homosexuality, stating that the waging of same-sex relationships goes against “natural” order and goes beyond the bounds of the boundaries of what God has designed. Leviticus 20:13 reads: “If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.” This verse is one of the most often quoted by social conservatives who wish to clarify the biblical stance on the issue.
On the other side, there is a more liberal opinion which claims that scripture should be read with a more open-minded approach. They point to the notion of agape love as defined in the bible and argue that this revolves around compassion and understanding, things due to all, regardless of sexual orientation. They believe that the Bible should not be used as a way of judging others, but as a guide for acceptance, understanding and community building. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 reads: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Supporting the latter argument, there are those who refer to Sodom and Gomorrah, a significant passage for many Christians. As the story goes, God sent two angels to Sodom as a test and Lot, Abraham’s nephew, invited them into his home and offered to protect them. The townspeople demanded Lot to surrender them to quench what they deemed as an acceptable sin, an abomination in their eyes. However, God stepped in and spared Lot before any true sin, violent or sexual, were committed. The fact that Lot recognised the need to offer protection, and the fact that God stepped in and punished those who wished to harm Lot’s visitors shows an example of empathy and understanding that can be described as love.
Clearly, both sides of the debate are complex, and though scripture can provide us with answers, our own understanding and interpretations of its meaning will also vary. The question in both cases comes down to what we believe in and then how we interpret it.
The Role of Cultural Context and Its Impact on Biblical Interpretation
Summary
Close
Moreover, when looking at biblical interpretation, it is important to take into account the cultural context of the time. At the time of the Bible, homosexual practices were heavily frowned upon in both the western and eastern world. As a result, it would be expected that those writing and contributing to scripture at the time would have used their own cultural reference points to interpret and shape the text. As this immediate culture has now long since died out, it also needs to be taken into account when looking at the Bible today.
Additionally, much of the detail in the Bible was originally penned in Hebrew and Greek, original texts that carry nuances and tones of meaning that that are easy to overlook in their translation into English. This is particularly relevant when looking at the much-quoted Leviticus 20:13 which reads “If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.” Scholars have noted that the original Hebrew wording of the passage actually condemns the act of intercourse itself, rather than the individuals involved.
Most people will agree that the Bible is not only a hard text to interpret, but also that it is not just a one-size-fits-all solution to ethical dilemmas. There are so many variables that need to be taken into account when trying to form an opinion on any given issue. It is therefore not surprising that the interpretation of homosexuality in the Bible is still a hotly contested topic and will remain so in the foreseeable future.
The Strengths and Weaknesses of Drawing on Bible Passages to Support Argument
Debates surrounding the interpretation of Bible passages tend to be focussed on understanding the literal translations or finding the cultural references that support a particular point of view. From an objective standpoint, it can be argued that references to the Bible can be useful to make a case, however they come with certain limitations.
In some cases, it can be argued that the authors of the text are biased and have relied on their own cultural and religious background to infer meaning. Although a specific scripture can support a point of view, it is limited to the individual’s own understanding. As diverse understandings will always exist, it is important to consider all possible interpretations, considering which one is most likely to build bridges, promote cohesive values and ultimately bring the community together.
Another issue when using scripture as evidence for an argument is that, through the process of translation, context can be lost and even misleading interpretations can be created as a result. In some cases, key words or phrases can be translated differently with evidence showing that, if the original words were used correctly, they could lead to a different conclusion.
Additionally, some scholars suggest that certain verses quoted in debates can be taken out of context, pulled out of the Bible to support a narrow standpoint, when in fact the meaning when read within the book as a whole is quite different. Of course, the Bible needs to be read with scholarly depth and broad understanding of the language and culture in which it was written in order for its true meaning to be revealed.
The Christian Argument for LGBT Rights
In recent years, the argument for LGBT rights has increasingly become an accepted part of the Christian ethos. Not only have some Christian denominations proposed that LGBT partnerships are accepted, they also believe that they should be celebrated as equal members of the Church and allowed to partake in sacraments such as marriage and communion.
The early twenty-first century has shifted the tide and it is clear that there is a much more accepting approach within mainstream churches. The Anglican Church, for example, recently voted to “recognise, receive, and cherish” LGBT partnerships, though it continues to oppose gay marriage. The Wesleyan Church in Britain has cited scripture as a basis for promoting gay rights, stating that “Christians should work to uphold the rights of our brothers and sisters who are lesbian and gay”. Additionally, many branches of the Church have attempted to reconcile the biblical definition of marriage to include same-sex partnerships, although, there are those who reject such an idea on the basis that marriage is an act endorsed by God for opposite sex couples only.
Though there is still much debate on the subject, the general consensus within Christianity is that the covenant between God and human beings is based on compassion and love; two traits which can be extended to all regardless of their sexual orientation. As such, it is possible that the Bible takes an altogether more nuanced view of homosexuality than most traditions previously believed.
The Social Impact of Religious View on LGBT Rights
The ongoing debate surrounding LGBT rights and the Bible has taken on an international dimension as society is increasingly becoming more diverse, with numerous opinions and views that need to be accommodated and respected. The impact that religious teachings have on the discussion has been rather considerable, with much of the dialogue focused around the interpretation of scripture. Cultural nuances and religious convictions can both be powerful drivers of opinion, particularly within conservative societies where religious values are heavily embedded in the legal framework and social rules.
However, in many cases, there is a great risk of fundamentalism and dogmatic intolerance when debating LGBT rights. This can create more of a rift between opposing sides as people become entrenched in their views and fail to find common understanding. A large part of the problem revolves around an inability to step back and look at the Bible with a new level of understanding, one that takes into account the nuances of the culture of the time and the meaning of the scriptures when read with objective depth.
Ultimately, discussions about LGBT rights will always be ambiguous as a result of different opinions and interpretations. It is therefore important that a central theme of dialogue is to foster understanding and mutual respect, no matter what religious beliefs people have. This can help to improve the environment for more constructive conversations and, we can hope, a central platform of human rights and acceptance on which all can stand.
The Role of Both Church and State on LGBT Rights
An interesting development in the debate around this subject has been the emergence of secular laws that allow same-sex partnerships in countries around the world. Whilst the ruling of the Church is to reject such unions, this, in many cases, is fading as a result of new legislation, suggesting that the State itself is considering a less fundamental interpretation of LGBT rights.
The fact that many countries accept same-sex civil partnerships, if not marriage completely, demonstrates a move away from a conservative Christian view. It has been suggested in the US that the notion of freedom and the separation of Church and State could be a potential platform for debating LGBT rights, however in many places this does not appear to be a tangible solution at present.
The prospects of a unified view on LGBT rights remains a difficult prospect as the combination of varying interpretations of scripture, as well as constantly shifting socio-cultural perspectives, make for a difficult scenario. It is clear that laws and regulations will only ever be effective at a certain level and, with religion remaining so divided, it is unlikely to unify beneath one divine source at any point in the near future.
In light of the resulting complexity, it is against this backdrop that faith-based organisations and communities must come together to gauge the progress they are making and how they can foster greater understanding and acceptance within their communities. In doing so, they can work to build bridges rather than furthering the divide.
