The standard biblical case against homosexuality is based on a collection of verses which some people call the “Clobber Passages.” These verses and passages are found mainly in Leviticus and Romans, and in Paul’s famous “sin lists.”
I’ve heard and read some of these refutations of the Clobber Passages, but I’ve never felt completely satisfied with them. During the past several years I have come to realize that the Bible itself proves that the way many of these passages are used by anti-homosexual Christians is actually a misuse and a twisting of the Bible on behalf of their anti-gay crusade.
In the weeks and months to come I will be blogging about the deficiencies, and in places the outright twisted falsehood, of the standard anti-homosexual case.
You will discover that:
- Some passages are used in ways that actually indict the motives and credibility of the people who invoke them, and not their targets
- Some passages are interpreted impressionistically, like a Rorschach Inkblot test
- Some verses are used illegitimately as evidence–verses that the Bible itself says no longer apply to us
- Some passages are used in a way that is exactly opposite of the intended purpose, the purpose stated in the passage itself
I do not simply ignore parts of the Bible that I don’t like it. I do, however, compare scripture with scripture.
As Paul wrote to the Christians in Thessalonica, “Test everything; hold fast what is good.”
The Bible verses used by anti-homosexual Christians sound so slam-dunk convincing that some people feel compelled to ignore the Bible on this topic. That is understandable, since:
“The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.” (Proverbs 18:17)
I will be doing precisely that, however—examining the case presented by anti-homosexual Christians, and demonstrating that it is not nearly as air-tight as it seems.
I have come to realize that if a person refuses to consider interpretations of the “slam dunk” passages other than the incorrect, homophobic interpretations, it proves that their homophobia has nothing to do with their “faith”.
Looking forward to reading your posts Ron. I found some interesting discussion and ideas at the Hope Remains site: http://hoperemains.webs.com/
I wonder sometimes – in an alternative universe where the dozen or so apparently anti-gay verses simply weren’t there – how many so-called Christians of our universe would have no interest at all in the Bible? I think for a good many people, an anti-gay statement is necessary in order to get them interested in any religion.
I think many would move to a completely different religion and theology if they didn’t find justification for their antipathy toward gay people. Homophobia *is* their religion.
Thanks for telling us how to keep getting your columns, which are always great.
I look forward to your thinking on this issue, Ron.
I’ve always heard the term as “clobber passages,” not that that matters.
You’re right, John, “Clobber Passages” is the more common name, and I’ve taken up your suggestion.
Thanks.
Recently Jesus cleared up this misinterpretation situation using a verse/truth I had not yet considered. Jesus defines ALL sin as lack of love (Mt.22:36-40). So what is unloving about a homosexual relationship? Who is unloved, hurt and ready to file suit? So far no Christian (?) homophobic blog has answered these questions. Another root-truth is that the word “homosexual” was coined about 1860 so any use of that word (Paul’s letters) should be held suspect. What exactly was he writing about? And thanks for your initial blog. Looking forward to other inspirations.
Well first of all,most people don’t know how Homosexuality started.The Lucifarians (Satan Worshipers) were the first to start cross-dressing and having Homosexual Intercourse.God wouldn’t support somthing that Satan himself invented.Secound,Homosexuality goes against Nature.If we were ment to be Homosexual,we wouldn’t have different genders.There is a reason that ONLY Male and Female together can create Life.Third,Homosexuality is becoming more and more protected,and more and more people are becoming homosexual.Homosexuality is harming the earths popukation and when an innocent child is raised by a Homosexual couple,it’s harming that child.A child cannot propperly develop morals with two of the same sex raising them.So over all,Homosexuality is Against God’s Law,Against Nature’s Law and Harming both the Population and Young Children.
Kagome, elsewhere you wrote that “This world is full of hate.” You are right, and I think you’ve been reading or hearing some of that hate about gay and lesbian people. You need to be careful what you repeat.
You also wrote, “I tend to be a bit cut off and in ‘My Own Little World.’” As you grow older, and meet more people, you will get to know gay and lesbian people who are not what you think. I hope you will learn to love all people the way God loves them. My son is gay, and he will make a wonderful dad someday.
In your quest to “truly trying to find peace within” yourself, I wish you well. I know you are sincere. God bless you.
thank you for taking on such an important endeavour. i often get into debates regarding the Biblical stance on homosexuality and am shocked to find that the people using the Bible against me are less knowledgeable of the content and context than i am, though they call me godless and a heathen. i peronally think that Jesus would hang with the homos, being the rebellious soul that he was.
peace be with you,
Liesl
Look God spoke the man who lays, lies with mankind like woman shall die. Saying it is confusion.. No life comes out of two males dry humping one another it’s not procreation. You took what is still Holy and have polluted it and God spoke forbidding any of us whether in the beginning or now or as time goes on to profane his holy name. These are right steps right paths follow them and obey. Now because you’ve ruined yourselves over curiousity how so say you? Even if you turned away and forsook this your folly. The error of your own ways would judge and condemn you. How so say you? You’ve laid with men then to turn and go back to a woman and procreate would be on your mind. The disgrace and shame you’ve poured down on your on seedling would be to much. You would know and understand you’re worthless as a man. So you covet other peoples seedling to corupt them to excuse and justify yourselves. You are as paul himself spoke about a wretched man in rome.
The messenger of death is upon you I have come to warn you God is about to destroy you all around you’ll soon see. Saying and forbidding going up and down like a talebearer and bribing judges with money and gifts. When God spoke don’t do it for the gift even blindeth the eyes of the righteous! If it corrupts even the holy how much more the wicked ones! Get ready to meet God wo will take his name out your mouth and kill you wicked demons wait and see. Your unholy exaggerating same in everyway you’ve offended God you’ll see. Misrepresenting God’s bow which forbids him from pouring judgement down on you all like he did in Noah’s time watch and see. It is a pitiful verdict the wages of sin is death. I was moved here slowly by him to denounce you wicked gainsaying sinners you’ll see why watch and see. It’s painful to even have to say this to you. You all are about to die. You’ve turned around knowledge and put it against itself for shekels and as Judas your all about to burst asunder wait and see. Who also walked with the Lord and showed affection by a kiss to point him out. And brought damnation upon him. Who took issue with Yahshua on account of the woman pouring on him a costly fragance. Come see open up your eyes and behold what’s standing before you you’ll see
“How many legs does a jackass have if you call its tail a leg?”
As I read the posts above, it seems that some people only SAY “Lord, Lord.” If the measure of a person’s faith is love, then … “being right” (and damning others for actually THINKING) doesn’t quite meet the measure of “but he that DOES the will of the Father,” does it? Yeah, a jackass has only 4 legs (even if it can spout chapter-and-verse affirming otherwise). Callin’ a tail a leg (or a person a “good Christian”) don’t ‘zactly make it one! Pronouncin’ curses and sendin’ she-bears to maul little boys–well, let’s just say that “Elijah-izing” doesn’t make many folks want to join that religion!
Amen to that, brother.
You sound like you might be a preacher. My wife is from Florida, and every once every year or so she utters some regionalism I’ve never heard before. It’s always quite fascinating.