Why is it wrong to be gay?

Gay Ickiness

Dante and Virgil meet the Sodomites. From Dante’s “Divina Commedia”, Cantica del Inferno. Ms.597/1424,folio 113.Italian,first half 14th.

If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall beupon them. Leviticus 20:13

The bible is fairly explicit about homosexuality being wrong. Christians might debate the details – whether it’s wrong now and to what extent. Recent changes to marriage laws around the world have troubled many Christian groups. Fire and brimstone Christians see homosexuality as the work of the devil. Liberal Christians may water down the message and talk about tolerance and “Loving the sinner, but not the sin”. But hopefully we can agree that the majority of Christians see homosexuality in a negative light.

The various reasons Christians give for their stance against gay people are often biblically based or revolve around maintaining the sanctity of traditional marriage between a man and a woman, perhaps for the production of children. Another reason might be that gay people are not married, so gay sex is sin in the same way as any extra-martial sex is a sin.

But I’d like to understand exactly where the problem lies. If two gay people live together but are celibate – they love each other, but don’t have any sexual contact – would that be sinful? If two gay people devote their lives to each other, but only show light physical affection – cuddling, kissing – is that wrong? Where on the continuum does it become wrong in God’s sight. What is the trigger that moves it over into sin?

For me – it’s fairly simple – if two people are of age, love each other and aren’t hurting anyone, I don’t see a problem with any relationship. I can also alter my views at a later date if I change my mind.

I could envision a secular reason to be against homosexual relationships – perhaps someone could argue that society works best with male/female relationships, that our biology dictates both genders. Hopefully they would back it up with evidence and a debate could be had. But Christians don’t seem to have reasons for their stance.

It often feels that negativity towards homosexuals and gay sex in particular is rooted in a disgust of the body parts involved – of unnatural biology. Rather than any real theology behind the view.

I’d love to heard from Christians about their reasons. Please get in touch – mail@fizzingatoms.com