Chapter 6 of this tome contains another clump of verses frequently used by conservatives to rationalize judging homosexuals to be “sinners”.  It states, “Do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the Kingdom of God?  Do not be deceived!  Fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, sodomites, thieves, the greedy, drunkards, revilers, robbers – none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10) … Once again, I can understand why someone biased against homosexuality would feel justified in using these verses to sanctify their condemnatory agenda, AND YET – as is so often the case – a closer examination of the Scriptures reveals quite a different story … Consider:

 

First of all, it is extremely important to note that it is not homosexuals or homosexual couples or even homosexual desires that are condemned in this passage, but rather arsenokoites – a Greek word (translated as “sodomites” in some texts – and incorrectly as “homosexuals” in others) that literally means “a male who is engaging in same-gender sexual activity” (see Strong’s #733) … As such, once again, we have a verse that does not apply whatsoever to homosexuals who are not actively engaged in gay sex, and thus one that does not apply at all to the original image of Oliver Clyde Allen and his husband that started this conversation – and thus one that cannot be used to rationalize not going to hear Oliver preach the Word of God on Sundays!

 

Secondly, these two verses have Paul listing quite a few other equally “wicked” sins* that also keep those committing them from entering the Kingdom of God – among them adultery, greed, drunkenness, slander & swindling.  Especially in light of Jesus redefinition of adultery to include all those who even so much as fantasize about sleeping with someone other than their husband or wife (see Matthew 5:27-28), these other transgressions are far more common and indeed far more insidious than homosexual sex is or will ever be.  And as such, it is a clear expression of bigotry – and for most, a clear expression of hypocrisy as well – to focus solely on the latter one at the exclusion of the former many!

 

(*Please refer also to 1 Corinthians 6:13-18 – where Paul focuses not on gay sex or homosexuality at all, but rather condemns all forms of fornication as the sin that all of us should first & foremost avoid.  In addition, Galatians 5:19-21 has Paul blasting the sins of hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy – many of which are committed by conservative Christians every time they condemn homosexuals!)

 

“Do not judge, so that you may not be judged … Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own? … You hypocrite! First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly enough to remove the speck from your neighbor’s … You hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup [of others], but inside are full of greed and self-indulgence … First clean the inside of your own cup, so that the outside may also then become truly clean … Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this young child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.” ~ Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:1-2 + Matthew 23:25-26 + Matthew18:3-4)

 

Thirdly – and for this thread most importantly, while 1 Corinthians 6:9–10 does include “sodomites” in a list of those who will not have a part in God’s Kingdom, verse 11 goes on to say, “Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.”  And this verse is very important for the following reason: this thread is not about gays in general, but is specifically about two Christian homosexuals (one of them an ordained minister, no less).  As such, according to this very verse, Bishop Allen has already been appropriately “washed”, “sanctified” and “justified” – and this, even according to your highly conservative interpretation of the Scriptures!  For this reason alone, Lucy, you should be able to humble yourself and go listen to him preach.

 

 

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples:  that you show Love towards one another … My Father is glorified by this: that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.” ~ Jesus Christ (John 13:35 + John 15:8)

Filed under: Burnishing Bigotry by Scaughdt