An Analysis of 'The Church and Human Sexuality: A Lutheran Perspective

An Analysis of 'The Church and Human Sexuality: A Lutheran Perspective - First Draft'

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4-12-97

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Disowning a relative or friend because of their sexual orientation is morally unacceptable

This is an example of intolerance of intolerance. The writers are tolerant of anyone else's actions, unless they say what things are right and what are wrong. Homosexuality is not being judged as morally wrong, just those that oppose homosexuality. The writers are very judgmental against those who judge. Maybe WE were just made that way by nature (like the case they try to make for the homosexual).

1 Cor 5:9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: 10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. 11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. 12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?

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Genesis 19 and the related story in Judges 19 are often cited as a condemnation of homosexual practice. The uncontrolled lust and violent gang rape of the men of those cities are clearly abhorrent, but they can not be morally equated with homosexual activity in a mutual, committed relationship. When prophets refer to this story, they do not associate the sin here with homosexuality (Isa. 1:10-17; 3:9; Eze. 16:49. The association with sexual immorality does not appear to have been made until the New Testament (Jude 7; II Peter 2:6).

So what's wrong with Jude and Peter? This point contradicts the main premise of the paper that we are under the age of grace. In the old covenant the rules should have been much harder then in the new.

The act that the men of Sodom and Gomorrah wanted to do to the angels is the same act that homosexuals commit routinely. Certainly, a difference does exist in that one was attempted against the will, and the other was without consent. The act is still evil with or without consent.

Gen 19:5 And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where [are] the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them. 6 And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him, 7 And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.

The stories of Genesis 19 and Judges are not related stories. There is a motivation for the writers to equate the two, but they are totally unrelated incidents.