The topic of homosexual acts and their prohibition is addressed in several passages within the Bible, reflecting the moral and ethical standards as understood in the Judeo-Christian tradition. These passages have been the subject of extensive theological discussion and interpretation throughout history.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament provides some of the earliest references to the prohibition of homosexual acts. In the book of Leviticus, the Mosaic Law explicitly addresses this issue. Leviticus 18:22 states, "You must not lie with a man as with a woman; that is an abomination." This verse is part of a broader section of Leviticus that outlines various sexual prohibitions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining purity and holiness among the Israelites.

Further reinforcing this prohibition, Leviticus 20:13 declares, "If a man lies with a man as with a woman, they have both committed an abomination. They must surely be put to death; their blood is upon them." This passage underscores the severity with which such acts were viewed within the context of ancient Israelite society.

New Testament References

The New Testament continues to address the issue of homosexual acts, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. In Romans 1:26-27 , Paul discusses the consequences of turning away from God, stating, "For this reason God gave them over to dishonorable passions. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. Likewise, the men abandoned natural relations with women and burned with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error."

Additionally, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 includes homosexual acts in a list of behaviors that are deemed unrighteous: "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God."

In 1 Timothy 1:9-10 , Paul reiterates the law's purpose in addressing sinful behavior, including homosexual acts: "We realize that the law is not enacted for the righteous, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and profane, for killers of father or mother, for murderers, for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave traders, for liars, and for perjurers, and for anyone else who is averse to sound teaching."

Theological and Ethical Considerations

The prohibition of homosexual acts in the Bible is often interpreted within the broader context of biblical teachings on sexuality, marriage, and the created order. The biblical model of marriage, as described in Genesis 2:24 , is the union of one man and one woman: "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This foundational understanding of marriage and sexual relations informs the biblical stance on homosexual acts.

Throughout history, these passages have been interpreted by many within the Christian tradition as affirming the belief that homosexual acts are contrary to God's design and purpose for human sexuality. This perspective is often rooted in the belief that the Bible provides a timeless moral standard that transcends cultural and historical contexts.