SYNOPSIS

The Bible and Homosexual Practice: An Overview of Some Issues

Robert Gagnon

Using a question and answer format Gagnon’s articles argues that Scripture presents and clear and consistent condemnation of homosexual practice. Gagnon makes his case beginning with the prohibitions in the Old Testament Book of Leviticus and the texts in Paul Letters in the New Testament. Included there is a brief discussion of whether “new knowledge” about homosexuality as an innate condition should necessarily changes matters for the Christian. Gagnon then gives a broader array of texts in the Bible, both implicit and explicit, that show a pervasive and strong condemnation of homosexual practice. In this context he also addresses the apparent silence of Jesus on the issue of same-sex intercourse. Finally, Gagnon suggests why the Bible’s teaching should remain normative and how Christians should respond to the current crisis.