But what if theyre gay or worship other gods

Mainline Christian denominations in this country are bitterly divided over the question of homosexuality. One of the most controversial topics within Christian circles today is the idea of a “gay Christian.” Some argue that as long as a person remains celibate, it is acceptable to embrace that.

Fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, sodomites, thieves, the greedy, drunkards, revilers, robbers—none of these will inherit the kingdom of God. Sometimes it did, but certainly not always. But even if malakoi and arsenokoitai are somehow linked in meaning, it is not at all clear just how arsenokoitai should be translated.

In any case, neither of the catalogues—1 Corinthians —10 or 1 Timothy —11—singles out homosexual activity for any special attention. Throughout the Bible, God shares clear messages about the act of worship and who deserves it. This means that, so far as we know, Jesus never spoke about homosexuality, and we simply have no way of determining what his attitude toward it might have been.

Father rapers! Moreover, there is nothing about homosexuality in the Book of Acts, in Hebrews, in Revelation, or in the letters attributed to James, Peter, John, and Jude. One of the most inspiring aspects of deity worship is that they run the gamut of genders and identities and fit perfectly into those areas of life we wish to change—from love and career to.

It is only in Romans —27, 1 Corinthians —10, and 1 Timothy —11 that there may be references to homosexuality. They just list, in miscellaneous fashion, various types of behaviors that are regarded as unacceptable. For this reason it is important to ask what light, if any, the New Testament sheds on this controversial issue.

The six propositions that follow, considered cumulatively, lead to the conclusion that the New Testament does not provide any direct guidance for understanding and making judgments about homosexuality in the modern world. This, however, is by no means necessarily the case.

But we cannot be at all certain that malakoi refers to homosexuality in First Corinthians People have assumed that malakoi does refer to homosexuality in 1 Corinthians primarily because the next term in the list is arsenokoitai defined below —the assumption being, of course, that the two words are somehow linked in meaning because they appear side by side in the list.

Do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived! Numerous other examples could be cited, but I want to mention one that is closer to the topic under consideration. Though generally viewed as highly pejorative, it is sometimes used in a more-or-less neutral sense or even, in some circles, as a term of admiration or perhaps affection.

In fact, the word normally does not refer to sexual activity at all. Proposition 2: At most, there are only three passages in the entire New Testament that refer to what we today would call homosexual activity. Annual subscription to six issues of The Fourth R is included in Westar membership.

This article explores the concept of having other gods through a biblical lens, drawing from a range of passages to understand what it means, why it is cautioned against, and its implications for modern believers. Further, homosexuality is not mentioned in ten of the thirteen letters attributed to Paul.

Many stories and teachings explain that worship should be focused on Him alone. But Dale B. Martin has pointed out that the meaning of a compound word cannot necessarily be determined by breaking it apart, looking at the meaning of each of its parts, and then simply combining these meanings to determine the meaning of the compound word.

There was mother rapers. In ancient times, people often turned to other gods, leading to problems and struggles for their communities. Most people apparently assume that the New Testament expresses strong opposition to homosexuality, but this simply is not the case. The point is, however, that its original sexual meaning is often not apparent in its actual usage.

None of the four gospels mentions the subject. Proposition 1: Strictly speaking, the New Testament says nothing at all about homosexuality. This means that the New Testament writers may not actually have composed the lists in 1 Corinthians —10 and 1 Timothy — These may simply be conventional lists, taken and adapted from earlier documents and used here for rhetorical purposes.

First published in , The Fourth R shares the latest thinking from religion scholars and writers—in non-technical language aimed at a general audience.