Scott Tibbs
blog post
June 28th, 2004
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On one message board I frequent, it was brought up that Jesus is not recorded as saying anything about homosexuality. This, of course, must mean that Jesus did not disapprove of homosexuality.
This is a very weak argument. The Bible condemns homosexuality in many places in both the Old and New testaments. If Jesus believed homosexuality was not a sin, He would have said so, and His followers (specifically the Apostle Paul) would not have preached against it. Given Scripture's clear condemnation of homosexuality, the only logical conclusion to draw from Jesus' silence on the matter is agreement with OT condemnation of homosexuality.
In addressing the Apostle Paul's condemnation of homosexuality versus the lack of recorded teachings on the matter by Jesus, I was asked: "Are you a Paulian or are you a Christian?" The answer, of course, is that Paul was a follower of Christ and met Him on the road to Damascus.
More importantly, though, is II Timothy 3:16, which states: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"
The people who attempt to argue that Jesus had no objection to homosexuality are ultimately trying to pick and choose what they want to keep from Scripture and put away what they don't.
Update: July 30, 2004
I find it both amusing and sad that a "reverend" would dismiss scripture (the inspired Word of God) by saying Paul was "ignorant" of the nature of homosexuality. Explain away what you can, but when faced with something you can't spin, ignore it. Pick and choose, pick and choose.
As RW explained, Old Testament law gave us ceremonial, civil and moral law. The first two were for the nation of Israel and part of the Covenant with the Jews. That Covenant expired when Jesus went to the cross. Paul's condemnation of homosexuality makes it clear that it was not in the ceremonial or civil class.
Wink, in mentioning that OT law allowed for divorce, ignores Jesus' statement in Matthew 19:8 that "He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.".
Furthermore, the weakness of many Christians in not following Jesus teaching on divorce does not mean homosexuality is suddenly approved by the Bible.