What kind of exposure did Jesus have to homosexuality?
413015
I just know of this one guy, one of those who followed him that either he loved a lot or was loved by him a lot. and he asked a guy three times: do you love me?\n\nI dunno if any of that is related to homosexuality...\n\nI just know that he is supposed to have done many other things than what's written in the bible, and that there is a statement somewhere that the law is saint, just and good, so I think that if he was exposed to a homosexual, he would have probably said "I forgive you. go and don't sin anymore"
568967
What does religion and homosexuality have to do with anything?\n\nYou can be gay and still be spiritual, just the same as a straight person can be spiritual.
1131014
what i find more interesting, is that in the religion questions, everyone is hyper-focused on homosexuality.  like that is the only sin being committed right now.  and like i'm gonna be punished for things that you do.  i'm thinking of doing some research on this.  why has homosexuality become the major focus in religious circles?
502346
I'm a Christian and I am not "opposed to gay people". But when you tell me these two things then I have to respond in what I hope is a compassionate manner.\n\n"The discovery that some of us are created and/or shaped in our earliest infancy toward same-gender attraction was made in the last 150 years."\n\nThat may or may not be true although for the sake of discussion let's say that it is. Many people have a tendency towards a particular form of behavior. When they get old enough to make mature decisions they have to decide whether that behavior is beneficial or not and since we are talking about God, whether that behavior is in His will for their life or not.\n\nSome people seem to be born with a terrible temper and are prone to violent behavior. They either end up controling their urges or they reap the consequences of giving in to them. It could be a struggle that they have for their entire life and one that they cannot always win. Hopefully they don't commit murder or just give up and make themselves a menace to those with whom they come into contact.\n\nJust because homosexuality isn't exactly the same doesn't mean that there are not legitimate parallels. Someone who finds themself attracted to members of the same sex still makes a choice about how they are going to deal with that emotion just like someone who is prone to anger.\n\nWhen you talk about not bringing up the "Adam and Steve" argument I have to go outside of the guidlines you want to impose on this discussion. It is apparent from the command God gave to Adam and Eve to go forth and multiply that He created men to have sex with women for the purpose of procreation. God also made sex an enjoyable encounter between two people as an added bonus. So where does that leave today's "Adam" if he is not attracted to any of the "Eves" in this world but instead finds himself attracted to the "Steves" around him?\n\nThe book of Corinthians provides at least one answer to that question and Jesus spoke of another for those who were able to receive it.\n\n1 Corinthians 6:9  Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,  (10)  nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.  (11)  And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.  (12)  "All things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be enslaved by anything.  (13)  "Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food"--and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.\n\nIn this passage the Apostle Paul is speaking to relatively new believers who have been born again by the Holy Spirit. He talks about how some of them USED to be things like drunkards and men who practice homosexuality.\n\nWhen I came to Christ at age 43 I had been a drunkard for many years and had developed a chemical addiction to alcohol. I haven't had a drink since a short time before becoming a Christian but it was a real struggle for me until I was born again. That doesn't mean that I'm never tempted to drink or that I've lost the desire to have a cold beer on a hot day but it does mean that now I have supernatural assistance to overcome my struggle.\n\nI don't go around telling people about how Jesus made wine for the guests at a wedding and how I would be justified in drinking since it's not illegal and doesn't hurt anyone else. Instead I know that it's not in God's will for my life to drink alcohol and so I consistently make the choice every day of my life
617726
We can not really tell! Although in ancient Greece bisexuality was acceptable (homosexuality was not!) we do not have any reference that he was sexually involved with a man. We have only references about his long lasting friendship with Hephaistion and others
551164
Some people (primarily biblical literalists and/or purveyors of hate speech) claim that the Bible does condemn homosexuality, citing the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, the Levitical law statements about "a man lying with another man as he lies with a woman is an abomination", and St. Paul's condemnations of homosexuals. But what exactly is an "abomination"? Let's consider the information at this site: http://glow.cc/isa/whatisan.htm\n\nIf we look at each of these biblical citations closely, we see that Sodom and Gomorrah were not destroyed for homosexuality, they were destroyed for what was a far more serious sin at that time -- the sin of inhospitality. They treated guests very rudely, even assaulting and abusing them. At that time in history, this was one of the most serious sins one could commit. Consider this: http://www.torahquest.org/show_commentary.php?cid=12&regid=14\n\nIn looking at the Levitical prohibitions, we can turn to the greatest expert on the Old Testament, a Jewish philosopher named Maimonides, who wrote most of the Tanach (which is a more detailed explanation of the Torah, or Jewish version of the Old Testament). Maimonides wrote, in his "Guide to the Perplexed" that this prohibition was not against homosexuality, it was actually a prohibition against man's unbridled lust, and against the Cananite practice of that time of using teenage boys as prostitutes for their pagan temples. Also, looking at this practically, it's anatomically impossible for a "man to lie with a man as he does with a woman" (hello, some parts, well one part, is missing!) In those times, "back door" sex was forbidden, so that cannot be what this was referring to.\n\nAs to St. Paul's condemnations of homosexuality, it is worth noting that St. Paul had major hangups with almost any kind of sex, that he himself never married (highly unusual for a Jewish male at that time) and that he was teaching things that Jesus never said. http://www.beliefnet.com/story/142/story_14299_1.html\n\nChristians, by definition, are followers of Christ. Therefore, the first place Christians should look for proper teachings is in the Gospels, where Christ taught us what He expect from us. What exactly did Christ say in condemnation of homosexuals? Not a single word. Nothing, nada, zip, zero. So when it comes to a choice of who to believe when teachings conflict, St. Paul or Christ, IMO we should always go with Christ. Scientists have now proven, through multiple studies, that some homosexuals are genetically predisposed towards this. In other words, they are born that way. Others make a lifestyle choice. This brings up two very important points. God doesn't make mistakes, so the homosexuals who were born that way are not a mistake. Secondly, just "being" homosexual is not, in any way, a sin, no matter how the person got there. Even if we were to believe everything that biblical literalists believe, and all the so-called biblical condemnations about homosexuality, it must be noted that the condemnations are against sexual acts, they are not against just "being" a homosexual. So at worst, a homosexual sex act is the sin of fornication, which I daresay is an equal opportunity sin, and that many more heterosexuals commit this sin than homosexuals (if for no other reason than heterosexuals vastly outnumber homosexuals.)\n\nGod loves all of his children, and He expects us to love each other. Christ preached inclusion, not exclusion. Be patient with those who condemn homosexuals. Sooner or later they will come to their senses and realize that they are wrong. Literalists used to support slavery and thought the world would end when women got the right to vote, but they were proven wrong there, too. And perhaps even offer some pity for those who hate homosexuals, because if we can assume that a recent study was right, the most virulent anti-homosexuals are nothing more than
124415
When Jesus died,it was a sad event,but there were people who went through alot more suffering than he did.Can you imagined being inslaved all your life?Can you imagin being experimented on?Can you imagin being burned to death?All through centries,people have suffered terribly.What makes Jesus so special?He wasn't the only person who was tortured and cruxified.Some believe that he never sinned and that he died for our sins,but I disagree.Jesus was only human,not a god.Of course he sinned according to society's standards.Lust is a sin.You mean to tell me that he never looked at a beautiful woman in awe.I doubt it.Jesus was a man with testosterone hormons.I highly doubt that he wasn't attracted to woman at all.\n\nJesus was only a man.\n\n\nNow to answer your second question.Jews and Romans were responsible for his death.Not Jews and Romans of today though.I don't understand why people blame Jews and Romans of today for the murder of Jesus.They have nothing to do with it.just like the white people of today havenothing to do with Africans being inslaved and abused.
474638
Well I am Christian and also bisexual, I dont hate gays straights bis or whatever. I do believe the Bible shows homosexuality as a sin but I also realise there are 613 other sins and no one can live sinlessly. So, I just get on day by day, dont let either ruin my life or the lives of others.
1002716
Actually, homosexuals are the ones that Jesus would have dined with. Not only would they throw better parties, but as they are currently second class citizens, those are the ones who would be with.\n\nJesus would have loved them, as he loves all people.  He would have been a lot more Christ-like than any of his current followers.  The thing that many people forget is Matthew 7 where Jesus says do not judge, lest you be judged as you have judged others.  Telling people that they way they feel is wrong and needs cleansing is in every way judging them.\n\nThose people who say it is a sin and to hate the sin, not the sinner, clearly know no gay people.  The problem with that theory, is it isn't a choice.  _Real_ gay people don't wake up one morning suddenly deciding that they're going to be gay any more than straight people wake up and make the conscience decision to be attracted to the opposite sex.  And anyone who says otherwise is a liar, though I'm not judging them for it.\n\nSo, to answer your question, Jesus would have treated them better than the current followers and many of the people answering this question would have done!!
1187382
i'm sure there are equivalents in many animist and ancient cultures, but i'm mostly aware of the concept of "two-spirit" people in the Native American tradition: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berdache\n\nprejudice against homosexuals is a fairly new phenomenon in general, dating to about the 1100s in Christian society. before that, if they weren't exactly considered "holy," there were certainly a fair amount of christian priests and bishops who were gay, and who wrote poems and songs about it that were excised from the tradition during the time of the Inquisition. read John Boswell for more information.
111756
As a christian, I have a distaste for homosexuality, but that does not mean that I should hate you. Jesus loves everyone, even those who do not follow in his path. I don't take homophobia as a bad thing, in a society the majority will naturally be heterosexual, making homosexuality a deviancy. It's just natural for a civilization to be wary of that.\nBut going back to your beliefs that the christians "hide" behind the bible, we don't. The bible defines our beliefs and therefore we must follow them to the best of our abilities. That includes disapproval of homosexuality. I'm sorry that you've been burdoned with this, just know that Jesus' love really is unconditional.
806793
When I was still a ministering among the misbelievers I frequently noted how often demonstrative revulsion toward a particular "sin" was how a person masked their fascination and obsession with it. Someone who vehemently railed against "fornication" was either fornicating at every opportunity,  were waiting for the opportunity to fornicate, or were actively trying to create scenarios ("making provisions for the flesh") in which they could engage in fornication and delude themselves and/or others they'd simply been caught in a weak moment. It never seemed that those who had relatively healthy sex lives had any interest in or concern over someone's else's sex life and whether or ot it was perverse. And while they'd acknowledge that "the Bibles says homosexuality is a sin", no married couple with a healthy sexual relationship ever seemed to think gay marriage actually threatened their own marriage in any way. More often than not deep, prayerful and continuous  concern about sexual sin in the world was something that manifested pretty exclusively in those whose sex lives were unsatisfactory in some way.
451259
Lots of questions!!!  \nAccording to the BIBLE... it is not okay to say that God hates homosexuals.  because God does not hate them, He is against what they do...homosexuality. Actually they are going against God... here is the proof... Romans chapter 1.\n1 "Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,\n2  (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)\n3  Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;\n4  And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:\n5  By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:\n6  Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:\n7  To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.\n8 ¶  First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.\n9  For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;\n10  Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.\n11  For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;\n12  That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.\n13  Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,)that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.\n14  I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.\n15  So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.\n16 ¶  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.\n17  For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.\n18  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;\n19 ¶  Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.\n20  For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:\n21  Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.\n22  Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,\n23  And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.\n24  Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:\n25  Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.\n26  For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:\n27  And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.\n28  And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;\n29  Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malig
654198
I don't know, no one has come forward and announced he or she was gay. They would be welcomed in our church, but the church would hope the individual would change their lifestyle, since it is against the bible.
746174
Jesus never involved himself in the political landscape. He was more concerned with the spiritual.
55086
It was interesting hearing what you had to say because I'm currently taking a Biblical Ethics class, and I have decided to do my research paper on the Homosexual issue.  I will know better how to answer your question after the research, but for now, I'll just express my opinions.\n\nNot all religions view homosexuality the same way, and not even all Christians view it the same way.  It seems clear to me that the Bible clearly condemns male homosexual relations.  (Female homosexual relations are not mentioned at all in the Old Testament, but it was written by men, and mostly for male readers, so perhaps it is implied).\n\nThe Bible however did not come down from God in the way that traditionalists think.  It was written by different people in different times and places, and the different voices therein conflict.  So what we have in the Bible are different views of various people, and it is quite clear that some of those people were homophobic.  They called homosexual relations "an abomination before the Lord."  These people were just expressing their gut reaction to gays.  They were intolerant, they did not understand the phenomenon, and so they basically just said, "Yuck," and didn't think about it anymore.  They just assumed it was bad and evil.\n\nOf course, most Christians do not realize that the Bible is the word of men and not God.  They were raised to believe that it is the Word of God, usually by honest, good parents who do not otherwise lie.  Therefore they believe their parents.  Why wouldn't they?  Their parents seemed to be right about other things.  So they never come to realize that well-meaning people can be totally incorrect and they perpetuate the teaching that the Bible is the Word of God.  \n\nNow these people, in their heart of hearts, often have compassion for gay people and have a tendency towards tolerance for them.  However, the people are trained to NOT listen to their hearts!  They think their hearts are wrong, and go against their own consciences to follow the Bible.  They justify this by saying, "God knows better than me."  \n\nMy mom is just such a person.  I can tell that in her heart, she would like to be tolerant of LBGT people.  But she can't let go of her belief in the Bible.  So she just can't let herself live according to her own conscience on this matter.  It is a very complicated issue.  My mom is not stupid or heartless.  She has her reasons for believing in the Bible.  It is not as simple as saying, "People who believe in the Bible are just idiots."\n\nI am not a Christian, but I am a very religious person.  I support LBGT rights.  I would like to just point out these 2 things:  that not all religious people are anti-gay.  And that not everything about religion is BS.  True, there is BS in religions, but not everything in a religion is BS.  Our job as religious people is to be discerning about that.  We must be willing to let go of a religious belief if it is proven false.  We must not be attached to our religion.  Religion is merely a means to a goal, and too many of us won't let go of the religion to get to the goal!  \n\nBut there are certain religious practices that are very good.  Daily affirmations of what is good in life, time spent daily working on how to improve compassion within yourself, reading of certain Scriptures which teach wisdom and love, devotion and humility before other humans and God (for those who believe in God) -- these are all beneficial to someone (and the people around him/her).
643125
You obviously never heard the stories of Jesus accepting sinners, lepers and pagans when Jews of his time shunned and out casted these people.  Do you bash Christianity because it teaches that being gay is wrong or are you just not knowledgeable about Christianity?  It sounds like you're bashing Christians.