by contributing writer Seana Maloney 3-17-2010

     

Leviticus 18:22 seems to be the key verse that is used to condemn gays and lesbians to the eternal fiery pits of hell by anyone who opposes homosexuality. It still amazes me that this verse is different depending on which translation is used.  The King James Version of this verse states, “Thou shall not lie with mankind as with womankind: it is an abomination.”  

At face value it would seem that only men can not engage in homosexual activity. Then we have the New International Version:  “Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable.”  Again, it’s a 'no-no' for you men out there! There are many different translations, but I present to you the New Living Translation:  “Do not practice homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman. It is a detestable sin.”

So far in my research that is one of the few versions that actually uses the word “homosexual”, odd since the word didn’t even exist until the 19th century. I would have to say my favorite version is from the New International Reader’s Version, “Do not have sex with a man as you would have sex with a woman. I hate that.” I have to admit it cracked me up.  It seems as though it was more of a pet peeve than actual moral sin. Like my partner telling me to not spit on the side walk because she hates that. Again, seems like only men are forbidden, but this has somehow been used to cover all Homosexuality.

   
                          Carrie Prejean

Carrie Prejean, author, model, and former Miss California, has been PRAISED for her outspoken view against Homosexuality! Seems Christians ignored the fact she was wearing this skimpy, yummy…I mean, flesh revealing bikini when First Timothy 2:9, states, "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel." An example of condemning others but not following your Christian principles? How dare this outspoken Christian woman cause me, or I mean someone, to stumble into LUST!

I could go into the same argument that is always used by saying it’s not fair to knit pick this verse when Leviticus is filled with different laws set forth for ancient Hebrew people that are not obeyed by present day Christians.  I realize that Jesus abolished the ancient laws when he died on the cross, but what I don’t understand is why he abolished all the laws except for that one verse and who decided that’s the only verse he didn’t abolish? There are many Rabbi’s who do not feel that this applies to modern day homosexuality. We seem to forget that many of the laws were written to keep the practice of Judaism holy within the Temple.  

Rabbi Gershon Caudill’s view on this verse was not meant for monogamous, consensual homosexual relationships, but a law to keep the Hebrew people from practicing same-sex activities that were often done as rituals in pagan temples.  Leviticus 18:3 tells them that they will not act like those of the Egyptians and the Caananites.  Rabbi Arthur Waskow wrote an article in the Washington Post not condemning same-sex marriage, but that ancient laws do not even apply or seem logical in this day and age. But I doubt these Rabbi’s interpretation would even count or even be recognized by modern day Christianity.  

I really could write forever on this subject and delve into so many different theories as to what and whom and why this verse is there. Sex is a sacred and beautiful practice, even in the Bible’s Old Testament. And it’s not limited to the “holy” confines of marriage. They yell it “goes against nature” but when animals are seen having same-sex encounters we are told we are not animals. So really it doesn’t seem like the debate will ever end unless God him/herself comes down and tells them. But I doubt that will happen given that they have formed their god to fit their own reality and biases. Since when do we use the Bible for our own propaganda and not truly follow Christ’s teachings? Oh, wait since the beginning of organized religion.

   

I encourage everyone to research and study for themselves and come to your own conclusion.  That’s why we were given the gift of logic and reason. Sex, like life, is dynamic and ever changing!

Reference Books: 'The Big Picture: A Cure for Homophobia' by Chris Masterson and 'Christianity, Social Tolerance and Homosexuality' by John Boswell