Who said homosexuality is a sin?

Answer 1

The Bible never says that "being gay" is a sin, in the sense of simply being attracted to the same sex; however, Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 both say that sex between two men is a "toeva" (usually mistranslated as "abomination," with the general meaning "something gravely forbidden"). However this verse can be interpreted a number of different ways, and there are many Christian and Jewish denominations that view it as a prohibition against same-sex rape, and not a prohibition of an expression of love.

In the New Testament Corinthians 1 6:9-10 lists homosexuals among other kinds of sexual sinners, and Paul describes God "giving [men and women] up to passions of dishonor" by allowing them to undergo homosexual acts (Romans 1:26-27) [all of which are mistranslations of the Greek text].

Answer 2

Christian Answer

In the Christian tradition, the root text is Leviticus 18:22: "Do not lie with a male as one lies with a woman; it is an abhorrence." There is some debate about the exact meaning of the Hebrew word here translated as "abhorrence." Subsequent texts in the New Testament refer to "unnatural lusts." These texts almost certainly refer to sexual acts common among the Romans, including homosexual acts. These references are, of course, much less common than those urging humility, care for the stranger, the widow and the orphan, and versions of the "Golden Rule."

There is substantial debate within religious communities as to the exact meaning and relative importance of these texts.

It should be noted that no Biblical text makes being a homosexual a sin.

Jewish Answer

In Jewish tradition, the interpretation of Leviticus 18:22 is not so clear-cut as it is in Christianity. It has many facets and is viewed differently by different people. ALL branches of Judaism (except the Orthodox branch) reject the notion that homosexuality is a sin. And even within the Orthodox branch, there is a growing support for re-interpretation of this verse.

Answer 3

The Torah says that sexual intercourse between two men is a sin (Leviticus ch.18).