The Bible contains a few passages that are commonly interpreted as condemning homosexuality, so in my reading, I marked these down:
Leviticus 18:22: “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.” This verse is part of the Levitical law code, which provides instructions to the ancient Israelites. It is often cited as evidence of a prohibition against same-sex relations.
Leviticus 20:13: “If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.” This verse is another one from the Levitical law code that emphasises a severe punishment for same-sex sexual activity.
Romans 1:26-27: “For this reason, God gave them up to dishonourable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature, and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.” This passage is from the New Testament epistle of Paul to the Romans. It is often interpreted as a condemnation of same-sex sexual activity.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10: “Or 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, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” This passage lists various behaviors that the author, Paul, considers sinful, including what is often translated as “men who practice homosexuality.”
Genesis 19:4-11: This passage tells the story of the city of Sodom, where the men of the city sought to engage in sexual relations with two angels who appeared as men. While the focus of this story is on the sin of attempted rape and the lack of hospitality, we Christians also interpret it as a condemnation of same-sex sexual activity.
1 Timothy 1:10: This verse is part of a list of vices and sins, and it includes “men who practice homosexuality” among those who are considered contrary to sound doctrine.
Jude 1:7: This verse refers to the city of Sodom and Gomorrah, stating that they “indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire” and serve as an example of undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.
THE VIEWS OF DIFFERENT CHURCHES
Different Christian churches and their leaders hold diverse views on homosexuality, although individual believers within each denomination may hold diverse opinions:
Roman Catholic Church: The Catholic Church teaches that homosexual acts are considered sinful, but it emphasises the dignity and worth of every person, including those with same-sex attractions. The Church calls for individuals with same-sex attractions to live a chaste life and seeks to provide pastoral care and support, and also encourages society to pray for them and not condemn them, but their actions.
Eastern Orthodox Church: Similar to Catholicism, the Orthodox Church teaches that homosexual acts are sinful. It emphasizes the importance of marriage between a man and a woman and promotes the practice of chastity outside of marriage.
Anglican/Episcopal Church: The Anglican Communion (including the Episcopal Church in the United States) has experienced internal divisions over the issue of homosexuality. Some dioceses and bishops affirm the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals, allowing same-sex marriages and ordination of openly gay clergy. Others maintain more conservative positions and do not permit same-sex unions or the ordination of openly gay clergy.
Protestant Denominations: Views on homosexuality vary widely among Protestant denominations and individual churches. Some mainline Protestant churches, such as the United Church of Christ, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), and the Presbyterian Church (USA), have embraced more inclusive positions, allowing for same-sex marriage and ordination of LGBTQ+ clergy. Other denominations, such as the Southern Baptist Convention and many conservative evangelical churches, maintain more traditional positions, considering homosexual acts as sinful.
Other Denominations and Independent Churches: There are numerous other Christian denominations and independent churches with a range of views on homosexuality. Some have embraced LGBTQ+ inclusion and affirming theology, while others maintain more conservative positions.
In conclusion my fellow Nairalanders, according to my religious beliefs as a Christian, homosexuality is sinful. The Bible contains verses like Leviticus 18:22 and Romans 1:26-27 that are often interpreted as condemning same-sex relationships. I believe in upholding traditional values and view heterosexual/straight/opposite-sex relationships as the only morally acceptable form of intimacy.
Morality And God’s Plan: The Sinful Nature Of Homosexuality – Religion – Nigeria (nairaland.com)