The Bible contains several passages addressing same-sex behavior, including Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13, which prohibit male same-sex intercourse, and Romans 1:26-27, which describes such acts as unnatural. First Corinthians 6:9 and 1 Timothy 1:10 also reference terms interpreted as condemning homosexual behavior. Especially, Jesus never directly mentions homosexuality in the Gospels. Today, Christian denominations interpret these scriptures in divergent ways—some affirming churches emphasize love and justice while supporting LGBTQ inclusion, while traditional congregations maintain historical prohibitions. The following sections explore how these interpretations developed and what they mean for communities today.
Key Takeaways
- The Bible contains several passages condemning homosexual acts, primarily in Leviticus, Romans, 1 Corinthians, and 1 Timothy.
- Jesus never directly addressed homosexuality in the Gospels, though other biblical authors included references to same-sex behavior.
- Christian denominations interpret these passages differently, with some affirming LGBTQ relationships and others maintaining traditional prohibitions.
- Affirming churches emphasize biblical themes of love and justice, while conservative groups uphold literal interpretations requiring celibacy.
- Acceptance of LGBTQ individuals has increased among Catholics and mainline Protestants, though theological debates continue across Christianity.
Biblical Passages That Mention Homosexuality
The Bible addresses homosexuality in several passages scattered across both the Old and New scriptures, though the topic appears far less frequently than many assume. Scholars note these passages appear amid a larger biblical corpus produced by 40 authors over many centuries.
Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 contain the most direct prohibitions, calling male same-sex intercourse an abomination within the Holiness Code given to ancient Israel.
In the New Testament, Romans 1:26-27 describes homosexual acts as unnatural, while 1 Corinthians 6:9 and 1 Timothy 1:10 include terms often translated as homosexual offenders among those barring entry to God’s kingdom. Romans 1:26 specifically characterizes same-sex desire as shameful lust.
Genesis 19’s account of Sodom and Gomorrah is frequently cited, though scholars debate whether sexual immorality or inhospitality was the primary sin. Jude 1:7 explicitly references Sodom and Gomorrah as examples of those who suffered eternal fire as punishment for sexual immorality and pursuing unnatural desire.
Significantly, Jesus never directly mentioned homosexuality in the Gospels.
How Different Christians Interpret These Scriptures Today
While these biblical passages exist, Christians today interpret them in widely divergent ways, leading to dramatically different practices across denominations and congregations. The Catholic Bible contains deuterocanonical books, which are part of its 73-book canon. Affirming churches like the Episcopal Church and Evangelical Lutheran Church in America emphasize biblical themes of love and justice, allowing same-sex marriage and ordination. These communities focus on faithfulness in relationships rather than gender, often granting local congregations discretion over inclusion policies.
Conversely, most evangelical Protestant groups maintain traditional interpretations, opposing homosexuality and requiring celibacy for LGBTQ members. Some conservative denominations recently expelled affirming congregations entirely.
Surveys show growing acceptance among Catholics and mainline Protestants since 2007, though attitudes toward transgender people remain more divided. This theological split reflects differing views on scriptural authority, with pastors in affirming churches describing journeys toward inclusion rooted in careful prayer and study. The United Reformed Church in the UK voted to allow same-sex marriage services, demonstrating how some denominations have institutionalized their inclusive stance. The United Church of Christ advocates for LGBTQ+ communities and equips congregations for Christ’s welcoming mission through its Open and Affirming program.
