Yours is a very good question and I'm not sure, myself, how people who claim to follow the teachings of Jesus can be so blind to his most basic command: "Love the Lord with your whole heart and soul; and love your neighbor as yourself." They also seem to have forgotten the whole "those of you without sin may cast the first stone" thing. I am Catholic, and the Catholic church does not teach that homosexuals are damned or evil. Rather it teaches that sexual relations, for reasons other than procreation (i.e. making babies) is wrong. (Mind you, this was not part of Jesus's teachings, but was rather part of a doctrine adopted by the church during the Middle Ages.) Thus, the Catholic church says that it "condems" homosexual behavior (i.e. people of the same gender having sexual relations) because sex between people of the same gender cannot produce a child. The church does not, however, claim to condemn the homosexual individuals themselves. Of course, in practice, it is sometimes to distinguish between these two things because those who are most vocal in denouncing homosexuality often don't distinguish between them. (As an aside, this teaching of the Catholic church extends to heterosexuals as well -- under the church's teaching, a man and a woman are not to have sexual relations unless they are willing to accept the child that may become the product of those relations.) There are many Catholics (me included), who believe that what two loving, devoted people, either of the same or of different sexes, do to express their love for each other is really none of anyone elses business. Bigotry and intolerance of homosexuals on the part of many, Christian and non-Christian alike, stems from fear and ignorance. In the future, when we better understand the causes of homosexuality (which may very well be biological), perhaps more people will be come accepting of it and will regard it as just another biological trait, like having brown eyes or blonde hair.

Most Bible believing Christians believe that homosexuality is wrong because the Bible says it is. If you read the book of Leviticus, in the 18th chapter it states it very plainly. It list all the don'ts when it concerns sexual behavior. One of the "do not's" says that a man shall not lie with a man as he does with a woman. For this is an abomination and detestable before the Lord. Can't get much more clear than that. If you love the Lord and you believe that what the Bible says is the truth, then you will believe that homosexuality is sinful. {Added later} Jesus has come not to abolish the law but to fulfill it, nonetheless, this does not mean that we no longer have to abide by the law. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow and so is His word. It never changes. (Added 3/2/06) This sin is especially detestable to God and He mentions it several times in the Bible. You can find it in any of the 4 Gospels, most of the Epistles, The Books of Jude, Revelation and some of the Old Testament Books. For a better reference just look up homosexuality in a concordance and see for yourself how many times it is mentioned in the scriptures. Slavery back in biblical times was more of a debt slavery. It was very common back then for someone to become another's slave when they owed someone for goods or serviced and could not pay and so they would work off their debt. this was called being a debt slave but to those people involed in debt slavery, God told them to be honest and fair. Slaves be true to your master. give a full days work for a full days wages ( or in this case, a full days debt worked off) and masters, be honest and fair to your indebtored slaves. Treat them with respect and do not take advantage of them. So yes, God did agree with slavery because He agreed with a man not owing another man and He also wants us to be responsible for our own choices and decisions. Slavery then was not what slavery is now. God did not agree with the Egyptians when they took the Isrealites as slaves. He sent Moses to free them and lead them out of Egypt. I know that God never agreed with the slavery issue that went on here when the white men bought the black man and brought them to American nor did He approve when the higher Black Man sold their own kind to the White Man because it had nothing to do with debt. It was purely for money. Just do yourself a favor, before you accuse people of giving wrong or inaccurate information, brush up on your own bible reading and get the facts and then come to the table to debate. The conversation will be much more interesting for everyone.

As you can see, God denounces homosexuality numerous times throughout the Bible ... there is no gray area on this subject - it's unnatural, immoral, and just plain unacceptable in God's eyes.

"There are many Catholics (me included), who believe that what two loving, devoted people, either of the same or of different sexes, do to express their love for each other is really none of anyone elses business." First of all, the Bible never says homosexual relations are wrong because they cannot produce children. The Bible states that homosexual relations are wrong because they are unnatural and offensive to God. Nor does the Catholic faith teach this. Absolutely nothing in Catholic doctrine contradicts anything written in the Bible. Speaking as a Catholic who doesn't pick and choose what teachings of the Faith they wish to follow while disregarding others, I can safely say that homosexual relations are sinful. And what two guys or two girls do behind closed doors may not be anyone's business, it *is* God's business; and the "many Catholics" who side with that lifestyle aren't going to be judging those people on the Last Day, now are they? "Bigotry and intolerance of homosexuals on the part of many, Christian and non-Christian alike, stems from fear and ignorance. In the future, when we better understand the causes of homosexuality (which may very well be biological), perhaps more people will be come accepting of it and will regard it as just another biological trait, like having brown eyes or blonde hair." ...Or being alcoholic, or criminally psychotic, or having abusive tendencies (the list goes on)... These have all been linked to heredity in many cases, have they not? And yet it isn't out of "bigotry and intolerance" that I wouldn't want my friend to drive drunk, but out of concern for their safety. Just because something is biological doesn't make it good or natural. Cancer can be hereditary. Does that make it a good thing? The fact that many Catholics (myself included) frown on homosexual activities isn't out of "fear and ignorance", but rather because these practices are wrong and sinful. I would not be tolerant of a murderer because murder is wrong, not because I'm an ignorant bigot. Catholics (and people of any religion, for that matter), should keep in mind that *being* homosexual isn't a sin, and that homosexuals are people with basic human dignity. That does not, however, mean they should just run off and do whatever they please, consequences be damned. Many people, many Catholics forget that a heterosexual couple having sexual relations outside of marriage is a sin, as well. You wouldn't know it from popular culture, which seems to idolize sex as some sort of great thing that no one can possibly live without, but it's true. There are many things we as human beings don't understand. Like why some people are born blind, or deaf, or crippled, or into abusive households. Why doesn't God make things perfect for everybody? But I personally believe there is a purpose for all the trials and tribulations of the human race, though we won't know where everything fits into God's Plan until the Last Judgement, when all will be revealed to us.

Here are some verses from the Old Testament that show that God considers homosexuality a sin: The story of Sodom and Gomorrah: Genesis Chp: 18-19 I'll quote 2 verses so it’s clear: Genesis 18:20-21 "Then the Lord said, "The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know."" That is setup for this verse in Chapter 19. At this point the angels have entered Lots house in Sodom and the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah is exposed by the actions of the people in the city. Genesis 19:4-5 "Before they had gone to bed, all the men from every part of the city of Sodom - both young and old - surrounded the house. They called to Lot, "Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them"" So, it's pretty easy to see that God considers the act of homosexuality a sin. This along with many other verses is why homosexuality is not accepted among most Christians. Leviticus 18:22 "Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable." Leviticus 20:13 "If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads." God created a man for a woman and a woman for a man... homosexuality thus violates God's creation. The thought of sexual relations between two men or two women is also considered a sin: Matthew 5:27-28 Jesus teaches very clearly in these verses that lusting after a woman is sinful for a man. I do realize that he doesn’t go on to say that one man lusting after another is sin, but isn’t this an obvious conclusion if lustful thoughts between a man and woman are considered sin? To end, homosexuality is not accepted among many Christians because the actions and thoughts of homosexual behavior are considered sin.

The testaments were written by men who needed a vehicle to control social behavior. God was just a convenient way to enforce social laws. The bible's sole purpose is to be a rule book that relies on folktales and mythical people to contain our urges toward "unsocial, unproductive" behaviors. Every religion's dogma serves that same purpose. Since homosexuality had no practical purpose other than pleasure, it was stigmatized. Like any other unproductive, pleasure-oriented behavior like drinking, smoking, gambling etc.

We will not be judged by the Catholic doctrine. God will hold us accountable to what He says about the subject! Homosexuality is sin because God says it is! God is not Gods name, it is his title. His title grants him authority to tell us what is or what is not sin. He alone has that right. We Christians didn't write the Bible, we only teach what is in it. We do not believe that we can argue with God as to what is right or wrong. For us, judgement is simply making a declaration according to the Word of God! By the way, when Jesus taught that we were not to judge one another, he was saying that we do not have the right not to condemn, only to instruct. Jesus will one day be our judge.

Yes christians know it is a sin because the bible tells us it is _ problem is that we as christian take it upon ourselves to condem homosexuals when non of us is sinless to recognize a sin is one thing and another to hand down punishment verbal or physical acting on behalf of God judge not lest ye be judged !

Because most Christians are hypocrites. I mean that in the nicest sort of way. When did Christianity become the yardstick by which all men are judged? I believe that one can be a Christian and still accept the beliefs of other religions as being not opposed to their own. As long as people make honest efforts at getting along peacefully, I believe that all religions can be embraced as can those that choose not to have a religion. Before you are so quick to denounce other religions, consider that Christianity is barely 2000 years old. There are other religious beliefs that came about a VERY long time before Christ came to walk beside us on Earth. Accept all, allow all to believe as they wish, allow others to live their lives the way it is best for them, and unto us all shall come peace. What is un-Christian about a world with peace? I believe that some have misread my answer, or they choose to ignore the point I attempted to make. My main point is that the only proof anyone has that the Bible says that homosexuality is a sin, is something that they choose to interpret that way. Since the Bible was written by man, and in a language other than English, everything in it is subject to someone's interpretation. Using the King James version of the Bible, I challenge anyone to show me - in plain English - the word "homosexual." It simply does not appear. Many take the interpretations offered by man over the years as though the words of the interpreter were carved in stone. Perhaps I can be a little more generous and say that many take those interpretations of the faith that the person teaching them about the Bible has some type of Divine guidance. What can be un-Christian about world peace? It seems a little extremist to believe that the anti-Christ will rule once there is world peace. During the Christmas holidays how often do we hear "World Peace" or how often do our religious leaders ask for their to be peace on Earth and good will towards men? Certainly that alone is proof that world peace is not some kind of evil wrapped in a nice packaging. Joshua Zambrano expressed my original point quite succinctly. We all have different beliefs, we all have different value systems, and we should all respect the beliefs of each other. Good healthy debate, when it is done in a civil manner, is how we learn to understand about each other. For one man to judge another simply because the other person has different beliefs than our own is un-Christian. Judge not, lest ye be judged. I believe that phrase is in the Bible in plain English. I can tell you that the German version of the Bible has the same phrase that can be exactly translated without having to resort to interpreting the meaning of the phrase. Go in peace.

There are many English translations of the Bible – if we believe and trust in God’s love for all people regardless of their sexual preference then we have no right to judge anyone while claiming that we love God. The following text is another view from a web site, which is very complete, and worth reading. Incorrect translations of Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic have caused some Christians to view homosexuality as unacceptable. ----------------------------------- “The Bible appears to be silent about same-sex, committed, monogamous relationships. A truly accurate Bible would be a financial failure, and would never see the light of day. One is left with many Biblical passages which condemn fornication - sex outside of marriage. If one were to accept these passages as inspired by God, then one can conclude that the Bible considers homosexual sex within a committed relationship as equivalent to a man and woman living together common-law without having being married. There is no term that means homosexual orientation in the original Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek texts of the Bible. The authors of the Bible did not understand sexual orientation and thus did not write about it. Biblical authors had little or no understanding of same-sex committed relationships. Rather, they assumed that everyone was heterosexual, but that some heterosexuals engaged in sex with persons of the same gender. Thus, when you see one of these words in an English translation of the Bible, it is important to dig deeper and find what the original Hebrew or Greek text really means. Many conservative Christians trust the KJV and NIV. Thus, when they read some of the passages that clearly and unmistakably condemn homosexuality, they are inclined to trust the translators and conclude that God hates homosexuality. Unfortunately, many groups of translators have been heavily biased against certain groups, including witches, gays and lesbians; many have tended to warp their translations accordingly. Some pastors cite Genesis 19, a passage that condemns homosexual rape, as proof that God hates all homosexual behavior. Yet they would never quote a verse that condemns heterosexual rape and state that it applies to all heterosexual activity. Passages often relate to customs of a long-past era that are unethical when compared to today's secular and religious systems of morality. Examples are verses which accept and regulate slavery, require widows to marry their brother-in-law, requiring victims of rape to marry their rapist, or condone child disciplinary practices which most parents have now abandoned. Passages which might be interpreted as condemning homosexuality might also be not applicable today. The Torah is composed of the first five books of the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament). It contains numerous laws which make up the Mosaic code. Rabbi Simlai wrote in the Talmud (Jewish traditional commentary about the Hebrew Scriptures) that God gave 613 commandments to Moses. One list finds 3 commandments in Genesis, 111 in Exodus, 247 in Leviticus, 52 in Numbers and 200 in Deuteronomy. These included 365 prohibitions -- a number equal to the nominal number of days in the year. Also included 248 positive commandments which Rabbi Simlai said corresponded "to the number of organs and limbs in the human body." Hundreds of these dealt with animal sacrifices and other topics that are not currently practiced. That leaves about 300 commandments that can be practiced today. Of the 613 laws, most Christian denominations regard very few as binding on Christians today. Using an Protestant English translation of the Bible, they believe that the validity of the two anti-homosexual "clobber" passages in Leviticus has been verified by passages in Paul's Epistles. The NIV and KJV of the Bible clearly condemn homosexual behavior at 1 Corinthians 6:9 and Romans 1:28 in the Christian Scriptures. These translations generally interpret the Greek words "malakoi" and "arsenokoitai" as referring to homosexuals. We can be fairly certain that this is not the meaning that Paul wanted to convey. If he had, he would have used the Greek word "paiderasste" That was the standard term at the time for male homosexuals. We can conclude that he probably meant something different from persons who engaged in male-male adult sexual behavior. Down through the years, Christians have interpreted these words as referring to people of lacking a high moral standing, or to masturbators, or to men who sexually abuse boys, or to boys who are the victims of sexual abuse. ------------ Christians never mention the following though they are quick to quote scripture they claim forbids adult homosexuality. ----------------- "A child to be killed if he/she curses their parent (Leviticus 20:9) All persons guilty of adultery to be killed (20:10) The daughter of a priest who engages in prostitution to be burned alive until dead (21:9) The bride of a priest to be a virgin (21:13) Ritual killing of animals, using cattle, sheep and goats (22:19) Observation of 7 feasts: Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread, Feast of Firstfruits, Feast of Pentecost, Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, Feast of Tabernacles (23) a person who takes the Lord's name in vain is to be killed (24:16)” http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_bibl.htm

The bible is the ultimate authority on life for Christians. There are many times in the bible where God tells the Israelites not to tolerate homosexuality. To put this into balance, however, he also tells them not to tolerate many things. Even though Lot wasn't a very godly man, why was he willing to offer his virgin daughter to the men from Sodom as an alternative to defiling his guests? Was the homosexual act that detestable to him that he would allow his own daughter to be raped? Why did God vaporise two enormous cities in a hail of fire? Why is the act of anal intercourse (as characterised primarily by homosexuals) called Sodomy? It's named after a city that was destroyed for its sexual sin. If that doesn't send warning signs out, I don't know what will. There are countless other times where God forbids such sexual sin. In Leviticus and Deuteronomy he specifically forbids a man to "lie with another man as he would with a woman" - almost in those exact same words. In the very same section he speaks against bestiality and incest, so obviously the homosexual act is classed along with these other forms of 'sexual immorality'. Yes, Jesus does say that 'he who is without sin is can cast the first stone', but he also tells us to judge for ourselves what is wrong and right. There is no stoning or immediate judgment from God in this age - he has delayed his judgment until the last day, so for now we can do whatever we want. However, we will answer for our acts. It is wrong to hate homosexuals. One principle I believe in from the bible is "Love the sinner but hate the sin." I do not hate homosexuals, but I do not approve of what they are doing, either. The crunch comes here, though. I am not to judge the nations (non-christians). Because they don't believe what I believe, they really aren't under the same obligations I am. (Follow me here) They are not expected to live my way, so I have no right to judge them. That is God's job. I am to love them, and reach out to them in any way I can. I pray that I am doing a decent job of it. If by my example and outreach I can show them Christ, then I've done my part. That's the basic fundamental of evangelism. However: I am to judge the actions of my fellow Christians. Why? Because they ARE under the same beliefs as me. The bible says to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, yet the bible says that if you believe in Jesus and accept him as Lord and Saviour, that you are saved. Is it a contradiction? I don't think so. Let me explain. If I sin, I create a barrier between God and me. If I repent of that sin and don't do it again, then the barrier is removed by the redemption of Christ's sacrifice. If I continually sin, though, then I am removing myself from God, and although I may count him as my saviour, he is no longer my LORD. If he were, I would follow him. I believe the term 'work out your salvation with fear and trembling' means to continually be aware and assess myself for anything that will lead me away from my salvation. The only way I can lose salvation is if I give it away. How? By falling so far into sin and unrepentance that I sever my relationship with God altogether. Think of a frog. Frogs are cold blooded, and don't respond to subtle changes in temperature. If you put a frog in cold water, then heat the water slowly, he will not notice the temperature change until the water is hot enough to boil him alive. He will react to sudden changes, though. We are the same with sin. We can become so desensitised to sin that more and more of it becomes acceptable, and we slide further and further away from God. Eventually we fall so far away that we give up our salvation. I don't believe 2 Thess 3:14 is the way to deal with people. For non-christians, I stick to my previous statement. Hate and judgment are not going to help. People need love. For christians, though, I stick with Matthew 18:15. It is the sin, and ultimately that person's salvation, that I am concerned with. We need to measure our actions, thoughts and words against our yardstick - in this case, the bible, and take action against any sin in our lives. Within the church, it is a sin to harbour sin, so if we don't do anything about it, we are as bad as those who are committing the original sin. As an endnote, a question for Bob Blaylock in response to one of his comments. Jesus said to the woman caught in adultery "Neither then do I condemn you. GO AND SIN NO MORE." What would have happened had she kept on doing it, and they brought her back to him again?

The better question is why is so much sin allowed in churches where they really don’t care what your lifestyle is but are totally against homosexuals. Simply they need someone to criticize to inflate there ego and to feel more holy. Homosexuality is a sin like the rest god doesn’t distinguish between sinful life stiles of any kind including homosexuality it’s a sin plan and simple.

Red John says that there is a clear distinction between the act of homosexuality and the person who commits it. That may be true in reference to forgiveness, as it is still available to him or her, but when we choose to sin, and do not repent, there is NO FORGIVENESS. Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, Hate the sin but love the sinner, yes, but there is no distinction for one who is unrepentant.He/She is vile, polluted, and need to be convicted to change. Until they do, there is no distinction in God's eyes, just as there is no distinction for the rest of us while we sin willfully. When you find out that something you do is a sin, you have to repent before you can be forgiven. OKG says the Bible supports slavery. That is absolutely not correct. As jock pointed out, the word slavery was used to describe the condition of a person who could not pay a debt, and was working it off, or a person who was sentenced to it for commiting a crime. From Webster's 1828 dictionary: slavery SLA'VERY, n. See Slave. 1. Bondage; the state of entire subjection of one person to the will of another. Slavery is the obligation to labor for the benefit of the master, without the contract of consent of the servant. Slavery may proceed from crimes, from captivity or from debt. Slavery is also voluntary or involuntary; voluntary, when a person sells or yields his own person to the absolute command of another; involuntary, when he is placed under the absolute power of another without his own consent. The American (and others) practice of taking African tribesmen against their will, and turning them into farm labor is NOT scriptural. The Bible does say to enslave your enemy, but how were African tribesmen our enemy? They did not exactly invade the USA bent on destroying our industrial capacity, did they? They may have made war against some slave trader trying to protect their own, but that did not make them enemies of the American cotton farmer, it made them just like us. Willing to fight to the death for our wives and children, and mothers and fathers. The definition above says slavery can come from captivity, as it did when the Jews were conquered, but that does not justify it either. It was God's will that made that happen in punishment for Israel's rebellion. They knew the truth and ignored it. The Africans in question had never heard of God when we bought and sold them as property. We were wrong. We should have evangelized them, and taught them about Christianity, not treated them like animals.We are exhorted to preach the Gospel, not enslave the weak. As a matter of fact, we are as Christians, supposed to protect the weak in the love of Christ. Antigone, again, you show that you know little of the Bible and Christianity. As I said above, slavery could come from being captured in battle. The captives were not to be mistreated, nor were they to be bought and sold. The children were to be raised as your own, and the women were to be servants, wives, or concubines, which gave them status, and ensured they would be fed and clothed. You just killed their men, so there was no one else to do that for them. They were enemies of the Jews, and were conquered people. They could have been far worse off, but for this kindness done them by God's people.

It goes against core beliefs of Christianity! It's obviously against God's wants and wills. And people are not born gay or lesbian, so it is not the rejecting of a people group. It is just really obvious. But do we want people who are caught in sexual perversion to repent and come to Christ for salvation,,,YES!!! Everyone has sinned. But one who is Christ's has turned from sin and turned to THE WAY!

I think that when you look at how we came to be, by the creation of Adam and Eve, most could and do conclude that God did not intend for partners to be any other way. Just looking at that and the fact that it takes a male and a female of most species (aside from bacteria and some simple plant life) to create new life would show that homosexuality was not what was intended.

Because they are afraid of homosexuality. People ARE born gay. I had a friend that wanted to be straight, was with several girls, but was never satisfied. If broke him down when he figured out his was gay. But he didn't want to be. But that was how he was born. Christians are narrow minded and follow and argue over everyword in the stupid book. I have read all of the bible. I studied Christianity for 18 years and I never liked what I read and saw.

And how is it in you to condeem homosexuals to hell just becuase that is how they are? It is written in the bible judge not ye be judged. All of you. ALLL that have answered to this question degrating the homosexuals are in violation of your own religion. Just becuase you don't like homosexuality doesn't mean you have to go around condeeming it. That is why in the bible God said that he gives all men. ALL MEN. The freedom to choose. To choose to do what they want. What another person does is not your place to say it is wrong.

God created man, God created women for men. Marriage is for when a man leaves his parents, and a women leaves her parents to unite and become one. Join together. Man and man, women and women do not fit the purpose of God.

It is considered a sin by most Christians because of years of tradition and mistranslating the Bible has lead them to believe so. Other examples of this: Slavery- People once considered slavery morally acceptable, even good, to own slaves. They also used the Bible to back this up. Women's Right- Women used to be considered property. After that women were just considered inferior to men. This was justified using the Bible. Racism- This was also justified using the Bible, usually in conjunction with slavery. People thought that if you were black that you were morally inferior, if they even considered you human at all. The Inquisition- Need I say more? All throughout history people have used the Bible to justify their deeds, bad and GOOD (please don't think I'm anti-christian at all, in fact I follow Jesus [I just don't care for the term 'Christian']) So lets pick it apart concisely and precisely. Sodom and Gomorrah. First off, the sin of these towns couldn't have possibly been homosexuality because angels are not men, they are neuter. I suppose you could say this is extra-biblical logic so I will propose a Biblical one. Jeremiah 23:14:"...among the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen something horrible: They commit adultery and live a lie. They strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that no one turns from his wickedness. They are all like Sodom to me; the people of Jerusalem are like Gomorrah." Jeremiah compares the actions of the prophets with the adultery, lying and evil of the people of Sodom. Homosexual activity is not mentioned. Ezekeiel 16:49-50:"Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy. They were haughty and did detestable things before me. Therefore I did away with them as you have seen." God says that he destroyed Sodom's sins because of their pride, their excess of food while the poor and needy suffered. Sexual activity is not mentioned. Leviticus 18:22 "Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable." Let's assume this verse IS talking about homosexuality. Most Christians use selective belief when it comes to the Old Testament. What makes this verse applicable to today and not other ones? For instance: Lev. 21:27 "You shall not round off the hair on your temples or mar the edges of your beard." Which condemns the bowl cut and cutting your beard. (ever seen an Orthodox Jew?) Sorry handicapped people, no church for you: Lev. 21:16-23 "The Lord said to Moses ' Say to Aaron: For the generations to come none of your descendants who has a defect may come near to offer the food of his God. No person who has any defect may come near: no one who is blind or lame, disfigured or deformed; no one who has a crippled foot or hand, or who is hunchbacked or dwarfed, or who has any eye defect or who has festering or running sores or damaged testicles." So on to the New Testament. Romans 1:26-27: "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: 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 recompense of their error which was meet." We should, as Peter tells us, pay very close attention to Paul's writing. 2 Peter 3:15-17 "As also in all his [Paul's] epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction." The most important thing to remember about Paul is that he is usually responding to letters. So it's like hearing one side of a conversation. A conversation 2000 years ago. The context of this verse is about orgies. Temple orgies, orgies done to the Roman gods of the time. God would have condemned it whether it were homosexual or not. I realize this answer is getting excessively long despite my efforts to make it concise. I realize there are other verses but to save time I'll say this: These verses deal with, Homosexual prostitution, pederasty, and orgy. Thank you for your time. :) EDIT: Ratings, just because you don't agree with it doesn't mean it's not a good response or that it isn't useful.

Ok, let's basically review what Christianity teaches for those who disagree with the doctrine of the Church. The question was asked, why is homosexuality not accepted by most Christians? Several have given scriptures to back up their doctrinal position so I will not need to restate them again as the posters have done a very good job. Jesus taught about the Kingdom of God! A King has a territory and citizens of the Kingdom. The King gets to make the laws and has a right to expect those citizens to abide by them. When a person receives Jesus as his savior, Jesus is to become their Lord. As Lord, he has the right the right to tell the citizen in the Kingdom his rules for living in the Kingdom. If I follow them, then I get the benefits of the Kingdom of God. If I rebel, then bad things happen as I loose the benefits of being a citizen. A true Christian does not argue with his King about the rules, he submits himself to the authority of the King, God. The problem basically is this, are you a son of the Kingdom or not? Jesus taught allegorically that his sheep knows his voice and will not follow another. He is our Shepard leading us closer to God. So you see, I do not argue with the Kings Word, which is the Bible! In my view, it is the constitution of the spritual Kingdom of God. Those who are not of the Kingdom of God are not subject to it at this time. One day at the judgement though, every knee will bow and confess that He (Jesus) is Lord and He alone will judge someone and cast into hell. Christians are to judge those inside the Kingdom, believers and not those outside. Judgement is not condemnation. The judgement is not the same though for the believer, it is one of correction and discipline, the same as a father corrects his son so that he will be a success. For the unbeliever who rejects Christ and his Word will not have an advocate with the Father and therefore since sin has to be judged and all sin leads to death (seperation from God) and punishment in the Lake of Fire. If you do not like the answers provided then you simply are not born again. Jesus said that you must be born again to see the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom is spiritual and the carnal man cannot understand the spiritual things of God because his mind is not subject to the Law of God nor indeed can be. So you see, I understand if you do not believe the Word of God and want to argue with it if you are not born again. Its too bad that the God of this world has blinded your eyes so that you cannot see it. If you want to experience a relationship with God and see, accept Jesus and then your eyes will be opened to truth because He will send you the Spirit of Truth. (Holy Spirit) The Spirit of Truth (Holy Spirit) has revealed through the Word of God through the prophets and the Law as well as believers in the NeW Testament Church that Homosexuality is an offence (sin) in the Kingdom of God. No different than any other but against his desire for a citzen of his Kingdom. So there you have it, love God and be a child of the Kingdom or serve Satan by default you are a son of his.

Because you cannot be a Christian or even a God-made animal without knowing it is wrong and perverse to put a penis in another-ones butt. Free will sure showed who's who.

Only because the Bible specifically says it is a sin (I can list several verses that say this, but this has already been done so it is not necessary here). The church historically has had a tendency to focus on certain sins, while it overlooks others, and homosexuality has notoriously been the victim of this. God does not make a distinction between the severity of sins, since any one of them is enough to separate us from God (I have placed other posts on this issue). Homosexuality is a sin, God does not like that sin at all, but that does not change his view of the homosexual, whom he does love as much as he does any other person and he is waiting for that person to come to him and accept his forgiveness.

God doesn't have anything against homosexuals. You could ask more correctly what certain Christians have against homosexuals, but I wouldn't be able to answer that question, because I don't know, even after some have tried to explain it to me.

i understand we should not accept the sin of homosexuality / but the sinner is to be loved (hate the sin)- love your neighbor as yourself - not just if you agree with everything about him - we are all works in the making - look at the weakness of the diciples when they walked side by side with Lord - Peter denied Him three times willfully and latter became a foundation for the church

In my opinion, it's wrong to not accept homosexuals because the bible says so. First of all, the bible says to not to judge people. We do not have any rights or privileges to judge others. We, by no means, are perfect, and therefore you should never think wrong of a person because they happen to be "different." You don't have to discriminate or believe that homosexuals are going to burn in hell, you should just accept them. If you truely live by the words of the bible, then don't particpate in homosexuality, and just end it there. Why do you have to take the next step and condemn them or making them feel out of place? Second of all, sex, back then, was done for creational tenses only, yet most Christians today have sex to have pleasure. Therefore you're being hypocritical if you judge a homosexual, if you yourself don't have sex to have babies. And that is why Christianity has such a bad rep.

I was always taught that a core Christian belief was forgiveness and reluctance to judge the behaviour of others, this being God's job. The only real evidence against this is the bigoted contortions of a few hardliners who want to twist their selective reading of a few verses to suit their own prejudice. I was also always taught that many people who hate and fear homosexuals are repressing the homosexuality within themselves. If the (pink) cap fits, then wear it. I'm sure your God and your Saviour will forgive you for the evil that you are doing, for the harm and pain you cause through your bigotry and intolerance. Personally, I don't.

One Word, Denial.

Extensive reading on this issue here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexuality_and_Christianity

Look up Romans 1:26-28. This gives you an idea of God being against homosexuality. We as christians should not be judgemental or critical to these people, but should love them with a godly love. We do not have to participate in this act, and do not have to love it because we know it's wrong.

There are so many contradictory passeges in the Bible about homosexuality. My best guess is that most christains use the Bible as an excuse because they personally find it "icky".

I have no idea, I guess it comes from God making Eve for Adam. Maybe if the story was different like God made Steve for Adam, then it'd be okay? I consider myself a Christian of sorts, but I don't think there is anything wrong with Homosexuality, you can't help who you love.

I haven't any clue how they can beleive this. If it is something genetic and what's more something no one can help... then that would only mean God created it. So... I makes no sense to me.

Because God calls it an abomination to lie with mankind as with womankind. God's Word condemns homosexuality. It is abominable. It is sin. God made marriage for one man and one woman. He also made sexual intercourse to be between a man and his wife. Look in Levitcus were it talks about homosexuality being an abomination. Also, read Romans Ch.1 to see more on homosexuality being a sin. I know many will probably take this offensively, but please don't think that I hate homosexuals. As a matter of fact, I love them because Jesus loves them and died for them so that they could be saved from their sins. I love them enough to tell them the truth from the Word of God. I hope that this is helpful. -In the service of King Jesus. Thank you and God bless you!

Because the Bible clearly tells us that it is wrong for two men to lay together. It is a sin, do you remember the story of Sodom and Gomorrah?

well, its disguesting and the bible goes against it so God is against it.

the 'acts' of sodomy, and the same sex sexual relationship , is not ACCEPTABLE to HIM, therefore we can not ACCEPT them...and mind you, i said the 'acts', not the person....any sinner can refrain, repent , and will be forgiven ,so he can be ACCEPTABLE to God.... He does not accept these , therefore in TRUTH, the Godly can't either....not just Christians....BELIEVERS in the Almighty.....