In today’s complex religious landscape, few topics are as contentious and emotionally charged as the question: “Is same sex attraction sinful?”
There are primarily two schools of thought: the progressive view and the traditional biblical view. In this article, we will delve into both perspectives, examining the progressive view’s stance, its shortcomings, and the biblical teachings and their implications for believers grappling with same-sex attraction.
Understanding the Progressive vs. Traditional Views
When addressing the question “Is same sex attraction sinful?”, it’s crucial to recognize that there are two primary viewpoints within Christian circles:
The Progressive View on Homosexuality
Many progressive Christian denominations, including some branches of the United Methodist Church, United Church of Christ, Episcopal Church, and certain Lutheran and Presbyterian communities, do not view homosexual acts or attractions as inherently sinful.
They emphasize the historical context of scriptures, arguing that traditional interpretations are culturally and historically conditioned. This leads to a broader, more inclusive gospel that welcomes everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, into church membership and leadership.
Their approach includes:
- Affirming and including LGBTQ+ individuals in church life
- Advocating for marriage and ordination rights for LGBTQ+ individuals
- Emphasizing love, justice, and the inherent dignity of all people
- Rejecting traditional interpretations of scripture as culturally and historically conditioned
- Promoting a broader, more inclusive view of the gospel
What the Progressive View Misses About Homosexuality
The traditional Christian perspective, which this article will primarily focus on, holds a different stance on the question “Is same sex attraction sinful?” This view asserts that:
- Homosexuality was not part of God’s original plan for sexual expression. As outlined in Genesis and reiterated in Hebrews 13:4, homosexuality was not part of God’s original plan for sexual expression.
- Homosexual practice brought divine judgment upon Sodom and Gomorrah. The Bible lists seven forbidden sexual practices, including same-sex relations, highlighting God’s purity standards.
- Homosexual behavior is condemned as an abomination in the Old Testament
- The New Testament presents homosexuality as unnatural and rooted in fallen human nature. Five descriptors are used for homosexual conduct: unnatural, perverted, degrading, shameful, and indecent.
- Scripture states that practicing homosexuals will not inherit the kingdom of God
Biblical Foundations for the Traditional View
To understand the traditional Christian perspective on “Is same sex attraction sinful?”, it’s important to examine the biblical foundations:
Old Testament Teachings
The Old Testament provides several key passages that inform the traditional view:
- Genesis describes God’s design for marriage as between a man and a woman
- Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 explicitly prohibit homosexual acts
- The story of Sodom and Gomorrah is often interpreted as a condemnation of homosexual behavior
New Testament Teachings
The New Testament further reinforces the traditional stance:
- Romans 1:26-27 describes homosexual desires and acts as unnatural and shameful
- 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 lists homosexual offenders among those who will not inherit the kingdom of God
- 1 Timothy 1:10 includes homosexual offenders in a list of sinful behaviors
Distinguishing Between Attraction, Temptation, and Sin
When addressing the question “Is same sex attraction sinful?”, it’s crucial to differentiate between attraction, temptation, and sin:
Attraction vs. Temptation
- Experiencing same-sex attraction is not inherently sinful
- Attraction becomes temptation when it leads to lustful thoughts or desires to act on those attractions
Temptation vs. Sin
- Being tempted is not a sin in itself
- Sin occurs when temptation is entertained, acted upon, or when lustful thoughts are deliberately cultivated
- Jesus was tempted but did not entertain those temptations, showing us to resist and not accept sinful thoughts.
- The Bible encourages taking every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5), indicating a need for spiritual warfare against sinful thoughts.
The Nature of Sin and Desire
To fully grasp the traditional Christian perspective on “Is same sex attraction sinful?”, it’s important to understand the broader biblical view of sin and desire:
- Sin is not limited to actions but can also include entertaining lustful thoughts
- Jesus equated anger with murder and lust with adultery in the Sermon on the Mount
- Sinful actions often begin with sinful desires in the heart
- As fallen human beings, we naturally desire things that God has forbidden
The Christian Response to Same-Sex Attraction
For Christians wrestling with the question “Is same sex attraction sinful?”, the traditional view offers the following guidance:
- Recognize that experiencing attraction is not the same as acting on it
- Actively reject sinful thoughts and desires
- Engage in spiritual warfare to take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5)
- Seek God’s healing and transformation through the renewal of the mind
- Pursue holiness and sanctification, rather than simply accepting or tolerating same-sex attractions
- Remember that God’s grace is sufficient to overcome ungodly desires and temptations
The Danger of Complacency
Some Christians who have left homosexual lifestyles may be tempted to say, “I just want to be holy, not heterosexual.” However, this approach carries potential dangers:
- It may imply that the gospel lacks the power to transform desires and identity
- It can lead to a defeated and painful way of living
- It fails to recognize that God desires to restore us to His original design
The Power of the Gospel
The traditional Christian view on “Is same sex attraction sinful?” emphasizes the transformative power of the gospel:
- Jesus sets believers free not only from the penalty of sin but also from its power
- God gives Christians a new identity, new desires, and the Holy Spirit to develop godly fruit
- Sanctification is a process that can lead to victory over sinful thoughts and temptations
Conclusion
While the question “Is same sex attraction sinful?” remains a contentious issue in Christian circles, the traditional view holds that:
- Same-sex attraction itself is not inherently sinful, but rather a temptation
- Entertaining lustful thoughts or acting on same-sex attractions is considered sinful
- Christians are called to resist temptation, renew their minds, and pursue holiness
- The gospel has the power to transform desires and identity, even if the process is challenging and ongoing
Ultimately, this perspective encourages believers to trust in God’s design for sexuality, rely on His grace for transformation, and pursue a life of holiness and obedience to biblical teachings.
Call to Action
- Seek Clarity and Conviction: Reflect on the biblical teachings and your heart’s condition.
- Share Your Testimony: If you’ve experienced deliverance from homosexuality or other sexual deviances, share to encourage others.
- Engage in Spiritual Warfare: Take every thought captive to obey Christ, and resist sinful desires.
