Toward a biblical theology of homosexuality : Old Testament contributions

Abstract

The two primary objectives of this research are (a) to solve several interpretive problems presented by various OT interpreters over prohibition texts and their challenging passages, which seem to discuss homosexuality directly or indirectly and (b) to construct a biblical-theological grid on the issue of homosexuality within the OT.

This dissertation attempted to fill the gap between these two objectives using a biblical- theological perspective with the selected exegetical works suggested by Gerhard F. Hasel

and Walter C. Kaiser. A review of pertinent literature had shown that despite the volume of scholarly discourse on the interpretation of the cited OT texts on homosexuality, there remains a question on how to interpret them correctly.

Guided by the criteria for the selection of passages in the suggested OT texts on homosexuality, I analyzed the texts through the following steps: (a) arrangement of OT suggested references on homosexuality in chronological order, (b) preliminary considerations, (c) cultural and contextual analyses, (d) literary consideration (literary context and analysis), (e) semantic and other exegetical considerations, (f) theological consideration (theological analysis), and (g) summary. After the examination of the relevant passages dealing with same-sex relations throughout the entire HB, the following conclusion were presented: (a) heterosexual relations between a man and a woman are the only divinely designed form of human sexuality (Gen 1 and 2) and (b) homosexual practice is depicted and described as “a wicked thing” (Gen 19:6) and “an abominable thing” (Lev 18:22). The earnings of male prostitution could not be brought to the house of the Lord because it is regarded as “the price of [a] dog” (Deut 23:18). It is an “evil act” and a “shameful thing” to the Israelites (Judg 19:23). Israel’s righteous kings endeavored to drive out anyone engaged in this sexual relationship (1 Kgs 14:24, 15:12, 22:47, and 2 Kgs 23:7). The biblical writer of the Kings does not recommend such a sexual life because it could shorten one’s life (Job 36:14). Prophets constantly gave an example of Sodom’s great sins, including this homosexual activity, but the sins of Israel surpass the wicked city; it is compared to a whore (Ezek 16:48–50). Furthermore, same-sex relations are explicitly defined by the HB as one of the seriously illicit sexual sins among the people of God (Lev 18 and 20). Historically, no form of homosexuality has ever been accepted in the community of Israel from the creation: homosexual rape (Gen 19 and Judg 19), consented same-sex relations (Lev 18

and 20), male cult prostitution (Deut 23:18; four Kings’ references [1 Kgs 14:24; 15:12; 22:47; and 2 Kgs 23:7]), and even a homosexual lifestyle itself (Job 36:14). The HB has a strong, unequivocal, and consistent rejection of same-sex relations, including consensual homosexual relationships. Though only a few OT passages speak of same-sex relations and their practice, all of them do clearly show unqualified disapproval. There is no exception at all in the OT. The theological synthesis presents that homosexuality is discussed from various theological angles. The discussions on the triangle of the relationship of theology to homosexuality (God, humanity, and community) explain how the HB depicts the issue of

homosexuality in the different theological frames. Homosexuality in the OT is a multi- faceted theological issue in the relation of God, humanity, and the community. It cannot

be understood in a single theological frame. It is appropriate to say that the biblical-theological discussion of homosexuality in the OT leads to a better appreciation and rediscovery of the relevance of what the HB states about the issue of homosexuality. More importantly, it should be stated that the homosexual has hope in God because the only sin that God cannot forgive is the sin that is not confessed and repented. Forgiveness and reconciliation have always been open to every sinner.