Direct answer: The Bible contains several passages that are commonly interpreted as addressing same-sex relationships, and the typical mainstream Christian reading treats consensual, committed heterosexual marriage as the biblical norm while distinguishing heterosexual acts within marriage from homosexual acts, which many traditions view as contrary to that norm. However, interpretations vary widely across denominations and scholars, with some groups affirming LGBTQ+ relationships and others maintaining traditional prohibitions. Key biblical references often cited
- Old Testament: Leviticus 18:22 and Leviticus 20:13 describe male-male sexual relations as an abomination in the Mosaic Law. The surrounding Levitical laws place these prohibitions in a covenantal code given to Israel (often read in context as part of holiness criteria for the community). Different readers debate the applicability of these laws for modern, non-priestly, non-ceremonial settings.
- New Testament: Romans 1:26-27 speaks of same-sex relations as part of a broader description of people exchanging natural relations for unnatural ones. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 and 1 Timothy 1:10 include lists of behaviors that some translations render as prohibitions on same-sex acts. Some Christian scholars emphasize these as specific historical-cultural concerns, while others argue they reflect broader ethical principles about sexual ethics and idolatry.
- The Genesis account and Jesus’ teaching: Genesis 2:24 presents marriage as a union of one man and one woman, later reaffirmed by Jesus in passages like Matthew 19:4-6. Some readers understand this as the biblical model for marriage and sexual ethics.
How different traditions approach the topic
- Traditional/conservative interpretations: See biblical prohibitions as clear moral boundaries for sexual behavior, maintaining that sexual activity is designed for heterosexual marriage. This view is common in many evangelical and some Catholic and Orthodox circles.
- Progressive/affirming interpretations: Some Christian communities interpret the biblical texts in historical context, highlight broader scriptural themes of justice and inclusion, and affirm same-sex relationships as within God's love and intention for humanity. They may emphasize the overarching message of love, faithfulness, and covenantal commitment rather than specific prohibitions.
- Catholic positions: The Catholic Church teaches that homosexual acts are disordered but that individuals with same-sex attraction should be treated with respect and compassion; it upholds the Church’s teaching on marriage as between a man and a woman, while calling for chastity outside that context.
Important caveats
- The Bible is a collection of texts written in different historical circumstances, and translations can color how passages are understood. Many readers consider the core biblical arc to be about love, justice, and fidelity, while others focus on specific legal and moral codes that appear in ancient Israelite and early Christian contexts.
- Debates over the exact meaning of key verses (e.g., Leviticus laws vs. Paul’s letters, or how cultural context affects interpretation) mean there is significant variation among scholars and communities.
If you’d like a focused, denomination-specific overview (for example, what the Catholic Church, mainline Protestant denominations, or evangelical groups teach today), I can tailor a concise summary with representative citations from those traditions.
