Josephus

I think most of us understand the science behind the mechanics of sexual union pretty well. But science has precisely zero to say about the purpose and proper function of marriage.

You return to your circular argument. Simply asserting that “Marriage is a sacred union between a man and a woman that is blessed by God for the nurture and security of their own children” doesn’t make it so. Nowhere does the Bible, for example, say that the purpose of marriage is to produce children. And as to “their own children” – whose son was Jesus?

Yuyutsu,
Christianity which is what the Christian Church is does not abide by Leviticus laws; though much of Leviticus law encompasses natural laws. Christianity abides by the principles of creation which applies to all reality.

In Eden only the flesh of fruit was eaten; when man was cast out of Eden seed and grains were eaten; after the flood the flesh of clean animal was eaten [see mosaic food laws]. In the NT the flesh of all animals and crustation was sanctioned to non Jew believers. Acts 15: 29 "That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from immorality: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well" - Note in this passage immoral acts are still forbidden.

For those who refuse to recognise Scripture, natural reality and scientific principles as expressed in the scripture you are ineligible to claim God is cool with homosexuality.

Rhian,
You are by your views inelligible to make a claim in support of the article, "God is cool with homosexuality".

The original sanction to a sexual union was given by God to all species to procreate after their species. A biological fact, a divine principle of natural reality. That is exactly what defines marriage; an exclusive sexual union between a man and a woman for as long as they both shall live.

When we see Jesus we recognise by his attitudes, behaviours, wisdom that his spirit and character is divine. His parents were of the lineage of David as was sanctioned by the priest Zecheriah before his murder by Herod's men. Joseph was now his adoptive father and was recognised as such.

Hi Josephus,

Pretty sure you’ll find much of the impetus today for changing laws on same-sex unions is from religious groups and individuals - Christian and Jewish - who have changed their understanding of what Scripture actually teaches.

You have alluded to beliefs which committed Bible-believing Christians and Jews now increasingly regard as based on misreadings of Scripture:

1. “natural laws are for the procreation of each species”. Yes, perhaps partly true. Almost all gregarious bird and animal species have same-sex couples which appear to assist indirectly the genetic continuation.

It is not taught in Scripture that every individual must have their own personal offspring, is it?

2. “Marriage was designed for procreation, any other sexual engagement in our society is merely a matter of personal convenience.” Not true at all. Marriage has many layers of meaning and purpose. Sexual fulfilment has intrinsic worth and validity both before and after a couple’s child rearing years. And has validity for some couples who have no children at all.

3. “Sodom was known for the unclean practise of anal sex between men.” Absolutely no evidence for this whatsoever. This is a pervasive myth based purely on the attempted gang rape story.

The term 'sodomy' in the Bible must be interpreted as a reference to rape. Nothing to do with faithful consensual unions.

4. “The Bible never supports anal sex but constantly condemns it as unclean.” Again, quite false. There are only two references to same-sex acts in the entire Old Testament. The rape at Sodom. And the prohibition against temple prostitution in Leviticus 18:22, repeated at 20:13 - which cannot possibly apply today. Nowhere in any of the many books of the prophets is anal sex mentioned. And nowhere is it listed in any of the general commandments to the People of Israel.

Similarly, four brief texts in the New Testament prohibit certain adulterous, abusive, idolatrous and destructive same-sex acts. And yes, Acts 15:29 warns against immorality. But nowhere are faithful same-sex unions described as immoral.

Happy to be shown otherwise, Josephus, if you have textual or other evidence. Thanks.

THIS IS GOD SPEAKING. JOSEPHUS - I'VE ALREADY SAID I'M TOTALLY COOL WITH GAY MARRIAGE. QUESTIONING MY ALMIGHTY WORD IS BLASPHEMY. STOP IT OR I'M SENDING YOU TO HELL.

Josephus.

On what grounds are you qualified to say I’m “ineligible” to express any opinion?

You say, “The original sanction to a sexual union was given by God to all species to procreate after their species.” It’s true that in Genesis, God ordains both that both humanity and animals shall multiply and fill the earth, and so by implication one might infer endorsement of heterosexual sex. But this is not linked in any way to marriage, nor to disapproval of sexual activity other than for the sake of child production.

I repeat, the bible nowhere says that the purpose of marriage is child rearing. Nor does it define marriage as “an exclusive sexual union between a man and a woman for as long as they both shall live.” In fact, many of the patriarchs were polygamists, and many of their offspring were conceived with women other than their wives – slaves, concubines, relatives etc. This is not something I’d approve of, but it was accepted in ancient culture, and the bible reflects it.

I think our attitudes to marriage should reflect the insights and values of our own culture