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GRACE THROUGH FAITH: IN ABRAHAMIC AND MESSIANIC TRADITION

WEAPONIZING SCRIPTURE

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HOMOSEXUALITY: Scripture Misinterpreted and Used To Validate Hate
 

Having been asked so very many times “What does scripture actually say about being gay”, I have chosen to take most cherry picked verses of scripture quoted as evidence of the sin of homosexuality by those who would weaponize scripture to validate their hate and divisiveness, taking a look head on to reveal true spirit of scripture and the teachings of Y'shua Ha' Mashiach (Yehoshua/Jesus, our Messiah).

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The word "Homosexual" would not appear in English versions of Scripture until 1946 in the Revised Standard Version (RSV) published in February 11, 1946. The word homosexual did not appear in German translations until 1983! German psychologist would coin the term "homosexual" in 1862; they had all the history, research, understanding and opportunity to change it if they would determine if the phrase  actually fit into any scriptural narrative; yet, they did not change it until 1983. Biblica, who owns the NIV version, paid for this 1983 German version. Most European Bibles taught the tradition that the 4 most 'quoted' verses were dealing with pederasty (boy abusers, boy molesters), and not homosexuality as assumed. In the English where it says “Man shall not lie with man, for it is an abomination,” the German version says “Man shall not lie with young boys as he does with a woman, for it is an abomination.”

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In Martin Luther’s original German translation from 1534 the term used is knaben-schander. Knaben meaning boy, schander meaning molester. This term “boy molesters” for the most part carried through the next several centuries of German Bible translations. German Scripture states in Leviticus 20:13 “Boy molesters will not inherit the kingdom of God.” It turns out that the ancient world condoned and encouraged a system whereby young boys (8-12 years old) were coupled by older men. Ancient Greek documents show us how even parents utilized this abusive system to help their sons advance in society.

So for most of history, most translations thought these verses were obviously referring the pederasty, not homosexuality! The older pre-1946 literal translations from the Greek are very clear, “effeminate [μαλακοὶ] [soft men], nor abusers of themselves with men [ἀρσενοκοῖται] [liers with men],” and the newer translations: “men of passive homosexual acts [μαλακοὶ], nor men of active homosexual acts [ἀρσενοκοῖται].“ The term Homosexual was officially coined in German in 1869. It was not used outside of German psychiatrists and psychologists until we get into the 20th century. 4 of the 6 most abused and weaponized biblical passages in all previous nations and translations were referring to pederasty, and not what we would call homosexuality today. In recalling that the open practice of homosexuality throughout history was common among most all ‘civilized’ societies: We must stop acting as though homosexual behavior is unnatural and the unpardonable sin.  

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“Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.”– {Book of Marcos/Mark 3:30}. Alongside homosexuality in Romans 1 is envy, strife, deceit, whisperers, ignorance, proud, discerning, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful, and disobedient to parents. Stop openly showing or overselling your personal feelings of this sin “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”– {Book of Romi'im/Romans 12:18}

 

There are already enough drama queens in the world. Think of how Saul (Paul) must have conducted himself in his contemporary society in order to win the souls of those entangled in this particular (and other) "Sins"; in a time similar to present day, when debauchery and hedonism seemed to be in a frenzied cloud of madness and engaged in by the masses, morality and humanity seemed at an all time low. Saul must have thought the time is ripe to declare the war to save souls is nigh. 

 

"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of G-d. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the L-rd Jesus, and by the Spirit of our G-d.”  – {Qorinti'im I/1 Corinthians 6:9-11}

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There seems to be tone of question in Saul's (Paul) writings. Saul speaks of Y'shua's unconditional love for all but then qualifies the love of Ha' Mashiach (our Messiah). How can this be? How can the two oppositional statements be true? Y'shua teaches us to love one another as ourselves. In no uncertain terms, Y'shua condemns all sin... to miss the mark, both to the law and before Hashem (G-d). We've only to accept this one truth.... as we live out our lives in His teachings, redemption and everlasting life are promised. Remember that Y'shua followed through on His gift of sacrifice for all mankind in the same way He died for you:( Yochanan/John 3:16, Timotios/1 Timothy 2:6, 1 Yochanan/John 2:1-2). Refuse to identify your brother or allow another to define them by their temptations. For this is surely not the path of righteousness. Don’t beat people over the head with the Bible – {Timotios I/1 Timothy 2:24-26} The Bible is a sword in face of all evil, not a club. People need their spirits nurtured and their hearts opened, not their heads bruised or permit their sensibilities assaulted. Refuse to permit people an out or excuse of their sin, for we are all accountable before our L-rd. There is no scriptural evidence that HaShem (G-d) disapproves of homosexuality or those who practice it. It is morality that is of question, immorality is the sin of choice for many. Those in committed love with our L-rd as their guide are surely to be blessed when great gratitude and glory are an ingredient of the relationship. We follow the teachings of our Redeemer, Y'shua, Himself. “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” - {Yochanan/John 13:34}

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Vayrika/Leviticus 18:22 - Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it [is] abomination.  

 

There is, however, presents a problem in quoting Leviticus out of the Holy Spirit, as many who quote this scripture have no working practical knowledge of the traditions and the attitudes of the Ancient Near East, let alone the scribes (most likely agnostics) who endeavored the translation from the Greek into the Latin during the formalization of what now is the 'Cannoned' Bible. Much was lost and even some added to scripture in the transliteration to Latin. The scribes who undertook this endeavor knew nothing of ancient Hebrew or Aramaic and weren't really too fluent in Greek apparently. We must also distinguish between man's moral law and the morality laws as truly translated from the original Aramaic and Hebrew. This true statement is not something fabricated to win an argument, or made up in the twentieth century, or manufactured to get around something somebody doesn’t like. It is clearly stated in the Greek scriptures as taken from the original Hebrew and Aramaic. Please be sure to read more on this topic in another section of our website. The Apostle Saul (Paul) was in error in neglecting Hebrew Tradition and the understanding of the fulfillment of the Law, which is in Y'shua. Saul (Paul) wrote it in Galati'im/Galatians:

 

All who rely on observing the law (Mosaic Law) are under a curse, for it is written: “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.” - {Galati'im/Galatians 3:10} If we rely on following the Law (the Torah, the first five books of the Bible) we are under a curse.

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The passage above, Galatians 3:10, contains a quote from the Law itself, “Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen.” - {D'Varim/Deuteronomy 27:26}

 

According to Saul’s statement below, things have changed. Remembering once again Y'shua clearly stated I did not come to change the Law... We can find no reference to Y'shua providing such instruction as delivered by Saul.

 

Y'shua redeemed us from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse for us. “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:” -(Galatians 3:13)

 

This teaching is clearly in error in understanding that Y'shua was born, raised, taught, was crucified and resurrected... an Israelite (a Jew), and as such would have maintained all Hebrew Law throughout His ministry. 

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The New Testament Does Not Teach a “Ceremonial Law” and a “Moral Law.” The people who follow that the Law has changed would return you to the days of the wilderness disregarding the Law as given. Following Saul's philosophy and 'prophesy', would leave you engaging in slavery to sin.. far from the bulls eye. We may say Saul was talking about the ceremonial law, not the moral law. Saul made it clear Y'shua abolished the ceremonial laws regarding blood sacrifices and burnt offerings. To be clear, That distinction between the validity of ceremonial law and the moral law is a man-made. Our L-rd Y'shua  Himself, had never addressed the matter with division. It is our L-rd and Redeemer's teachings we must follow in faith and we must remember, only through Him is our redemption that we may we see Elohim's (G-d’s) Kingdom. 

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"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of G-d? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of G-d? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of G-d. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the L-rd Jesus, and by the Spirit of our G-d. - {Qorinti'im I/1 Corinthians 6:9-11}

 

It is impossible without a big stretch to denote any implication of the condemnation of homosexuality from the original text; the word homosexual didn’t exist in scripture until 1946… this practice was a long-accepted part of the societal fabric, mostly unnoticed and unquestioned, which many accepted simply as natural. A verb form of the word arsenokoitai, appears in the Sibylline Oracles and is used in the context of extortion and murder.  In ancient and secular, the Greek word “arsenokoitai”, does not have an English equivalent, though it is understood in concept as 'soft-man', and thusly cannot be used otherwise.

 

Vayrika/Leviticus 20:13 - "If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood [shall be] upon them." This is again is a departure form the original Aramaic which instructs against the abuse of any man-child.

"For this cause G-d 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. And even as they did not like to retain G-d in their knowledge, G-d gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient. - {Romni'im/Romans 1:26-28}

 

Noting the author was Saul (Paul), as he addressed neglects these laws which were addressed to the Israelites where Hashem said: "Speak unto the children of Israel, saying: If any one shall sin through error, in any of the things which Hashem hath commanded not to be done, and shall do any one of them:"  - {Vayikra/Leviticus 4:2} These things in error included atonement for unintentional sins, eating habits, uncleanness, feast days, rest days, etc., which maintain their importance and reverence to us today.

 

A common mistake made by homosexual protractors when discussing the Old Testament, in particular Leviticus, is the failure to understand the three main divisions of the Law:  civil, ceremonial, and moral. We still find today that civil law is often in conflict with biblical ceremonial or moral law. 

 

- But from the beginning of the creation G-d made them male and female.  

 

"But from the beginning of the creation G-d made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore G-d hath joined together, let not man put asunder. "- {Mark 10:6-9}

 

While in many places, the legal definition of marriage has become metamorphic to mean ‘committed couple in Union’, there is a great divide in theologian circles on either side of Gay Marriage. No matter your stance regarding this, we can most certainly agree we as The Faithful in Fellowship that is the body of the Church of our Lord are a loving community/ Following the example of Y'shua, we as The Church welcome to in life all those of faith, all sincere seekers with their gifts, their individual personalities, their peculiarities, and yes, even their sins. Just as HaShem (G-d) embraced humanity to heal and liberate people according to His image and likeness, so also the body of the Church opens its arms to all in order to share the fullness of grace and and the truth of His word, evangelizing, baptizing, and teaching all that Y'shua has commanded "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen." - {Matityahu/Matthew 28:19-20}

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-Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. - {Yudah/Jude 1:7}

 

Jude 7 links fornication and strange flesh (not human flesh), so in context Jude is referring to the visiting angels, not to gay men, not to lesbian women. And by the way, that is not a "gay" interpretation. Jewish teaching in the first century AD was that the women were trying to have sex with fallen angels so they could have supernatural children, like the giants in Bereishit/Genesis 6:2-13, who were the product of sex between earthly women and "the sons of G-d" (fallen angels). While immorality, idolatry, lust, greed , inhospitality and the like were among the major causes of the down fall of Sodom and Gomorrah, homosexuality was not a considered or made a point in relation the destruction, some will conflate immorality with being gay. Being gay isn't immoral, lust, hedonism and godlessness are definitely immoral. With great concern to most, the dispassionate few anti-gay Christian scholars would have you believe the men of Sodom were "going after strange flesh," alleged by some anti-gay Christians to mean homosexual sex, attempting to have sex with someone of the same gender. However, scripture is quite clear in referring to the Angels visiting Lot. While the larger sin was fornication and hedonism, no where is 'homosexuality' addressed.

 

When we consider what the Bible actually says however, that interpretation is nonsense because the Bible never says that in the Old Testament or the New Testament. When Gay Believers disagree with the illogical but traditional interpretation, does that mean Gays are trying to alibi sin? Nor do many heterosexual Christian scholars agree with Believers that Jude describes a "sex with angels" problem? Surprisingly, even a rabidly anti-gay conservative Calvinist Bible teacher like John MacArthur rejects the convoluted traditional interpretation and agrees with those Believers who firmly agree - it's a "sex with angels" problem.

 

 -Nevertheless, [to avoid] fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. - {Qorinti'im I/1 Corinthians 7:2}

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As presented previously, there is no ready-made translation to English for homosexual from the ancient Hebrew, Aramaic or Greek. While the scripture may sound clear, the debate actually surrounds the use of the Greek word that the Bible uses which some scholars translate as "homosexual offenders." The term is "arsenokoitai." In this context, with accompanying scripture, this most likely refers to the abuse of young men or boys; though some will argue a meaning of male prostitution rather than to  committed homosexuals. Yet, others argue that Saul, who wrote the passage, would not have repeated "male prostitutes" twice. Still yet others argue that the two root words in arsenokoitai are the same terms used to prohibit any premarital or extramarital sexual relations, and not a reference to homosexual relations. The debate continues, no concrete answer seems discernible in theological circles.

 

For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; According to the glorious gospel of the blessed G-d, which was committed to my trust. - {Timotios I/1 Timothy 1:10-11}

 

The original Greek word "arsenokoitai" was apparently mistranslated by Saul when he wrote 1 Corinthians about 55 CE. No record remains of any biblical author using this term before that time. The word is often translated in English versions of the Bible as "homosexual", (post 1946) That is, a men or women who is sexually attracted only to persons of the same sex. Some theologians are fairly certain that this is not the meaning that Saul wanted to convey, since the "concept" of a homosexual sexual orientation only surfaced in the 19th century after the start of the scientific study of human behavior and sexuality. Also, "arsen" in Greek means "man." Thus, it is most unlikely that "arsenokoitai" could refer to both male gays and lesbians. Thus eliminating any perception of a broad sweeping condemnation of same-sex relationships.

 

"Who knowing the judgment of G-d, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. - {Romi'im/Romans 1:32} Romans 1:7 says that Saul is writing his epistle "To all that be in Rome, beloved of HaShem, called to be saints...":

 

That is, Saul's letter is written to all of the Christians of Rome; Recipients of his letters would be submerged in the Roman culture, where homosexual behavior was both widespread and acceptable by society. Romans 1 is concerned with "Saul's vigorous denunciation of idolatrous religious worship and rituals." This is not often mentioned today. However, benighted theologians most likely interpret verses 26 and 27 as broken out of the longer passage and cited by 'themselves' to condemn same-sex behavior in social/political moves.

 

 And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing [them] rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground; - {Bereishit/Genesis 19:1-38}

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Lot felt his visitors needed protection under his roof. Why did Lot assume these "men" needed protection? Why did he propose a solution that involved his virgin daughters? The reason is that the men of Sodom and Gomorrah were wicked. They desired to have force sexual relations with the visitors/angels! How do we know this? The Hebrew word translated "know" (yada of Genesis 19:5 , means ‘intimate relations’... so that we may have relations with them". The same term is used again in this chapter in reference to Lot's daughters not having ‘known’ (yada) a man (Genesis 19:8). It is used several times in Scripture to mean "intimate knowledge" (physical intimacy), such as in Genesis. 4:1, 17, 25). To be clear, this is a warning of of the condemnation of immorality, lust and lack of hospitality... not as weaponized by religious zealots as an admonishment against homosexuality. We must stand in faith and His word, not in dogma and ideology.

 

While Sodom and Gomorrah would be considered inhospitable by almost any standard, the "wicked" and their sin are grievous as we see in Abraham's argument of righteousness against the wicked in Bereishit/Genesis 18:20-33. Lot, when the men of Sodom and Gomorrah desired forced sexual relations with the angels, Lot sought to appease the sexual wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah by the offering of his own daughters! Even though Lot believed in HaShem, he offered up an ungodly solution to the situation; he had been contaminated by the culture in which he lived (Petros II/2 Peter. 2:7-8). Yet, Lot's response to these men in Sodom and Gomorrah was not merely "stop being inhospitable," but "No, my friends. Don't do this wicked thing" (Bereishit/Genesis. 19:7; see also Yichzekel/Ezekiel. 16:44-59 and Yudah/Jude 6-7). The men of Sodom and Gomorrah had already shown criminal intentions by surrounding Lot's home and making a move to break down the door to his home (Genesis. 19:9-11). However, these preliminary crimes were preparation for a much more serious offense…. to satisfy their sexual appetites; again, no clear note to homosexuality is offered.