Christian Jellies: Is homophobia, rather than homosexuality, a sin?

Please be respectful and civil.

More clearly:

Is homosexuality a sin? Why or why not?

Is homophobia a sin? Why or why not?

This is a serious question and I’m not asking for a heated debate or argument. I want to know if you think homosexuality is a sin. And I would like to learn why you do or do not believe this.

Note: In using the term homosexuality, I know the word did not exist in biblical times. However, we use it now to describe same-sex attractions. So I am using it in this question when relating to the Bible.

In my studies, I’ve never found a specific and clear text in the Bible which states that homosexuality is a sin. There are references to homosexuality as a sin when it was in the form of adultery. There are also references to homosexuality being used as a punishment. Much of the homosexual acts were condemned as idol worship (being attracted to or worshipping one’s own genitalia was idol worship).

I know many anti-same-sex Christians will quote Leviticus 18:22, “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.” and Leviticus 20:13, “If a man lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination and they shall surely be put to death.” However, you will also note that Leviticus is very gracious with the word “abomination”. It uses the term to describe anything unclean or associations with idol worship. The two verses I quoted above were not even in reference to homosexuals. They were in reference to heterosexuals who practised the Baal fertility rituals in order to guarantee good crops and healthy flocks. This is only one example of how homophobes will yank any small text out from the Bible, without supplying the story behind it. Leviticus is full of strict and highly detailed laws and abominations. Yet, no Christian follows them all today. The focus is on a couple passages about sexuality instead. Seems kind of odd doesn’t it?

It amazes me how many Christians actually do not really study the Bible in which they hold so dear. And Jesus never even utterd the passages I quoted above. The only passage Jesus quoted, from Leviticus, is “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” (19:18). Jesus used Leviticus to teach about love. In fact, Jesus never once condemned homosexuals or even spoke of sexual orientation (according to the Bible).

The most important message in the Bible, I think, is love. God is love.

Homophobia encompasses a range of negative attitudes and feelings toward homosexuality or people who are identified or perceived as being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT). It can be expressed as antipathy, contempt, prejudice, aversion, or hatred, may be based on irrational fear, and is sometimes related to religious beliefs. (Source)

So wouldn’t homophobia be a sin in which Christians need to stray from?

I am not Christian (nor religious) but I have read and studied the Bible over the years. I’ve got a few large overstuffed binders full of my own notes on different theories and similarities/times of different religions. Granted, it has been awhile since I cracked them open. Religious Studies was one of my minors in college. The study of religion is a field in which I’ve been interested in since I was an older teen. So, no, it’s not my first dance around the Christian block. ;)

In closing, I feel like the real sin here should be homophobia and not homosexuality. This is what I wish the majority of Christians would focus on when it comes to this topic. If you disagree, please explain why.

I am not trying to bash Christianity. In my details, above, I am simply giving you my opinion and experience in the matter. I use Christianity because they tend to have the most vocal homophobes. If you belong to another religion, please feel free to answer my initial questions as well.

**I am rusty so if something is not clear, please ask me before berating me. I may have simply used the wrong term or phrasing. Give me a chance to clarify, please.

Thank you.