Reddit reviews The Bible and Homosexual Practice: Texts and Hermeneutics
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I really wish I had directly cited things in my answer but wrote it from memory away from my library, but if you are curious about specific things I'd be happy to provide proper citations for them. There is a whole, and not especially googleable, world of talented academics who have spent their lives working through this kind of stuff - and post Classical Greek sex is a hot topic at the moment. I can recommend some books,
Courtesans and Fishcakes: The Consuming Passions of Classical Athens - by James Davidson is an awesome, interesting, and accessible - if sometimes almost comically erudite with really beautiful turns of phrase - introduction to Classical Greek sexuality that is well cited and at least makes a solid sporting effort at being academically neutral. From your question you will probably also find its clear descriptions of pre-Christian reasons for why lust and unregulated sexuality were seen as sub-optimal in totally different, and fundamentally pretty fucking alien, ways interesting. If reading about an ancient depiction of Socrates, attending one of the truly alarming number of symposia he was said to be present at, asking prying questions of a prominent hetaerae (literally companion, but in this context describes someone who would accept gifts from friends who would then sometimes then be slept with but not in exchange for those gifts) in Alexandria about exactly what the arrangement, if it could be hesitantly described as such, was interests you than this is your book.
Prostitutes and Courtesans in the Ancient World (google preview with essay titles) is a well edited collection of scholarly essays on the topic from a variety of perspectives.
Also Prostitution, Sexuality, and the Law in Ancient Rome for a more Roman centric perspective if thats what you're looking for.
For a thorough discussion of human sexuality from a Christian perspective in a historical context Gagnon's The Bible and Homosexual Practice: Texts and Hermeneutics is now a classic that seems to get rediscovered on the internet on a roughly annual basis.
Hey. Sorry this is long but maybe it would help.
I've decided I don't care if people spam my mail-box and say I'm a liar (it's the Internet... you guys can't get me! Why have I been so afraid for so long about the response?) but I've been aware of predominant and heavy, but not exclusive, same-sex attractions within myself since I was around 11 or 12.
So in a way I know what it's like. But since I'm attracted to some, albeit very few, people of the opposite sex (women) I won't claim to be in the exact same situation.
I have never had sex and do wonder if I'll ever marry. I'm young though so it's easy to put out of my mind now but I know any future wife I may have I cannot reasonably expect to live with without her knowing what one of my primary struggles is. So she'll have to know. I can see a lot of young women rejecting me over that. I can't blame them. But part of the struggle is is the ever-increasing idea that if you don't follow your sexual passions that you are doomed to an unfulfilled life... which saddens me. The more this idea is accepted the more people have difficulty accepting or respecting my decision when I tell them. And when you're berated with that idea, you want to believe it. You want to cave. But I believe I can, and am, fulfilled in Christ. Not sex.
That doesn't make it easy. I've failed in some ways. Like when a friend of mine, a guy, earlier this semester came onto me and we started making out. I don't want to get graphic or overly-descriptive but let's just say we messed around (though I wouldn't call anything we did "sex" it was "sexual" and, well, Jesus was pretty hard-lined about lust). Every time we hang out, alone, he tries to do the same thing. ("I'm cold. I'm just cuddling" --BULL CRAP. I saw guys pull that on girls in Middle school. Does he think I'm stupid?) It really damaged our friendship and when I told him I couldn't do that anymore, the next day, he gave me a speech about my impending, unending, future happiness for denying "who I am." I have stuck to my decision since despite numerous opportunities and temptations. Fortunately, I DO have Christian friends who support what I believe the bible clearly teaches and are, because of that, understanding and supportive of my efforts. They keep me accountable -- (one friend receives emails of my internet history from a program provided by xxxchurch to make sure I'm not looking at porn, for example).
The point is you don't need to be self-loathing to accept the "traditional" (i.e. what scripture teaches) about the purpose of marriage-- one man, one woman, being reunited (one flesh) -- that is the proper context of sex.
In practice, it IS difficult to accept. So many reinvent what Paul and Jesus taught. Jesus spoke against "pornea" (and of course adultery too) which include all sex outside of marriage.
When people complain about Christianity there are "The Big four" which people take issue with.
1.)The problem of evil.
2.)Sex.
3.)Money.
4.)Christian hypocrisy.
So it's no surprise this issue keeps coming up--even among those who do not experience same-sex attractions.
Scripture is a strange thing-- it simultaneously has the highest view of sex imaginable and says that if you're not married you should do without. Sex is meant to be enjoyed. But at the same time Paul says "It is better for a man to remain single." To look into this mystery I would suggest looking at Tim Keller's sermon "Sexuality and Christian Hope". It's a good resource for everyone, regardless of their situation..
Pertaining more to homosexuality, I've found hope and explanations in several people's stories. Two of whom are alive today. I wish to tell you about them..
Wesley Hill is a gay Christian who believes in what scripture says about sexuality and strives to live accordingly. We all have struggles. We have have our temptations. But he doesn't downplay anything. He doesn't say "Oh well" and ignore it. He thinks critically (currently going after a Ph.D in theology, I think, at Oxford) and talks openly about these topics. Here are a few articles by him which may prove enlightening. He also has a book called "Washed and Waiting: Reflections on Christian Faithfulness and Homosexuality".
Here are a few articles by him:
A--“A Few Like You”: Will the Church be the Church for Homosexual Christians?
B--What Place Is There for Celibacy? Wesley Hill on Christian Faithfulness and Homosexuality
Christopher Yuan, who lived for many years as an openly-gay man before becoming a Christian, has also provided answers for me. Here is his website.. He has a book which he wrote with his mother entitled "Out of a Far Country: A Gay Son's Journey to God. A Broken Mother's Search for Hope."
Finally, here is a lengthy article about sexual identity and the church:
At the Intersection of Religious and Sexual Identities: A Christian Perspective on Homosexuality
by Mark A. Yarhouse
Starting at part II on that last article really delves into the issues with Christians, who believe in the "traditional" view of sexuality, who nonetheless have same-sex attractions. Because too many churches focus on "change" (not of behavior but of attractions and feelings), there is a huge void in identity. They can't accept gay labels because that implies they intend to engage in homosexual relationships. They don't feel attracted to the opposite sex, so they do not qualify as straight. The author challenges Churches to be a place where people can find their identity in Christ. The goal is not "heterosexuality"-- can God change our attractions? Yes, of course, he's God, but that doesn't mean it's likely....-- just as when we become Christians not all temptations go away (they may intensify!) our sexual passions do not go away. The goal is "Holy sexuality". As Christopher Yuan remarks God says "Be Holy as I am Holy" not "Be heterosexual as I am heterosexual". Holy sexuality involves either sex within marriage (with our First parents, Adam and Eve, as the example-- one man and one woman completing one another) or celibacy.
Now, I'd venture to say most feel intense sexual attractions outside of marriage. That doesn't mean we must act on them. Celibacy is a legitimate option. Maybe one day you will marry a person of the opposite sex who truly understands your situation and whom you love and loves you. I do not know.
But just as the prideful man does not lose his pride overnight, no Christian loses their desire for sex in a sinful manner. The heart is deceitful. What you feel is a legitimate longing-- a longing for intimacy and love-- but the problem with sin is that it seeks to fulfill a legitimate longing in an illegitimate way (with the desires flesh instead of the desire of God).
Jesus said: "Pick up your cross and follow me." What a difficult command. Remember, Paul wrote of the "thorn in his flesh" which the LORD had chosen not to take away. Sanctification is a long, hard, process for the Christian. BUT it is NOT HOPELESS, we have a great, loving, God. He has compassion for us. The Father wants us to be what we were made to be-- not what we feel, solely, but who we were chosen to be: his flock, his people, his children.
To further expand what Paul said I quote him:
> So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
>
>(2 Corinthians 12:7-10 ESV)
I pray these resources may help you and that you may find support among good Christian friends. God shares love through people. And now that I have friends supporting me, I can't imagine going it alone.
Telling my parents and best friends from Church was the biggest help for me. I told them last Summer.
EDIT: clarification and addition of a little bit about my experience.
EDIT 2: For a scholarly look at what scripture says I'd recommend "The Bible and Homosexual Practice" by Robert Gagnon. It answers many of the revisionist interpretations thoroughly.
A shorter article of his explaining his defense of the male-female requirement of marriage is found here.
EDIT 3: Formatting.
It doesn't. The arguments that have come about recently that the Bible really means a certain kind of gay sex or is talking about a particular relationship dynamic (i.e. pederasty) are completely foreign to the text. If you want to read up on this, I recommend Robert Gagnon's The Bible and Homosexual Practice, which is pretty much the standard academic monograph on the subject.
Robert Gagnon's The Bible and Homosexual Practice: Text and Hermeneutics (2001) is a strong academic text that argues against your assertion.
I'll start with theology (broadly construed) first. There's no particular order, but I've separated them into "lighter" and "heavier" categories. I'm happy to talk about why I think each book is a "must read" you want. I'll try to come back later and give some fiction recommendations.
Lighter theology:
Letters to a Young Calvinist: An Invitation to the Reformed Tradition by Jamie Smith (top recommendation if you haven't read it).
Calvinism in the Las Vegas Airport: Making Connections in Today's World by Richard Mouw.
Knowing God by J.I. Packer.
Chosen by God by R.C. Sproul
Not the Way It's Supposed to Be: A Breviary of Sin by Cornelius Plantinga.
Washed and Waiting: Reflections on Christian Faithfulness and Homosexuality by Wesley Hill.
[Rejoicing in Lament: Wrestling with Incurable Cancer and Life in Christ] (http://www.amazon.com/Rejoicing-Lament-Wrestling-Incurable-Cancer/dp/1587433583) by J. Todd Billings
Christ, Baptism and the Lord's Supper: Recovering the Sacraments for Evangelical Worship
When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor . . . and Yourself by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert.
Jesus and the Eyewitnesses: The Gospels as Eyewitness Testimony by Richard Bauckham.
The Lost World of Genesis One: Ancient Cosmology and the Origins Debate by John Walton
The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief by Francis Collins.
Literally everything by CS Lewis
Any of Zondervan's Counterpoints series. My current favorite in the series is Five Views On Biblical Inerrancy by Al Mohler, Kevin Vanhoozer, Michael Bird, Peter Enns, and John Franke
Heavier Theology
The Bible and Homosexual Practice: Texts and Hermeneutics by Robert A. J. Gagnon
Bible, Gender, Sexuality: Reframing the Church's Debate on Same-Sex Relationships by James Brownson.
Reformed Catholicity: The Promise of Retrieval for Theology and Biblical Interpretation by R. Michael Allen and Scott Swain
Karl Barth's Church Dogmatics: An Introduction and Reader by Allen
The abridged version of Reformed Dogmatics by Herman Bavink.
Systematic Theology
Robert Gagnon The Bible and Homosexuality is a seminary level writing on the subject that covers it.
Keving DeYoung's What the Bible Really Teaches about Homosexuality is a far quicker read and covers the topic. He actually references Gagnon's text quite a bit, so I'd start there if I were you.
No, go read Loader and Gagnon who debunk Boswell and Scroggs's theory that there was a distinction.
http://barbwire.com/2014/04/29/liberal-scholars-homosexuality/
http://www.theologymatters.com/NovDec01.PDF
https://www.amazon.com/The-Bible-Homosexual-Practice-Hermeneutics/dp/0687022797/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398821194&sr=8-1&keywords=robert+gagnon
https://www.amazon.com/Testament-Sexuality-Christianity-Hellenistic-Greco-Roman/dp/0802867243
http://wwwstaff.murdoch.edu.au/~loader/LoaderSameSex.pdf
https://www.amazon.com/Making-Sense-Sex-Attitudes-Literature/dp/0802870953
I would suggest you read this post:
http://fatherjohn.blogspot.com/2011/07/bible-church-and-homosexuality.html
And watch the Robert Gagnon video at the end.
I would also recommend this lecture from Robert Gagnon: http://ec.libsyn.com/p/5/b/0/5b0fe32492222ba0/Sep07_10.mp3?d13a76d516d9dec20c3d276ce028ed5089ab1ce3dae902ea1d06c98136d0ca5b36fd&c_id=2294080
And especially his book The Bible and Homosexual Practice: Texts and Hermeneutics: http://www.amazon.com/Bible-Homosexual-Practice-Texts-Hermeneutics/dp/0687022797
Here is a list of steps which will solve your problem;
Here.
No, I don't think I have any self-issues. I actually think my number one problem is pride. Quite the opposite. Hence why this is affecting me so much.
I know a few celibate people, both gay and straight, who would be pretty hurt by the fact that you think that they're depriving themselves or something. Most of them are very happy being celibate. In particular, my best friend hates the idea of relationships and says that whenever somebody talks to him about how great romantic love is he never listens to them. He's much happier studying physics.
Or maybe God destroyed Sodom for their lust and their avarice; Rob Gagnon's landmark study The Bible and Homosexual Practice sees an indictment of same-sex intercourse in the story.
You realize that we're now changing the subject? The question of whether or not same-sex relationships is sinful is different than the question "Can I disagree with what a person does but love him/her nonetheless?"
I have no real interest in engaging in a debate about the morality of same-sex behavior. If you're interested in a thoughtful articulation of my position I'd direct you to The Bible and Homosexual Practice: Texts and Hermeneutics by Robert Gagnon. Here's what he says in answer to your fourth "test":
>The univocal stance against homesexual conduct, both in ancient Israel and the Judaism of Jesus' day, makes it highly unlikely that Jesus' silence on the issue ought to be construed as acceptance of such conduct. Jesus was not shy about expressing his disapproval of the conventions of his day. Silence on the subject could only have been understood by his disciples as acceptance of the basic position embraced by all Jews.