Homosexuality

Question 1

Describe the Biblical view on same-sex relationships.

Answer 1

The biblical concept of marriage suggests that the only divinely ordained, legitimate sexual relationship is one between heterosexual partners who voluntarily give up all other potential partners to ‘unite’ with their partner. The creation narrative describes women as being created specifically for man - ‘a helper fit for him’. The ‘one flesh’ principle indicates that the primary characteristic of the marriage bond is the sexual relationship between partners, and with it goes the creation ordinance ‘be fruitful and multiply’. A homosexual partnership does not have this potential.

Question 2

Describe some denominational views on homosexuality.

Answer 2

The Presbyterian Church argue that it is God’s will that sexual intercourse should only take place within a monogamous and heterosexual marriage.
Members of the Church of Ireland believe that homosexuality falls short of what God requires.
The Catholic Church take an absolutist attitude to homosexuality. They believe it is contrary to natural law and therefore homosexual people must live a life of chastity.

Question 3

Explain secular views on same-sex relationships.

Answer 3

Jeremy Bentham’s aim was to consider whether, according to the utilitarian principle ‘the greatest happiness for the greatest number’, homosexual sex should be punishable by death. He concluded that those opposed to homosexual acts do so on irrational prejudice and not on rational utilitarian principles.
Humanists support equal rights for everyone and work to combat prejudice and discrimination. LGBT Humanists was founded in 1979.